View source for Autonomous Region of Bougainville

{{Short description|Autonomous region of Papua New Guinea}}

{{Infobox dependency
| official_name          = Autonomous Region of Bougainville<br />{{small|''Otonomos Region bilong Bogenvil''}}
| native_name            = ''Bogenvil''
| name                   = Bougainville
| image_flag             = Flag of Bougainville.svg
| flag_link              = Flag of Bougainville
| image_seal             = Emblem of Autonomous region of Bougainville.svg
| seal_type              = Emblem
| seal_size              = 125px
| settlement_type        = [[Autonomous Bougainville Government|Autonomous region of Papua New Guinea]]
| seal_link              = Emblem of Bougainville 
| subdivision_type       = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
| subdivision_name       = [[Papua New Guinea]]
| motto                  = "Peace, Unity, Prosperity"
| anthem                 = "[[My Bougainville]]"<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.abg.gov.pg/uploads/acts/Bougainville_Flag,_Emblem_and_Anthem_(Protection)_Bill_2018_-_Explanatory_Note.pdf |title=AUTONOMOUS REGION OF BOUGAINVILLE: Bougainville Flag, Emblem and Anthem (Protection) Bill 2018 |publisher=Abg.gov.pg |access-date=28 June 2019}}</ref>[[file:My Bougainville, or The Song of Australia.ogg]]
| image_map              = Bougainville in Papua New Guinea (special marker).svg
| map_caption            = Location within Papua New Guinea
| languages_type         = [[Official language]]s
| official_languages     = [[English language|English]], [[Tok Pisin]]<br />{{Collapsible list
  | framestyle=border:none; padding:0; <!--Hides borders and improves row spacing-->
  | title=Regional languages
  | [[Askopan language|Askopan]]
  | [[Bannoni language|Bannoni]]
  | [[Daantanaiʼ language|Daantanaiʼ]]
  | [[Hahon language|Hahon]]
  | [[Hakö language|Hakö]]
  | [[Halia language|Halia]]
  | [[Koromira language|Koromira]]
  | [[Lawunuia language|Lawunuia]]
  | [[Naasioi language|Naasioi]]
  | [[Nagovisi language|Nagovisi]]
  | [[Nehan language|Nehan]]
  | [[Nukumanu language|Nukumanu]]
  | [[Nukuria language|Nukuria]]
  | [[Ounge language|Ounge]]
  | [[Papapana language|Papapana]]
  | [[Petats language|Petats]]
  | [[Ramopa language|Ramopa]]
  | [[Rapoisi language|Rapoisi]]
  | [[Rotokas language|Rotokas]]
  | [[Saposa language|Saposa]]
  | [[Simeku language|Simeku]]
  | [[Siwai language|Siwai]]
  | [[Solos language|Solos]]
  | [[Takuu language|Takuu]]
  | [[Teop language|Teop]]
  | [[Terei language|Terei]]
  | [[Tinputz language|Tinputz]]
  | [[Torau language|Torau]]
  | [[Uisai language|Uisai]]
 }}
| demonym                = Bougainvillean
| capital                = [[Buka, Papua New Guinea|Buka]]
| coordinates            = {{Coord|6|0|S|155|0|E|region:PG-NSB_type:city|display=inline}}
| largest_city           = [[Arawa, Bougainville|Arawa]]
| leader_title1          = [[President of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville|President]]
| leader_name1           = [[Ishmael Toroama]]
| leader_title2          = [[Vice-President of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville|Vice-President]]
| leader_name2           = [[Patrick Nisira]]
| legislature            = [[Bougainville House of Representatives|House of Representatives]]
| sovereignty_type       = 
| sovereignty_note       = 
| established_title      = Autonomy
| established_date       = 25 June 2002
| established_title2     = [[2019 Bougainvillean independence referendum|Voted for independence]]
| established_date2      = 7 December 2019
| area_rank              = <!-- Should match [[List of countries and dependencies by area]] -->
| area_km2               = 9,384
| area_sq_mi             = 
| percent_water          = 
| population_estimate    = ~300,000
| population_estimate_year = 2019
| population_estimate_rank = 
| population_census      = 
| population_census_year = 
| population_density_km2 = 26.5
| population_density_sq_mi = 
| population_density_rank = 
| GDP_PPP_year           = 
| GDP_PPP                = 
| GDP_PPP_rank           = 
| GDP_PPP_per_capita     = 
| GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank = 
| GDP_nominal            = 
| GDP_nominal_rank       = 
| GDP_nominal_year       = 
| GDP_nominal_per_capita = 
| GDP_nominal_per_capita_rank = 
| Gini_year              = 
| Gini_change            = <!--increase/derease/steady-->
| Gini                   = <!--number only-->
| Gini_ref               = 
| Gini_rank              = 
| HDI_year               = 2019<!-- Please use the year to which the data refers, not the publication year-->
| HDI_change             = increase <!--increase/derease/steady-->
| HDI                    = <!--number only--> 0.595
| HDI_ref                = <ref name="GlobalDataLab">{{Cite web |url=https://hdi.globaldatalab.org/areadata/shdi/|title=Sub-national HDI - Area Database - Global Data Lab |website=hdi.globaldatalab.org |language=en |access-date=2020-04-18}}</ref>
| HDI_rank               = 
| currency               = [[Papua New Guinean kina]]
| currency_code          = PGK
| timezone               = [[UTC+11:00#Oceania|Bougainville Standard Time]]
| utc_offset             = +11:00
| time_zone_DST          = 
| utc_offset_DST         = 
| drives_on              = [[Right- and left-hand traffic|left]]
| cctld                  = 
| iso_code               = PG-NSB
| calling_code           = [[+675]]
| alt_flag               = 
| other_name             = North Solomon Islands
}}

'''Bougainville''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|b|oʊ|g|ən|v|ɪ|l}} {{respell|BOH|gən|vil}};<ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/0C2X7pzcpU0 Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20191211210351/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0C2X7pzcpU0 Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{Cite web|title=Bougainville: a vote for independence|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0C2X7pzcpU0|work=[[The World (news program)|The World]]|publisher=[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]]|date=21 November 2019|access-date=23 November 2019}}{{cbignore}}</ref> [[Tok Pisin]]: ''Bogenvil''<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.tokpisin.info/bogenvil/|title=Bogenvil|publisher=Tok Pisin English Dictionary|access-date=4 December 2019|archive-date=25 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625164929/https://www.tokpisin.info/bogenvil/}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.looppng.com/png-news/k20-milien-bilong-bogenvil-referendem-84753|title=K20 milien bilong Bogenvil referendem|publisher=Loop PNG|date=6 June 2019|access-date=4 December 2019|archive-date=29 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629144148/https://www.looppng.com/png-news/k20-milien-bilong-bogenvil-referendem-84753}}</ref>), officially the '''Autonomous Region of Bougainville'''<ref name="auto2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.abg.gov.pg/uploads/documents/BOUGAINVILLE_CONSTITUTION_2004.pdf|title=The Constitution of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville|website=abg.gov.pg/key-documents|publisher=Autonomous Bougainville Government|page=28, S41}}</ref> (Tok Pisin: ''Otonomos Region bilong Bogenvil''), is an [[provinces of Papua New Guinea|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 provisional capital is [[Buka, Bougainville|Buka]], on Buka Island.

In 2011, the region had an estimated population of 250,000. The [[lingua franca]] of Bougainville is [[Tok Pisin]], while a variety of [[Austronesian languages|Austronesian]] and [[East Papuan languages|non-Austronesian languages]] are also spoken. The region includes several [[Polynesian outlier]]s where [[Polynesian languages]] are spoken. Geographically, the islands of Bougainville and Buka form part of the [[Solomon Islands (archipelago)|Solomon Islands archipelago]], but they are politically separate from the independent country of [[Solomon Islands]]. Historically, Bougainville and Buka, together with the islands of Choiseul, Santa Isabel, the Shortlands, and Ontong Java, which are all now part of the country of Solomon Islands, formed the German Solomon Islands Protectorate, the geographical area later being referred to as the [[North Solomon Islands]].

Bougainville has been inhabited by humans for at least 29,000 years. During the colonial period, the region was occupied and administered by the Germans, Australians, Japanese, and Americans for various periods. The name of the region originates from French admiral [[Louis Antoine de Bougainville]],<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QahyCAAAQBAJ&q=Louis+Antoine+de+Bougainville+papua&pg=PA274|title=Storms and Dreams: Louis de Bougainville: Soldier, Navigator, Statesmen|last=Dunmore|first=John|date=2005-03-01|publisher=Exisle Publishing|isbn=978-1-77559-236-5|language=en}}</ref> who reached it in 1768.

Bougainvillean separatism dates to the 1960s, and the [[Republic of the North Solomons]] was declared shortly before the independence of Papua New Guinea in 1975; it was subsumed into Papua New Guinea the following year. Conflict over the [[Panguna mine]] became the primary trigger for the [[Bougainville Civil War]] (1988–1998), which resulted in the deaths of up to 20,000 people. A peace agreement resulted in the creation of the [[Autonomous Bougainville Government]].

In late 2019, a non-binding [[2019 Bougainvillean independence referendum|independence referendum]] was held with 98% voting for independence rather than continued autonomy within Papua New Guinea. As a result, the regional authorities intend to become independent between 2025 and 2027, pending ratification by the Papua New Guinean government. If ratified, the capital may relocate from Buka back to the previous location of [[Arawa, Bougainville|Arawa]].<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web|date=2021-07-06|title=Bougainville sets 2027 deadline for independence from Papua New Guinea|url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20210706-bougainville-sets-2027-deadline-for-independence-from-papua-new-guinea|access-date=2021-07-07|website=France 24|language=en}}</ref><ref name="postcourier.com.pg">{{Cite web|date=2021-07-07|title=PNG, B'ville agree on latter's independence|url=https://postcourier.com.pg/png-bville-agree-on-latters-independence/|access-date=2021-07-07|website=Post Courier|language=en-US}}</ref><ref name= "interpreter">{{Cite web|last1=Mckenna|first1=Kylie|last2=Ariku|first2=Emelda|date=19 November 2021|title=Bougainville independence: recalling promises of international help|url=https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/bougainville-independence-recalling-promises-international-help|url-status=live|access-date=3 December 2021|website=The Interpreter|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211118233551/https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/bougainville-independence-recalling-promises-international-help |archive-date=18 November 2021 }}</ref> In March 2025, the Bougainville Independence Leaders Consultation Forum recommended 1 September 2027 as the date of independence.<ref>{{cite web|last=Waide|first=Scott|url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/544577/bougainville-leaders-forum-recommends-september-2027-for-independence|title=Bougainville Leaders Forum recommends September 2027 for independence|work=[[Radio New Zealand]]|date=12 March 2025|access-date=15 March 2025}}</ref>

== History ==
{{Main|History of Bougainville}}
[[File:Pfahlhaus-Nachbau Toborei.jpg|thumb|right|Replica of a traditional stake-house built by men from Toboroi, Bougainville Island]]

===Prehistory===
Bougainville has been inhabited by humans for at least 29,000 years, according to evidence obtained from [[Kilu Cave]] on Buka Island.<ref>{{cite book|first=Matthew|last=Spriggs|editor-first1=Anthony|editor-last1=Regan|editor-first2=Helga-Maria|editor-last2=Griffin|chapter=Bougainville's early history: an archaeological perspective|year=2005|title=Bougainville Before the Conflict|publisher=Stranger Journalism|isbn=978-1-74076-138-3|page=1}}</ref> Until about 10,000 years ago, during the [[Last Glacial Maximum]], there was a single island referred to as "Greater Bougainville" that spanned from the northern tip of Buka Island to the [[Nggela Islands]] north of [[Guadalcanal]].{{sfn|Spriggs|2005|pp=2–4}}

The first inhabitants of Bougainville were [[Australo-Melanesian]]s who presumably arrived from the [[Bismarck Archipelago]].{{sfn|Spriggs|2005|p=5}} Around 3,000 years ago, [[Austronesian peoples]] brought the [[Lapita culture]] to the islands,{{sfn|Spriggs|2005|p=18}} introducing pottery, agriculture, and domesticated animals such as pigs, dogs, and chickens.{{sfn|Spriggs|2005|p=9}} Both Austronesian and [[East Papuan languages|non-Austronesian languages]] are spoken on the islands to this day, however, there has been significant mixing between the populations to the point that cultural and genetic differences are no longer correlated with language.{{sfn|Spriggs|2005|p=19}}

===Colonial history===
[[File:Soldiers hoisting the Union Jack at Kieta, Bougainville, German New Guinea.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Australian soldiers hoisting the Union Jack at [[Kieta]], Bougainville, following their capture of German New Guinea in 1914]]
The first Europeans to sight present-day Bougainville were the Dutch explorers [[Willem Schouten]] and [[Jacob Le Maire]], who glimpsed [[Takuu Atoll]] and [[Nissan Island]] in 1616. British naval officer [[Philip Carteret]] saw [[Buka Island]] in 1767 and also visited [[Carteret Islands|the islands that were later named in his honour]]. In 1768, French admiral [[Louis Antoine de Bougainville]] sailed along the east coast of the island that now bears his name.{{sfn|Spriggs|2005|p=18}}

====German administration====
The [[German Empire]], which had already begun operations in New Guinea, annexed present-day Bougainville in 1886, after agreeing with the United Kingdom to divide the [[Solomon Islands archipelago]] between them.<ref>{{cite book|first=Peter|last=Sack|editor-first1=Anthony|editor-last1=Regan|editor-first2=Helga-Maria|editor-last2=Griffin|chapter=German Colonial Rule in the Northern Solomons|year=2005|title=Bougainville Before the Conflict|publisher=Stranger Journalism|isbn=978-1-74076-138-3|page=77}}</ref> A German protectorate over the northern islands was established later that year, but the [[British Solomon Islands Protectorate]] was not established until 1893.<ref>{{cite book|first=James|last=Griffin|editor-first1=Anthony|editor-last1=Regan|editor-first2=Helga-Maria|editor-last2=Griffin|chapter=Origins of Bougainville's Boundaries|year=2005|title=Bougainville Before the Conflict|publisher=Stranger Journalism|isbn=978-1-74076-138-3|page=74}}</ref> The initial boundary between the two territories was much more southerly, with [[Choiseul Island]], [[Santa Isabel Island]], [[Ontong Java]], the [[Shortland Islands]], and part of the [[Florida Islands]] included in the German section. The current boundary between PNG and Solomon Islands is derived from the [[Tripartite Convention]] of 1899, which saw those islands ceded to the United Kingdom.{{sfn|Griffin|2005|p=75}}

The [[German Solomon Islands]] were administered through [[German New Guinea]], although it took almost two decades for an administrative presence to be established. The German administrative station at [[Kieta]], established in 1905, was preceded by a [[Missionary Sisters of the Society of Mary|Marist]] mission, which succeeded in converting a majority of the islanders to Catholicism.{{sfn|Sack|2005|p=84}} The first fully commercial plantation was established in 1908, but German annexation had little economic impact.{{sfn|Sack|2005|pp=85–87}}

====Australian administration====
The [[Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force]] occupied Bougainville in December 1914, as part of the [[Australian occupation of German New Guinea]]. The 1919 [[Treaty of Versailles]] established the former colony as a [[League of Nations mandate]], administered by Australia as the [[Territory of New Guinea]]. A civilian administration was established in 1920, after which German nationals were deported and their property expropriated.<ref>{{cite book|first=Peter|last=Elder|editor-first1=Anthony|editor-last1=Regan|editor-first2=Helga-Maria|editor-last2=Griffin|chapter=Between the ''Waitman''{{'}}s Wars: 1914–42|year=2005|title=Bougainville Before the Conflict|publisher=Stranger Journalism|isbn=978-1-74076-138-3|page=146}}</ref> A number of [[punitive expedition]]s took place during both the German and Australian administrations, as part of "pacification" programs. The colonial period saw significant changes in the culture of the islanders.{{sfn|Elder|2005|p=150}}

[[File:42 Bombardment Group - B-25 Mitchells.jpg|thumb|right|American [[North American B-25 Mitchell|B-25 Mitchell bomber]]s from the [[42nd Bombardment Group]] over the Selay Peninsula of Bougainville, 1944]]
In 1942, Bougainville [[Invasion of Buka and Bougainville|was invaded by the Japanese]] in order to provide a support base for the operations elsewhere in the South-West Pacific. The [[Bougainville campaign|Allied counter-invasion]] resulted in heavy casualties, beginning in 1943, with full control of the islands not re-established until 1945. After the war the Australian government incorporated Bougainville and the rest of the mandate into the [[Territory of Papua and New Guinea]], the immediate predecessor of present-day Papua New Guinea.{{cn|date=March 2023}}

===Modern history===
[[Papua New Guinea Independence Act 1975|Papua New Guinea gained its independence]] from Australia in 1975. As Bougainville is rich in [[copper]] and [[gold]], a large mine had been established at [[Panguna]] in the early 1970s by [[Bougainville Copper Limited]], a subsidiary of [[Rio Tinto Group|Rio Tinto]]. Disputes by regional residents with the company over adverse environmental impacts, failure to share financial benefits, and negative social changes brought by the mine resulted in a local revival for a [[secessionist]] movement that had been dormant. Activists proclaimed the independence of Bougainville ([[Republic of North Solomons]]) in 1975 and in 1990, but both times central government forces suppressed the democratic independence movement.{{citation needed|date=October 2021}}

====Civil war====
{{main|Bougainville conflict}}
In 1988, the [[Bougainville Revolutionary Army]] (BRA) increased their activity significantly. Prime Minister Sir [[Rabbie Namaliu]] ordered the [[Papua New Guinea Defence Force]] (PNGDF) to put down the rebellion, and the conflict escalated into [[Bougainville Civil War|a civil war]]. The PNGDF retreated from permanent positions on Bougainville in 1990 but continued military action. The conflict involved pro-independence and loyalist Bougainvillean groups as well as the PNGDF. The war claimed an estimated 15,000 to 20,000 lives.<ref>{{cite journal
 |last        = Saovana-Spriggs
 |first       = Ruth
 |title       = Christianity and women in Bougainville
 |journal     = Development Bulletin
 |issue       = 51
 |pages       = 58–60
 |year        = 2000
 |url         = http://devnet.anu.edu.au/GenderPacific/pdfs/15_gen_gov_saovanaspriggs.pdf
 |access-date  = 2007-10-11
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20070829115822/http://devnet.anu.edu.au/GenderPacific/pdfs/15_gen_gov_saovanaspriggs.pdf
 |archive-date = 2007-08-29
 }}</ref><ref>
{{cite web 
|title=EU Relations with Papua New Guinea 
|publisher=European Commission 
|url=http://ec.europa.eu/development/Geographical/RegionsCountries/Countries/Papua%20New%20Guinea.htm 
|access-date=2007-10-11 
| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20071009214716/http://ec.europa.eu/development/Geographical/RegionsCountries/Countries/Papua%20New%20Guinea.htm
| archive-date= 9 October 2007 
| url-status= live
}}</ref>

In 1996, Prime Minister Sir [[Julius Chan]] made the controversial move to hire [[Sandline International]], a [[private military company]] previously involved in supplying [[mercenary|mercenaries]] in the civil war in [[Sierra Leone]], to put down the rebellion.{{cn|date=March 2023}}

==== Peace agreement and autonomy====
[[File:HMAS Wewak during Operation Bel Isi.jpg|thumb|right|{{HMAS|Wewak}} unloading an Australian Army truck during [[Operation Bel Isi]]]]
The Bougainville conflict ended in 1997 after negotiations brokered by [[New Zealand]]. In 2000, A peace agreement was completed and, together with [[Rotokas Record|disarmament]], provided for the establishment of an [[Autonomous Bougainville Government]]. The parties agreed to have a referendum in the future on whether the island should become politically independent.<ref>[https://www.wsws.org/articles/2001/may2001/png-m23.shtml Will Marshall, "Papua New Guinea government obtains shaky weapons disposal pact in Bougainville"], ''World Socialist Web Site'', May 23, 2001.  Accessed on line March 4, 2008.</ref>

On 25 July 2005, rebel leader [[Francis Ona]] died after a short illness. A former surveyor with [[Bougainville Copper]], Ona was a key figure in the secessionist conflict and had refused to formally join the island's peace process.{{citation needed|date=October 2021}}

In 2015, Australia announced it would establish a diplomatic post in Bougainville for the first time.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Medhora|first1=Shalailah|title=Papua New Guinea not told of Australia's plans for new diplomatic post there|url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2015/jun/03/papua-new-guinea-not-told-of-australias-plans-for-new-diplomatic-post-there?CMP=ema_1731|website=[[The Guardian]] |date=3 June 2015|access-date=4 June 2015}}</ref> In 2016, it cancelled those plans acknowledging that it had not obtained the [[Politics of Papua New Guinea|PNG government]]'s approval.<ref>[https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/303341/canberra-abandons-bougainville-mission-plan Canberra abandons Bougainville mission plan], [[Radio New Zealand]], 8 May 2016</ref>

==== Independence referendum ====
In 2019, a non-binding [[2019 Bougainvillean independence referendum|independence referendum]] was held with 98.3% voting for independence rather than continued autonomy within Papua New Guinea. As a result, the regional authorities intend to become independent between 2025 and 2027. A draft constitution for a "Republic of Bougainville" was published by the Autonomous Bougainville Government in May 2024. In March 2025, the Bougainville Independence Leaders Consultation Forum recommended 1 September 2027 as the date of independence. Prime Minister [[James Marape]] cautioned that Bougainville's economy is not sustainable enough for independence.<ref name="auto1"/>

== Geography ==
The Bougainville region occupies the north of the Solomon archipelago with Bougainville Island, which is the largest island of this group. The border between Papua New Guinea and the nation of [[Solomon Islands]] lies just south in the middle of a {{cvt|9|km}} strait that separates it from the [[Shortland Islands]].

The island of Buka is north of Bougainville, separated by a [[Buka Passage|narrow strait]]. The region includes other more or less remote islands and atolls:
[[File:White Island, Bougainville.jpg|300px|thumb|White Island, Bougainville]]
*the [[Green Islands (Papua New Guinea)|Green Islands]] with its main island [[Nissan Island|Nissan]];
*the [[Carteret Islands]];
*[[Takuu Atoll]], a Polynesian outlier;
*[[Nukumanu Islands|Nukumanu Atoll]], a Polynesian outlier;
*the [[Nuguria]] Islands, a Polynesian outlier.

The territory constitutes an archipelago in the Pacific Ocean that has an area of 9384 [[square kilometre]]s.{{citation needed|date=October 2021}}

==Government and politics==
{{Politics of Bougainville}}
{{main|Autonomous Bougainville Government}}

Elections for the first autonomous government were held in May and June 2005; [[Joseph Kabui]], an independence leader, was elected president. He died in office on 6 June 2008. After interim elections to fill the remainder of his term, John Momis was elected as president in 2010 for a five-year term. He supports autonomy within a relationship with the national government of Papua New Guinea.{{citation needed|date=October 2021}}

The Constitution of Bougainville specifies that the Autonomous Bougainville Government shall consist of three branches:<ref name="auto2"/>

* Executive: the [[President of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville]] who chairs the [[Bougainville Executive Council]].
* Legislative: the [[Bougainville House of Representatives]] (39 elected members and two ex officio members).
* Judicial: the Bougainville Courts including a Supreme Court and High Court.

The capital city is [[Buka, Papua New Guinea|Buka]], which became the centre of government after [[Arawa, Bougainville|Arawa]] was damaged during the [[Bougainville Civil War]]. The status of Buka is considered temporary, and the government is deciding on the location of a permanent capital.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/452411/bougainvilleans-consulted-on-location-for-new-capital |title=Bougainvilleans consulted on location for new capital |work=[[RNZ]] |date=27 September 2021 |access-date=4 October 2021}}</ref>

===2019 independence referendum===
{{Main|2019 Bougainvillean independence referendum}}
[[President of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville|President]] [[John Momis]] confirmed that Bougainville would hold a non-binding [[independence referendum]] in 2019.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/radio/program/pacific-beat/bougainville-confirms-independence-referendum-before-2020/1077886 |title=Bougainville confirms independence referendum before 2020 |website=[[Radio Australia]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303225138/http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/radio/program/pacific-beat/bougainville-confirms-independence-referendum-before-2020/1077886 |archive-date=3 March 2016 |date=24 January 2013 |access-date=8 March 2016 }}</ref> The governments of both Bougainville and Papua New Guinea held a two-week referendum period which began on 23 November 2019 and closed on 7 December 2019, which is the final step in the Bougainville Peace Agreement.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/304534/ball-rolling-on-bougainville-referendum |title=Ball rolling on Bougainville referendum |work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=22 May 2016 |access-date=30 May 2016}}</ref> The referendum question was a choice between greater autonomy within Papua New Guinea, or full independence. Over 98% of the valid ballots were cast for independence.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/africa/article/2001352846/bougainville-voters-back-independence-by-landslide |title=Bougainville voters back independence by landslide |work=[[The Standard (Kenya)|The Standard]] |date=11 December 2019 |access-date=31 May 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Yeung |first1=Jessie |last2=Watson |first2=Angus |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2019/12/11/asia/bougainville-papua-new-guinea-intl-hnk/index.html |title=Bougainville independence vote delivers emphatic demand to become world's newest nation |work=[[CNN]] |date=11 December 2019 |access-date=11 December 2019}}</ref>

[[Ishmael Toroama]], a former rebel leader, was elected president of Bougainville on 23 September 2020.<ref>{{cite news |last=Barrett |first=Jonathan |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-papua-bougainville-election-idUSKCN26E00O |title=Bougainville elects former rebel commander as next president |work=[[Reuters]] |date=23 September 2020 |access-date=31 May 2021}}</ref>

Negotiations between Papua New Guinea and Bougainville began on 17 May 2021.<ref>{{cite web |last=Mercer |first=Phil |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/east-asia-pacific_papua-new-guinea-begins-breakaway-talks-bougainville-leader/6205902.html |title=Papua New Guinea Begins Breakaway Talks with Bougainville Leader |work=[[Voice of America]] |date=17 May 2021 |access-date=31 May 2021}}</ref> While Toroama stated a desire to see Bougainville become independent by June 2025,  Papua New Guinea Prime Minister [[James Marape]] cautioned against setting a specific timetable.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.abc.net.au/radio-australia/programs/pacificbeat/bougainville-president-wants-independence-from-png-by-2025/13350300 |title=Bougainville president wants independence from PNG by 2025 |work=[[ABC Online]] |date=19 May 2021 |access-date=31 May 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/442892/bougainville-s-president-seeks-independence-by-2025 |title=Bougainville's president seeks independence by 2025 |work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=19 May 2021 |access-date=31 May 2021}}</ref> On 7 July 2021, it was announced that Bougainville will become independent by the end of 2027 pending approval of the PNG parliament. In March 2025, the Bougainville Independence Leaders Consultation Forum recommended 1 September 2027 as the date of independence.<ref name="auto1"/><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-07-07|title=PNG, B'ville agree on latter's independence|url=https://postcourier.com.pg/png-bville-agree-on-latters-independence/|access-date=2021-07-07|website=Post Courier|language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="postcourier.com.pg"/><ref name= "interpreter"/>

===Districts and Local Level Government Areas===
[[File:Bvdistricts.svg|thumb|District map of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville]]
[[File:Un-bougainville.png|thumb|Map of the vicinity of [[Bougainville Island]]]]
The region is divided into three districts, which are further divided into Local Level Government (LLGs) areas. For [[census]] purposes, the LLGAs are subdivided into wards, and those into census units.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.spc.int/PRISM/country/pg/Stats/Special_Products/Descrpn.htm|title=Pacific Regional Statistics – Secretariat of the Pacific Community|website=Spc.int}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: left;" width="400"
! District || District Capital || LLGA Name
|-
! rowspan="2" | [[Central Bougainville District]]
! rowspan="2" | [[Arawa, Papua New Guinea|Arawa]]-[[Kieta]]
| [[Arawa Rural LLG|Arawa Rural]]
|-
| [[Wakunai Rural LLG|Wakunai Rural]]
|-
! rowspan="6" | [[North Bougainville District]]
! rowspan="6" | [[Buka, Papua New Guinea|Buka]]
| [[Atolls Rural LLG|Atolls Rural]]
|-
| [[Buka Rural LLG|Buka Rural]]
|-
| [[Kunua Rural LLG|Kunua Rural]]
|-
| [[Nissan Rural LLG|Nissan Rural]]
|-
| [[Selau-Suir Rural LLG|Selau-Suir Rural]]
|-
| [[Tinputz Rural LLG|Tinputz Rural]]
|-
! rowspan="4" | [[South Bougainville District]]
! rowspan="4" | [[Buin, Papua New Guinea|Buin]]
| [[Bana Rural LLG|Bana Rural]]
|-
| [[Buin Rural LLG|Buin Rural]]
|-
| [[Siwai Rural LLG|Siwai Rural]]
|-
| [[Torokina Rural LLG|Torokina Rural]]
|-
|}

==Demographics==
===Religion===
The great majority of Bougainville residents are Christian, with an estimated 70% being Roman Catholic and a substantial minority being of the Protestant [[United Church in Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands|United Church of Papua New Guinea]] since 1968. The [[Catholic Church]] has its own diocese in the region (Diocese of Bougainville or ''Dioecesis Buganvillensis'').<ref>{{Cite web|title=Bougainville (Diocese) [Catholic-Hierarchy]|url=https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dboug.html|access-date=2021-09-15|website=www.catholic-hierarchy.org}}</ref> The [[Our Lady of the Assumption Cathedral, Buka|cathedral]] and main church is dedicated to [[Our Lady of the Assumption]], and can be found on [[Buka Island]]. It was formerly the Church of St. Michael the Archangel in the former mission of Tubiana. There are a total of 33 Catholic parishes and one mission in the region.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Diocese of Bougainville, Papua New Guinea|url=https://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/diocese/boug0.htm|access-date=2021-09-15|website=GCatholic}}</ref>

===Languages===
Bougainville's constitution, written in [[English language|English]], does not specify an [[official language]], but calls for constitutional literature to be translated into Tok Pisin and as many local languages as possible, while also encouraging the "development, preservation, and enrichment of all Bougainville languages".<ref name="auto2" />

The most widely spoken Austronesian language is [[Halia language|Halia]] and its dialects, spoken in the island of [[Buka Island|Buka]] and the Selau peninsula of Northern Bougainville. Other Austronesian languages include [[Nehan language|Nehan]], [[Petats language|Petats]], [[Solos language|Solos]], [[Saposa language|Saposa]] (Taiof), [[Hahon language|Hahon]] and [[Tinputz language|Tinputz]], all spoken in the northern quarter of Bougainville, Buka and surrounding islands. These languages are closely related. [[Bannoni language|Bannoni]] and [[Torau language|Torau]] are Austronesian languages not closely related to the former, which are spoken in the coastal areas of central and south Bougainville. On the nearby [[Takuu Atoll]] a [[Polynesian languages|Polynesian language]] is spoken, [[Takuu language|Takuu]].<ref>Irwin, H. (1980). Takuu Dictionary. : A Polynesian language of the South Pacific. Canberra: Pacific Linguistics. 428pp. {{ISBN|978-0858836372}}.</ref>

==Economy==
{{Further|Panguna mine}}
[[File:Buin NSP Saturday market 1978.jpg|thumb|right|Market at [[Buin, Papua New Guinea|Buin]], 1978]]
Official statistics about Bougainville's economy are not available. The PNG National Research Institute estimates its [[Gross domestic product|GDP per capita]] at $1,100 {{asof|2019|lc=y|post=.}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Trying To Form The World's Newest Country, Bougainville Has A Road Ahead |url=https://wamu.org/story/19/12/30/trying-to-form-the-worlds-newest-country-bougainville-has-a-road-ahead/ |access-date=2024-08-01 |website=WAMU |language=en}}</ref>

A small percentage of the region's economy is from [[mining]]. The majority of economic growth comes from [[agriculture]] and [[aquaculture]]. The region's biodiversity, which is one of the most important in [[Oceania]], is heavily threatened by [[mining]] activities. Mining activities have caused civil unrest in the region many{{quantify|date=November 2019}} times.{{when|date=November 2019}} In January 2018, a moratorium on one mine was imposed by the Papua New Guinea government, in a bid to calm civil unrest against mining in the region.<ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/10/bougainville-imposes-moratorium-on-panguna-mine-over-fears-of-civil-unrest|title=Bougainville imposes moratorium on Panguna mine over fears of civil unrest|first=Helen|last=Davidson|date=10 January 2018|website=[[The Guardian]] }}</ref>

Bougainville had one of the world's largest open-pit copper mines, the Pangunamine, from 1972 to 1989, which for many years generated a large part of Papua New Guinea's [[Gross national income|gross national product]]. The mine was operated by the Australian company Bougainville Copper (BLC), a subsidiary of the British-Australian mining company Rio Tinto/CRA, which had majority control of the company. The state of Papua New Guinea (PNG) holds a 19.1% stake in Bougainville Copper.{{citation needed|date=October 2021}}

As a result of the [[civil war]] and the rebel-forced closure of the mine, Papua New Guinea's government revenues fell by 20%. Some hope for the eventual reopening of the Panguna mine. Negotiations to reopen the Panguna mine began in early March 2006 with talks between former PNG Mines Minister Sam Akoitai and the Rio Tinto corporation in London. Some representatives of landowners in the Panguna area have repeatedly agreed to resume mining operations, albeit in conjunction with demands for large compensation payments from the mine operator BCL.{{citation needed|date=October 2021}}

Yields from the two main [[exports]], [[cocoa bean|cocoa]] and [[copra]], returned to pre-civil war levels in 2007. Largely operated by Europeans, Asians, churches and corporations, large-scale commercial plantations, which were responsible for a significant share of production before the civil war, are now used by smaller local operators. Further processing is done by small cocoa dryers promoted by AusAid.{{citation needed|date=October 2021}}

Bougainville Region is the most productive in all of PNG for cocoa.<ref name="Singh-et-al-2019">{{cite journal | last1=Singh | first1=Kanika | last2=Sanderson | first2=Todd | last3=Field | first3=Damien | last4=Fidelis | first4=Chris | last5=Yinil | first5=David | title=Soil security for developing and sustaining cocoa production in Papua New Guinea | journal=[[Geoderma Regional]] | publisher=[[Elsevier]] | volume=17 | year=2019 | issn=2352-0094 | doi=10.1016/j.geodrs.2019.e00212 | article-number=e00212| bibcode=2019GeodR..1700212S | s2cid=169334618 }}</ref> Omuru ''et al.'', 2001 find households farming cacao (''[[Theobroma cacao]]'') average an income of US$215/year.<ref name="Singh-et-al-2019" /> The {{visible anchor|Cocoa Pod Borer}} (''[[Conopomorpha cramerella]]'') was considered a large risk for [[invasive agricultural pest|invasion]] here due to its invasion of nearby areas of Southeast Asia<ref name="Yen-et-al-2010-bundle">
   {{Unbulleted list citebundle
   |{{cite book | last1=Priyadarshan | first1=P. M. | last2=Jain | first2=S. Mohan | title=Cash Crops: Genetic Diversity, Erosion, Conservation and Utilization | publisher=[[Springer Publishing|Springer]] | publication-place=[[Cham, Switzerland]] | date=2022 | isbn=978-3-030-74926-2 | oclc=1280049054 | pages=x+626 | id={{isbn|978-3-030-74925-5}}}}{{rp|page=27}}
   |{{cite journal | last=Makowski | first=David | title=Uncertainty and sensitivity analysis in quantitative pest risk assessments; practical rules for risk assessors | journal=[[NeoBiota]] | publisher=[[Pensoft]] | volume=18 | date=2013-09-13 | issn=1314-2488 | doi=10.3897/neobiota.18.3993 | pages=157–171 | s2cid=54581146| doi-access=free }}
   |{{cite book | last=Daymond | first=Andrew | title=Achieving sustainable cultivation of cocoa | chapter=Safe handling and movement of cocoa germplasm for breeding | series=Burleigh Dodds Series in Agricultural Science | publisher=[[Burleigh Dodds Science Publishing|Burleigh Dodds]] | date=2018-08-09 | issn=2059-6936 | doi=10.19103/as.2017.0021.05 | pages=101–110 | isbn=978-1-83879-352-4 | s2cid=135361074| url=https://centaur.reading.ac.uk/79464/1/Safe_Movement_Chapter_ADaymond%20%282%29.pdf }}
   |{{cite journal | last1=Yen | first1=Jian D. L. | last2=Waters | first2=Edward K. | last3=Hamilton | first3=Andrew J. | title=Cocoa Pod Borer (''Conopomorpha cramerella'' Snellen) in Papua New Guinea: Biosecurity Models for New Ireland and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville | journal=[[Risk Analysis (journal)|Risk Analysis]] | publisher=[[Wiley Publishing|Wiley]] | volume=30 | issue=2 | year=2010 | issn=0272-4332 | doi=10.1111/j.1539-6924.2009.01297.x | pages=293–309 | pmid=19765245 | bibcode=2010RiskA..30..293Y | s2cid=40901404}}
   }}
</ref> including [[East New Britain]].<ref name="CPB-PNG-WB">{{cite web | title=Restoring Livelihoods for Cocoa Farmers in Papua New Guinea after Widespread Crop Disease | website=[[World Bank]] | date=June 26, 2013 | url=http://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2013/06/26/restoring-livelihoods-for-cocoa-farmers-in-png-after-widespread-crop-disease | access-date=2022-06-20}}</ref> There was great interest in [[Pest risk analysis|modelling]] and [[phytosanitation]] practices to forestall its introduction.<ref name="Yen-et-al-2010-bundle" /> Unfortunately CPB did arrive here and in 2011 the [[World Bank]]'s {{visible anchor|Productive Partnerships in Agriculture Project}} was created to help farmers control the insect.<ref name="CPB-PNG-WB" /> From the 2009 production level, bean tonnage fell by over 41% by 2014 (although this also includes trees aging out).<ref name="CPB-Boug-WB">{{cite web | title=Papua New Guinea: Restoring the 'Stream of Cocoa' to Bougainville | website=[[World Bank]] | date=September 17, 2014 | url=http://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2014/09/17/papua-new-guinea-restoring-the-stream-of-cocoa-to-bougainville | access-date=2022-06-20}}</ref> The [[Tinputz]] area {{endash}} including [[Namatoa]] {{endash}} had been the highest-producing part of the region and has seen many farms be abandoned and return to jungle.<ref name="CPB-Boug-WB" /> PPAP hopes to revive the industry around Namatoa.<ref name="CPB-Boug-WB" /> ''[[Cryptolaemus]] [[Cryptolaemus sinestria|sinestria]]'' is a mealybug of cacao trees here, observed at a [[Buka, Papua New Guinea|Buka]] agricultural station.<ref name="Booth-Pope-1986">{{cite journal | last1=Booth | first1=R. G. | last2=Pope | first2=R. D. | title=A review of the genus ''Cryptolaemus'' (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) with particular reference to the species resembling ''C. montrouzieri'' Mulsant | journal=[[Bulletin of Entomological Research]] | publisher=[[Cambridge University Press]] (CUP) | volume=76 | issue=4 | year=1986 | issn=0007-4853 | doi=10.1017/s0007485300015194 | pages=701–717}}</ref>

[[Termite]]s are common [[agricultural pest insect|agricultural pests]] in Bougainville.<ref name="Gray-1968">{{cite journal | last=Gray | first=B. | title=Forest tree and timber insect pests in the Territory of Papua and New Guinea | journal=[[Pacific Insects]] | date=20 August 1968 | s2cid=86282067 | pages=301{{endash}}323 | volume=10 | number=2}}</ref> ''[[Microcerotermes biroi]]'' and ''[[Nasutitermes]] [[Nasutitermes novanimhebridarum|novanimhebridarum]]'' are pests of coconut (''[[Cocos nucifera]]'').<ref name="Gray-1968" /> ''N. novanimhebridarum'' is also a pest of cacao (''[[Theobroma cacao]]'') here.<ref name="Gray-1968" /> Termite pests found here tend to be shared with many of the nearby islands.<ref name="Gray-1968" />

==Culture==
[[File:Men of Soraken wearing upe.jpg|thumb|right|Men from [[Soraken]] wearing ''[[upe]]'', a headdress representing the transition to adulthood, which later became a national symbol of Bougainville]]

===National symbols===
A law passed by the provincial assembly — the ''Bougainville Flag, Emblem and Anthem (Protection) Act 2018'' — affirmed the existing official status of the [[flag of Bougainville]] and [[emblem of Bougainville]]. Both the flag and emblem feature stylised depictions of the ''[[upe]]'', a traditional headdress worn by men in parts of Bougainville to symbolise their transition to adulthood. The law also established "[[My Bougainville]]" as the region's anthem.<ref name=law>{{cite news|url=https://www.abg.gov.pg/uploads/acts/18-03_Bougainville_Flag%2C_Emblem_and_Anthem_%28Protection%29_Act_2018.pdf|title=BOUGAINVILLE FLAG, EMBLEM AND ANTHEM (PROTECTION) ACT 2018|publisher=Autonomous Bougainville Government|access-date=8 December 2019}}</ref><ref name=en>{{cite news|url=https://www.abg.gov.pg/uploads/acts/Bougainville_Flag,_Emblem_and_Anthem_(Protection)_Bill_2018_-_Explanatory_Note.pdf|title=Bougainville Flag, Emblem and Anthem (Protection) Bill 2018: Explanatory Note|publisher=Autonomous Bougainville Government|access-date=8 December 2019}}</ref>

===Sport===
[[Rugby league]] in Bougainville is administered by the Bougainville Rugby Football League (BRFL), which is affiliated with the [[Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League]] (PNGRFL).<ref>{{cite news|url=https://postcourier.com.pg/new-executives-set-revive-rugby-league/|title=New Executives Set To Revive Rugby League|newspaper=[[Papua New Guinea Post-Courier]]|date=12 June 2018|access-date=9 December 2019}}</ref> A number of Bougainvilleans have played for the [[Papua New Guinea national rugby league team]], including Bernard Wakatsi, Joe Katsi, [[Lauta Atoi]], and Chris Siriosi.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nrl.com/news/2015/03/23/league-bilong-laif-program-commences-in-bougainville/|title=League Bilong Laif program commences in Bougainville|publisher=[[National Rugby League]]|date=23 March 2015|access-date=9 December 2019}}</ref>

[[F.C. Bougainville]] has played in the [[Papua New Guinea National Soccer League|National Soccer League]] since 2019, although it is based in [[Port Moresby]] rather than in Bougainville itself.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/380833/sport-bougainville-to-make-png-national-soccer-league-debut|title=Sport: Bougainville to make PNG National Soccer League debut|publisher=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=24 January 2019|access-date=9 December 2019}}</ref> Previously, a team from Bougainville won the national soccer championships in 1977, defeating [[Rabaul]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/251049901|title=A soccer lesson from Bougainville|newspaper=Papua New Guinea Post-Courier|date=14 April 1977}}</ref> Historically the Bougainville Soccer Association came into conflict with the [[Papua New Guinea Football Association]] over various matters.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/250866810|title=Bougainville soccer issues a challenge|newspaper=Papua New Guinea Post-Courier|date=10 August 1973}}</ref>

During the 1970s and 1980s, teams from Bougainville played against other regions in the PNG national championships for [[Australian rules football]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/250531143|title=Rabaul too fit for Bougainville|newspaper=Papua New Guinea Post-Courier|date=21 May 1975}}</ref> [[cricket]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/250585712|title=Shield match in doubt|newspaper=Papua New Guinea Post-Courier|date=15 February 1980}}</ref> and [[field hockey]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/250254354|title=Hockey booming in Bougainville|newspaper=Papua New Guinea Post-Courier|date=27 April 1971}}</ref>

[[Boxing]] is popular in Bougainville. The region won the 2017 National Boxing Championships, which were hosted in Arawa.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thenational.com.pg/bougainville-wins-boxing-title/|title=Bougainville wins boxing title|newspaper=The National|date=18 September 2017|access-date=9 December 2019}}</ref> Notable boxers from the region include [[Commonwealth Boxing Council]] titleholder [[Johnny Aba]] and [[Pacific Games]] gold medalist [[Thadius Katua]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bougainville24.com/bougainville-sport/katua-in-rio-to-chase-olympic-dream/|title=Katua in Rio to chase Olympic dream|last=Belu|first=Simon|publisher=Bougainville|access-date=2016-08-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160825210646/http://www.bougainville24.com/bougainville-sport/katua-in-rio-to-chase-olympic-dream/|archive-date=2016-08-25|url-status=usurped}}</ref>

Bougainvillean [[netball]] player [[Maleta Roberts]] has played professionally in Australia and represented the [[Papua New Guinea national netball team]] at the [[Commonwealth Games]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bendigoadvertiser.com.au/story/1993901/pride-of-a-nation/|title=Pride of a nation|newspaper=[[Bendigo Advertiser]]|date=27 December 2013|access-date=9 December 2019}}</ref>

==See also==
{{portal|New Guinea}}
* ''[[Bougainville – Our Island Our Fight]]'', a 1998 documentary film
* [[List of active separatist movements in Oceania]]
* [[List of autonomous areas by country]]
* [[North Solomon Islands]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==Further reading==
* {{cite book|last=Gillespie|first=Waratah Rosemarie|title=Running with Rebels: Behind the Lies in Bougainville's hidden war|isbn=978-0-646-51047-7|year=2009|publisher=Ginibi Productions|location=Australia}}
* {{cite book|last=Oliver|first=Douglas |title=Bougainville: A Personal History |publisher=Melbourne University Press|location=Melbourne|year=1973}}
* {{cite book|last=Oliver|first=Douglas |title=Black Islanders: A Personal Perspective of Bougainville, 1937–1991|publisher=Hyland House|location=Melbourne|year=1991}} Repeats text from previous 1973 reference and updates with summaries of Papua New Guinea press reports on the Bougainville Crisis.
* {{cite book|last=Pelton|first=Robert Young|title=Hunter Hammer and Heaven, Journeys to Three World's Gone Mad|isbn=1-58574-416-6|year=2002|publisher=Lyons Press|location=Guilford, Conn.|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/hunterhammerheav00pelt}}
* {{cite book|last=Quodling|first=Paul |title=Bougainville: The Mine and the People}}
* {{cite book|editor1=Regan, Anthony |editor2=Griffin, Helga |title=Bougainville Before the Crisis|publisher=Pandanus Books|location=Canberra|year=2005}}

==External links==
{{External links|section|date=June 2019}}
{{commons category}}
{{Wikivoyage|Bougainville}}
* [http://www.abg.gov.pg/ Autonomous Bougainville Government]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20160306003913/http://investbougainville.com/ Bougainville Inward Investment Bureau]
* [https://peacemaker.un.org/node/1137 Full text of the Peace Agreement for Bougainville]
* [http://www.paclii.org/pg/legis/consol_act/cotarob2004558/ Constitution of Bougainville] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200201175618/http://www.paclii.org/pg/legis/consol_act/cotarob2004558/ |date=2020-02-01 }}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20120414213449/http://www.c-r.org/our-work/accord/png-bougainville/index.php Conciliation Resources—Bougainville Project]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20061020045117/http://www.cultureshop.org/details.php?code=COCOREV ''The Coconut Revolution''], a documentary film about the [[Bougainville Revolutionary Army]].
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20130510031429/http://www.abc.net.au/foreign/stories/s400627.htm "Interview with Francis Ona" (1997)]—Australian Broadcasting Corporation ''World in Focus''; interview with [[Francis Ona]]. Interviewed by Wayne Coles-Janess.
* [https://www.thenational.com.pg/bougainville-should-change-name/ Letter to The National newspaper noting that the demonym "buka" is sometimes applied to all from the province]

{{Districts of Bougainville}}
{{Provinces of Papua New Guinea}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Autonomous Region of Bougainville| ]]
[[Category:2000 in Papua New Guinea]]
[[Category:Autonomous regions]]
[[Category:Geography of Melanesia]]
[[Category:Islands Region]]
[[Category:Members of the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization]]
[[Category:Provinces of Papua New Guinea]]
[[Category:Separatism in Papua New Guinea]]
[[Category:Solomon Islands (archipelago)]]
[[Category:States and territories established in 2000]]
[[Category:Proposed countries]]