Demography
Eastern Highland Province has a total population of 432,972 (PNG Citizens) and 1,173 (Non-citizens). This is an increase of 31% since the 1990 Census figure.
The province makes up 8.3% of the Total PNG Population, which is the fourth highest population in the country after Southern Highlands, Morobe and Western Highlands Provinces.
The population distribution among the eight districts of the Province ranges from Obura/Wonenara with the lowest population of 29,688 to Kainantu with the highest population of 1. The capital of the province, Goroka town has an urban population of 19,523 which is 27% of the Goroka District population of 71,870. The other major town of the province, Kainantu town has an urban population of 6,788. About 94% of the population live in the rural areas.
The population density of the province is 38 persons per square kilometre, with an average household size of 1.4 persons.
The average annual growth rate of the province has increased significantly, from 0.8% between 1980 and 1990, to 3.6% between 1990 and 2000.This is slightly higher than the national average annual growth rate of 3.6% between 1990 and 2000. This is slightly higher than the national average annual growth rate of 3.2% for the same period. With such a population growth rate, the province can expect to have a population of around half a million in the next five years.
44% of the population are literate (males having higher literacy rates). 69% of the population are married. More women married than men (72% - 65%). 95% of the population are church-goers. 38% are Seventh Day Adventists, 30% Evangelical Lutherans, 12% Pentecostals and 6% Evangelical Alliance. Population engaged in any form of agricultural activity - 94.7% Population engaged in any income activity - 70.1% Population completed grade 6 - 59.8% Population completed grade 10 - 15.8% Population (15yrs and over) with other educational qualifications - 3.1%
There are approximately 20 different languages in the Eastern Highlands. These include:
- Goroka - Gahuku-Asaro, Benabena, Siane, Alekano
- Henganofi - Kamano-Kafe
- Kainantu - Kamano, Gadsup, Agarabi, Tairora
- Lufa - Yagaria, Gimi
- Marawaka - Baruya, Simbari, Yagwoia
- Okapa - Fore, Gimi, Auyana
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