When considering the countries with the most languages, it’s natural to assume linguistic giants like China or India would lead the way. However, the unexpected champion is Papua New Guinea, a small island nation in the Pacific. According to the World Atlas, despite just 8.8 million people, Papua New Guinea is home to 840 languages. That’s nearly 12% of all the world’s languages spoken in an area roughly the size of California. This incredible linguistic diversity stems from Papua New Guinea’s unique geography and social structure. The country’s rugged mountains, dense forests, and isolated valleys have acted as natural barriers, keeping communities separated for centuries.