Short answers, pulled from the story.
Port Moresby was named by Royal Navy Captain John Moresby in February 1873, when the crew of HMS Basilisk surveyed the southern shore of New Guinea. Moresby named the harbour in honour of his father, Admiral of the Fleet Sir Fairfax Moresby.
The traditional landowners are the Motu and Koitabu peoples, who have inhabited the area for centuries. They are represented today by the Motu Koita Assembly, established by an act of parliament, which governs ten recognised traditional villages within Port Moresby.
Port Moresby was a prime target for Japanese conquest in 1942-43, as Japan sought it as a staging point and air base to cut off Australia from Southeast Asia and the Americas. By September 1942, it had become a major Allied base complex, and General Douglas MacArthur maintained his headquarters there from November 1942 to October 1944.
Papua New Guinea became an independent country in September 1975, with Port Moresby as its capital city. Prince Charles represented the Queen at the independence celebrations. A National Parliament Building was later opened in the suburb of Waigani in 1984, also by Prince Charles.
The 2024 census recorded a population of 756,754 in Port Moresby. This represents significant growth from 364,145 recorded in the 2011 census and 120,000 counted in 1980.
Port Moresby hosted the 2015 Pacific Games from the 4th to the 18th of July, with 24 countries competing in 28 sports and Papua New Guinea finishing first in total medals. The city also hosted the APEC summit in November 2018, the 2017 FIBA Melanesia Basketball Cup, and the 2016 FIFA Under-20 Women's World Cup.