Keopara in Papua New Guinea

The Keopara have only been reported in Papua New Guinea
Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge

Introduction / History

The Keopara (also called Keapara or Hula) are an indigenous coastal people of Papua New Guinea, traditionally settled in village communities along the southern coast. Their history is shaped by seafaring, trade, and long-standing clan relationships, with strong ties to land and sea.


What Are Their Lives Like?

Daily life centers on fishing, gardening, and small-scale trade. Families are close-knit, with elders guiding community decisions. Celebrations include church festivals, weddings, and communal feasts. Diets commonly feature fish, taro, sweet potatoes, bananas, coconut, and sago, reflecting coastal resources and subsistence farming.


What Are Their Beliefs?

Most Keopara identify as Christian, mainly within Protestant traditions, yet elements of traditional beliefs and ancestor respect remain influential in daily life, shaping moral values and community identity.


What Are Their Needs?

The Keopara need continued discipleship so that faith becomes deeply rooted and transforms daily life. Strengthening biblical teaching, leadership training, and practical education can help families grow spiritually and economically. Improved access to healthcare, clean water, and schooling would significantly enhance long-term community well-being.


Prayer Items

Pray for spiritual maturity and unity in local churches, for trained leaders to disciple the next generation, for physical provision through sustainable livelihoods, and for improved health, education, and access to Scripture in their heart language.
Pray for the faithful translation and wide distribution of the complete Bible, evangelism materials, and discipleship resources in the Ewage-Notu language.
Pray that the Keopara Christians would surrender to the great commission and preach the gospel and make disciples among their people and beyond.


Scripture Prayers for the Keopara in Papua New Guinea.


References

Keopara of Papua New Guinea (PGID: PG010054) - PeopleGroups.org
Keapara language - Wikipedia


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Keopara
People Name in Country Keopara
Alternate Names Hula; Keapara
Population this Country 40,000
Population all Countries 40,000
Total Countries 1
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale Progress Gauge
Unreached No
Frontier No
GSEC 6  (per PeopleGroups.org)
Pioneer Workers Needed
PeopleID3 12632
ROP3 Code 104851
Country Papua New Guinea
Region Australia and Pacific
Continent Australia
10/40 Window No
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Location in Country Central province: coast east of Hood peninsula to Lalaura west of Cape Rodney. 3 villages.   Source:  Ethnologue 2016
Country Papua New Guinea
Region Australia and Pacific
Continent Australia
10/40 Window No
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Location in Country Central province: coast east of Hood peninsula to Lalaura west of Cape Rodney. 3 villages..   Source:  Ethnologue 2016

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Primary Religion: Christianity
Major Religion Estimated Percent
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity
99.00 %
Ethnic Religions
1.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
0.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
Primary Language Keapara
Language Code khz   Ethnologue Listing
Written / Published Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 1
Primary Language Keapara
Language Code khz   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking Keapara
Profile Source Joshua Project 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.