As of the early 21st century hundreds of Indigenous—or Papuan—peoples together account for a majority of the province’s population. The remainder consists of immigrants, largely from Celebes (Sulawesi), Java, and the Moluccas. The Indigenous groups speak numerous Papuan languages, and most others speak Austronesian languages. The bulk of the population is Christian (primarily Protestant); Muslims make up the largest religious minority. Local religions are practiced by some of the Papuan communities.
