The island that would later be called Bougainville was first sighted in 1768 by the French explorer Louis de Bougainville who gave the island its name. The German New Guinea Company as a part of their holdings that included the islands of New Guinea, New Britain, New Ireland and all of the Solomon Islands later annexed the island. By agreement of 1899 between Germany and Great Britain, Bougainville was separated from the other Solomon Islands and remained under German control while the ... Explore the hidden paradise of Bougainville Island with our guide. Discover its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and unique experiences. On November 23, the people of Bougainville (a small South Pacific island), will vote for a referendum to gain independence from Papua New Guinea. If the referendum is passed, Bougainville would become the world’s newest and possibly the smallest inde The Autonomous Region of Bougainville , a chain of islands that lie 959 kilometres northwest of Papua New Guinea’s (PNG) capital, Port Moresby, has voted unequiv
