Lae (/ˈlɑːeɪ, ˈleɪi/,[1] German: Preußen-Reede,[2] later Lehe) is the capital of Morobe Province and is the second-largest city in Papua New Guinea.

[7] After World War I, Eastern New Guinea came under British control (Australia) and many of the Germanic names were replaced by English or indigenous ones.

On 1 January 1923 Levien acquired a mining right for the area and shortly after formed a syndicate called Guinea Gold (No Liability).

In July 1937, Lae made world news when American aviator Amelia Earhart was last seen flying out of the airport on her way back to the United States.

When the volcanic eruptions occurred in Rabaul in 1937, a decision was made to transfer the capital of the Territory of New Guinea to Lae.

Lae is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire and geologic instability has produced numerous faults, resulting in earthquakes.

[17] More than 15 years of measurements have been analysed with results indicating how rapidly Lae city and its survey network is deforming.

[17] Mount Lunaman is 96 metres (315 ft) high and has a radio tower at the highest point marked by red fixed obstruction lights to assist navigation.

[23] Mount Lunaman and the Lae urban area have been the subject of several tectonic studies relating to plate shift.

The nominated Councilors represented the Chamber of Commerce, the Workers Federation Union, and the Women, Youth and Churches.

In May 2023 a memorandum of agreement between AG Investment and the Morobe Province Development Authority was signed for the Finschhafen District Hydropower Project.

Large businesses include: Lae City boasts of having the best food market in Papua New Guinea.

[citation needed] This is due to the fact that the Morobe Province produces the best taros, bananas, sweet potatoes, yams, fruits and vegetables etc., which have been sought after by many Papua New Guineans as well as expatriates.

Apart from Lae Main Market, wards and mini-markets are also available to cater for the needs of the growing population of the city.

[28] Lae International Hotel is an important conference centre and has hosted some notable political figures over the years.

[30] Lae War Cemetery was established in 1944, and is located adjacent to the Botanical Gardens in the centre of the city.

The Bumbu river starts at the Adzera Mountain range, through Taraka to Kamkumung, Hengali, Butibam, and to the Huon Gulf.

Nadzab Airport is located 56 kilometres (35 mi) outside Lae City, along the Highlands Highway, next to the Markham River.