Bougainville, a small island in the Pacific, currently part of Papua New Guinea, is on the verge of becoming the world's youngest independent country. Historically, it has been under various foreign dominions, including German and Australian rule. The island has a rich history of conflict, particularly during the civil war in the late 20th century, driven by tensions over mineral resource exploitation. A 2019 referendum showed overwhelming support for independence, but the process has been slow. Bougainville's future is complicated by geopolitical interests, particularly from Australia and China, as it seeks to manage its resources and establish autonomy. Teljes cikk (Portfolio.hu)