Solomon Islands
Official Country Name
Solomon Islands
Solomon Islands Overview
The UK established a protectorate over the Solomon Islands in the 1890s. Some of the bitterest fighting of World War II occurred on this archipelago. Self-government was achieved in 1976 and independence two years later. Ethnic violence, government malfeasance, and endemic crime have undermined stability and civil society. In June 2003, Prime Minister Sir Allen KEMAKEZA sought the assistance of Australia in reestablishing law and order; the following month, an Australian-led multinational force arrived to restore peace and disarm ethnic militias. The Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI) has been very effective in restoring law and order and rebuilding government institutions.
Solomon Islands Economy
The bulk of the population depends on agriculture, fishing, and forestry for at least part of its 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. Prior to the arrival of the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI), severe ethnic violence, the closing of key businesses, and an empty government treasury culminated in economic collapse. RAMSI's efforts to restore law and order and economic stability have led to modest growth as the economy rebuilds.
Solomon Islands Location
Solomon Islands is located in Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, east of Papua New Guinea
Region
Solomon Islands is located in Oceania
Solomon Islands Population
Solomon Islands has population of 552,438 (July 2006 est.)
Solomon Islands Climate
Solomon Islands has tropical monsoon; few extremes of temperature and weather
Solomon Islands Terrain
mostly rugged mountains with some low coral atolls
Solomon Islands Natural Resources
typhoons, but rarely destructive; geologically active region with frequent earth tremors; volcanic activity
Ethnic Groups in Solomon Islands
Solomon Islands has the following ethnic groups - Melanesian 94.5%, Polynesian 3%, Micronesian 1.2%, other 1.1%, unspecified 0.2% (1999 census)
Solomon Islands Religions
Church of Melanesia 32.8%, Roman Catholic 19%, South Seas Evangelical 17%, Seventh-Day Adventist 11.2%, United Church 10.3%, Christian Fellowship Church 2.4%, other Christian 4.4%, other 2.4%, unspecified 0.3%, none 0.2% (1999 census)
Solomon Islands Languages
Melanesian pidgin in much of the country is lingua franca; English (official; but spoken by only 1%-2% of the population); 120 indigenous languages
Solomon Islands Capital
Solomon Islands capital is Honiara
Solomon Islands Currency
Solomon Islands currency is Solomon Islands dollar
Map of Solomon Islands
