New Britain
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New Britain
, city, United StatesNew Britain
, island, Papua New GuineaNew Britain, volcanic island (1990 pop. 315,649), c.14,600 sq mi (37,810 sq km), SW Pacific, largest island of the Bismarck Archipelago and part of Papua New Guinea, in which it forms two provinces (East and West New Britain). Rabaul is the chief town and port. The island is mountainous, with active volcanoes, hot springs, and peaks over 7,000 ft (2,130 m) high. The major export is copra, and some copper, gold, iron, and coal are mined.
Visited and named by the English explorer William Dampier in 1700, New Britain became part of German New Guinea in 1884. Germany called it Neu Pommern (New Pomerania). In 1920 it was mandated to Australia by the League of Nations and in 1947 was made a UN trust territory under Australian control. In 1937 and again in 1994 Rabaul was severely damaged by volcanic activity.
New Britain
a city in the northeastern USA, in the state of Connecticut. Population, 83,000 (including the metropolitan area, 145,000; 1970). Industry employs 25,000 people. Bearings, machine tools, instruments, and nonferrous metal items are produced in the city.
New Britain
a volcanic island in the Pacific Ocean, the largest in the Bismarck Archipelago. Named in 1700 by the English explorer William Dampier; known as New Pomerania from 1884 through 1920. Part of Papua New Guinea. Area, 36,600 sq km; population, approximately 160,000 (1970; including nearby islands). The relief is mountainous, with elevations of up to 2,300 m (The Father, an active volcano). The climate is equatorial, and there are equatorial rain forests. Coconuts, cacao, and coffee are grown on plantations. The chief city and port is Rabaul.