Two-thirds of the people speak languages of the Eleman family Toaripi, Orokolo, Keuru, Uaripi, Opao, and Tate. These people live along the eastern coast and inland Malalaua district. Hamtai, the other common language, has roots in the Highlands. Hiri Motu is Gulf's main second language.
Coastal people live in big villages, with houses well above the ground on poles.
Sago, fish, and coconuts are their main foods. Many also grow taro and bananas. In delta and swamp areas with little garden land, people live on crabs. Mounds of burrowing crabs are used for small gardens. Sweet potatoes are the main food of Gulf's mountain people.