MOUNT HAGEN

town, east-central New Guinea island, Papua New Guinea. The town, established as a patrol post in 1936, is near the Wahgi River, a tributary of the Purari. It takes its name from a 12,392-foot (3,777-metre) peak in the Hagen Range of the central highlands, 15 miles (24 km) northwest. It is believed that the mountain, an extinct volcano, once stood 6,000 feet (1,800 m) higher but was reduced by an ancient cataclysmic eruption. Mount Hagen is on the Highland Highway, an important truck route leading 380 miles (610 km) east to Lae (on the coast). The town's industries include processing locally grown tea, coffee, and pyrethrum. There are also timber mills and a cordial factory. An airport has regularly scheduled flights. The town holds a large biennial agricultural show and is becoming an increasingly popular resort because of its mile-high elevation. Pop. (1985 est.) 16,800.