Solomon Islands Location : Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, east of Papua New Guinea
Capital City : Honiara
Curreny : Solomon Islands dollar (SBD)
Languages Spoken : Melanesian pidgin in much of the country is lingua franca; English is official but spoken by only 1%-2% of the population note: 120 indigenous languages
Climate : tropical monsoon; few extremes of temperature and weather
National Holiday : Independence Day, 7 July (1978)
Background Information
The UK established a protectorate over the Solomon Islands in the 1890s. Some of the most bitter fighting of World War II occurred on these islands. Self-government was achieved in 1976 and independence two years later. Ethnic violence, government malfeasance, and endemic crime have undermined stability and civil society.
Geographical Note
strategic location on sea routes between the South Pacific Ocean, the Solomon Sea, and the Coral Sea
Economy
The bulk of the population depends on agriculture, fishing, and forestry for at least part of their livelihood. Most manufactured goods and petroleum products must be imported. The islands are rich in undeveloped mineral resources such as lead, zinc, nickel, and gold. However, severe ethnic violence, the closing of key business enterprises, and an empty government treasury have led to serious economic disarray, indeed near collapse. Tanker deliveries of crucial fuel supplies (including those for electrical generation) have become sporadic due to the government's inability to pay and attacks against ships. Telecommunications are threatened by the nonpayment of bills and by the lack of technical and maintenance staff many of whom have left the country.
Religions
Anglican 45%, Roman Catholic 18%, United (Methodist/Presbyterian) 12%, Baptist 9%, Seventh-Day Adventist 7%, other Protestant 5%, indigenous beliefs 4%
Ports : Aola Bay, Honiara, Lofung, Noro, Viru Harbor, Yandina
International Disputes - Risks to travellers
: none
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Solomon Islands
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