A small nation characterized by widespread brutality and domestic violence, Papua New Guinea, located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, struggles with multiple development challenges. It is one of the poorest countries on the planet in per capita terms, as well as one of the most culturally diverse with over 800 languages ​​spoken (Campanian). According to ReCom, a research and reporting on foreign humanitarian organizations, it is ranked 148th in the Human Development Index and most human well-being indicators show that conditions are similar to those in sub-Saharan Africa (Stewart) . The country is in desperate need of social services due to the many abused and abused women and the violent and vengeful acts that occur due to accusations of witchcraft and sorcery. Christian missionary shelters and hospitals are some of the only places where these people can receive treatment. However, even though nearly 95% of its citizens proclaim themselves Christians, traditional beliefs and values ​​largely prevail. The country's deep-seated beliefs and cult-like traditions make religious conversion complicated and somewhat superficial, as even those who call themselves Christians and attend church weekly behave in vicious, animal-like ways. This “Christian” nation is atypical of civilized Christian communities and without aid and intervention will surely see flagrant public attacks and violence that will continue to spiral out of control. Early Religions in Papua New Guinea Historically, early religions in Papua New Guinea varied by tribe, but had a strong focus on supernatural forces, ritual traditions, and witchcraft. While different societies varied, most were animist, believing that both animals and plants had spirits (like human souls) and that these should be... middle of paper... in the countryside. Np, nd Web. April 11, 2014. Campano, Erik. “Religion, Healing, and Violence Against Women in Papua New Guinea.” Patheos: Hosting the conversation about faith. Patheos, 05 July 2013.Web. April 11, 2014.Chandler, Joe. “It's 2013 and they're burning the 'witches'.” The Global Mail: independent journalism for independent minds. Digital Global Mail, Ltd., February 15, 2013. Web. April 11, 2014."Countries and Their Cultures." Papua New Guinea culture. Advameg, Inc., ndWeb. 11 Apr 2014. Papua New Guinea, where violence can seem the norm for women. The New York Times, 2014. Web. April 11, 2014. Silverman, Erba. "God in Papua New Guinea". On faith. FaithStreet, November 5, 2013. Network. Network. April 11, 2014. Stewart, James. “Providing aid through religious organizations.” Recom: research and communication on foreign aid. Unu-Wider, October 2012. Web. 11 April2014.