Autonomous Region of Bougainville

Bougainville ( BOH-ghən-vil; Tok Pisin: Bogenvil), officially the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, is an autonomous region in Papua New Guinea. The largest island is Bougainville Island, while the region also includes Buka Island and a number of outlying islands and atolls. The interim capital is Buka. In 2011, the region had an estimated population of 250,000 people. In late 2019, an independence referendum was held with 98.31% voting for independence rather than continued autonomy within Papua New Guinea. Now the results have to be ratified. In March 2025, the Bougainville Independence Leaders Consultation Forum recommended 1 September 2027 as the date of independence. References