Ethnic composition is complex among the Papuans, who speak some 700 different languages. Each tribe has its own language, which is seldom understood by neighboring tribes. Bahasa Indonesia, the official language of Indonesia, is spoken in Irian Jaya. English is the official language of Papua New Guinea. Descendents of some of the original settlers of the island live mainly in the interior and use tools similar to those used by Stone Age peoples of prehistoric times.
Villages sometimes communicate with one another by the beat of drums made of hollowed logs.
Physical characteristics of the local population vary. The Melanesians, who live on the northern and eastern coasts, are often tall. The Negritos, who live in the mountainous interior, are of short stature. The small thatched houses are set on piles above swampy and often flooded ground. Sometimes huts are placed in large trees.