| Mendi | |
| Pushpin Map: | Papua New Guinea |
| Pushpin Label Position: | right |
| Pushpin Map Caption: | Location within Papua New Guinea |
| Subdivision Type: | Country |
| Subdivision Name: | Papua New Guinea |
| Subdivision Type1: | Province |
| Subdivision Name1: | Southern Highlands |
| Subdivision Type2: | District |
| Subdivision Name2: | Mendi-Munihu District |
| Subdivision Type3: | LLG |
| Subdivision Name3: | Mendi Urban LLG |
| Population Total: | 56055 |
| Population As Of: | 2013 |
| Population Rank: | 10th |
| Population Density Km2: | auto |
| Demographics Type1: | Languages |
| Demographics1 Title1: | Main languages |
| Demographics1 Info1: | Tok Pisin, Angal, Kewa |
| Demographics1 Title2: | Traditional language |
| Demographics1 Info2: | Angal |
| Elevation M: | 1620 |
| Postal Code Type: | Postcode |
| Postal Code: | 251 |
| Timezone1: | AEST |
| Utc Offset1: | +10 |
| Blank Name: | Climate |
| Blank Info: | Cfb |
Mendi, Papua New Guinea, is the provincial capital of the Southern Highlands Province, and the capital of Mendi-Munihu District. The Lai River flows by the town.[1] [2] It is served by Mendi Airport. The town falls under Mendi Urban LLG.
The town is located in the Mendi River Valley, 16750NaN0 above sea level, on the limestone hills from west to east.[3] The Kikori River originates from the mountainous area where Mendi is located, and the Erave and Strickland rivers flow through the Giluwe Mountains, which contain the second highest peak of Papua New Guinea.
The Köppen-Geiger climate classification system classifies its climate as a subtropical highland climate (Cfb).[4] Mendi features cool mornings, warm afternoons and heavy rainfall throughout the year.
Mendi's population is dense and the economy is relatively good. Crops grown in the town and its surrounding areas include vegetables, coffee, and tea; there is also a sawmill in the town.[5] Mendi is mostly dependent on air transport, though there is road access through the nearby town of Mount Hagen.
In June 2018, a regional court in Mendi ruled against a losing candidate's challenge to a provincial election. Rioting followed, with looting and arson, including to a Link PNG plane at the regional airport.[6] The central government of Papua New Guinea declared a state of emergency, suspended the Southern Highlands provincial government, and sent over 200 Defence Force troops to maintain order. The state of emergency lasted for 9 months.[7]