Solomon Islands Facts and Culture

What is Solomon Islands famous for?

• Cultural Attributes: The essence of village life and welfare is the wantok or 'one talk' system. Wantoks, who are people of the... More
• Family: The family unit consists of both parents and their children. The members of the extended family keep close ties. Generally,... More
• Personal Apperance: Dress is casual, with men wearing shorts and T-shirts, and women wearing under-the-knee skirts. Men and women often wear lavalavas... More
• Recreation: Recreational activities commonly found on the Solomon Islands: Diving and Snorkeling: The Solomon Islands are renowned for their stunning coral reefs... More
• Diet: Much of the food is grown in family gardens or wild food from the forest. Staples include cassava, sweet potato,... More
• Food and Recipes: Village breakfast may consist of the leftovers from last night's meal. Tea, coffee, and Milo are used more by urban... More
• Visiting: Visiting is a vital part of life in the Solomon Islands. Formal invitations are only for a feast, although townsfolk... More
• Dating: The wantoks arranged the traditional marriages. The groom's family customarily paid the bride's parents a bride price of shell money,... More

What is the capital of Solomon Islands?

Capital	Honiara
Government Type	parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm
Currency	Solomon Island Dollar (SBD)
Total Area	11,157 Square Miles 28,896 Square Kilometers
Location	Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, east of Papua New Guinea
Language	Melanesian pidgin in much of the country is lingua franca; English is official but spoken by only 1%-2% of the population.
GDP - real growth rate	3.3%
GDP - per capita (PPP)	$2,000.00 (USD)

What is the population of Solomon Islands?

Ethnic Groups	Melanesian 93%, Polynesian 4%, Micronesian 1.5%, European 0.8%, Chinese 0.3%, other 0.4%
Languages	While English is the official language, there are 65 indigenous languages spoken in the Solomons. Solomon Island Pijin enables islanders from differing language groups to communicate. The vocabulary is English, but the grammar is Melanesian. 93% are Melanesians, 4% are Polynesian, and some Micronesians re-settled from the Gilbert Islands.
Nationality Noun	Solomon Islander(s)
Population	685,097
Population Growth Rate	2.12%
Population in Major Urban Areas	HONIARA (capital) 68,000
Urban Population	20.500000

What type of government does Solomon Islands have?

Executive Branch	chief of state: King CHARLES III (since 8 September 2022); represented by Governor General David VUNAGI (since 8 July 2019) head of government: Prime Minister Manasseh SOGAVARE (since 24 April 2019) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch on the advice of the National Parliament for up to 5 years (eligible for a second term); following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or majority coalition usually elected prime minister by the National Parliament; deputy prime minister appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister from among members of the National Parliament election results: Manasseh SOGAVARE (OUR Party) elected prime minister on 24 April 2019
Suffrage	21 years of age; universal
Citizenship	citizenship by birth: no citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of the Solomon Islands dual citizenship recognized: no residency requirement for naturalization: 7 years
National Holiday	Independence Day, 7 July (1978)
Constitution	history: adopted 31 May 1978, effective 7 July 1978; note - in late 2017, provincial leaders agreed to adopt a new federal constitution; progress has been stalled, but as of February 2023, the draft constitution was with the Constitutional Review Unit in the prime minister's office amendments: proposed by the National Parliament; passage of constitutional sections, including those on fundamental rights and freedoms, the legal system, Parliament, alteration of the constitution and the ombudsman, requires three-fourths majority vote by Parliament and assent of the governor general; passage of other amendments requires two-thirds majority vote and assent of the governor general; amended several times, last in 2018
Independence	7 July 1978 (from the UK)

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What environmental issues does Solomon Islands have?

Climate	tropical monsoon; few extremes of temperature and weather
Environment - Current Issues	deforestation; soil erosion; many of the surrounding coral reefs are dead or dying
Environment - International Agreements	party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Environmental Modification, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Terrain	mostly rugged mountains with some low coral atolls

How big is the Solomon Islands economy?

Economic Overview	The Solomon Islands, a Pacific island nation, has been experiencing economic growth but faces challenges related to infrastructure, governance, and external shocks. Key Economic Indicators: GDP Growth: The Solomon Islands have seen modest economic growth in recent years, driven by sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, forestry, and mining. Tourism and services also contribute to the economy. Agriculture and Fisheries: Agriculture, including subsistence farming and cash crops, plays a significant economic role. The fishing industry is crucial for both domestic consumption and export. Forestry and Logging: The Solomon Islands export timber and logs, contributing to government revenue. However, concerns about sustainable forestry practices and their environmental impact have been raised. Mining: The mining sector, particularly the extraction of minerals like gold and bauxite, has contributed to economic activity and export earnings. Tourism: The tourism industry has growth potential, given the country's natural beauty and cultural attractions. However, limited infrastructure and transport connectivity have affected its development. Challenges and Issues: Infrastructure Deficiency: Limited infrastructure, including transportation and energy, challenges economic development. Improvements in these areas are crucial to support various economic sectors. Governance and Corruption: Governance issues, including concerns about corruption, have been raised. Strengthening governance structures is essential for sustainable economic development and attracting foreign investment. Vulnerability to External Shocks: The Solomon Islands are susceptible to external shocks, including natural disasters (cyclones and earthquakes) and global economic fluctuations. These events can impact critical sectors like agriculture and tourism. Youth Unemployment: Like many developing nations, the Solomon Islands face challenges related to youth unemployment. Creating opportunities for young people and fostering skill development is essential for long-term economic stability. Government Initiatives Development Plans: The government has implemented development plans to foster economic growth, reduce poverty, and address infrastructure challenges. These plans often focus on diversifying the economy. Foreign Aid and Assistance: Foreign aid and assistance, particularly from regional partners and international organizations, support development projects and address economic challenges. Natural Resource Management: Efforts are being made to ensure sustainable management of natural resources, especially in the forestry and fisheries sectors, to balance economic development with environmental conservation.
Industries	fish (tuna), mining, timber
Currency Name and Code	Solomon Island Dollar (SBD)
Export Partners	Japan 21.1%, China 18.9%, South Korea 15.6%, Philippines 10%, Thailand 7.8%, Singapore 4.4%
Import Partners	Australia 32.3%, Singapore 20.2%, Fiji 5.1%, New Zealand 5.1%, Papua New Guinea 4%

What current events are happening in Solomon Islands?
Source: Google News

What makes Solomon Islands a unique country to travel to?

Country Description

Solomon Islands form an archipelago in the Southwest Pacific Ocean approximately 1,200 miles northeast of Australia. The capital, Honiara, is located on the Island of Guadalcanal. Solomon Islands is a parliamentary democracy within the British Commonwealth. Tourism facilities are limited, particularly outside Honiara.

Crime

Petty theft is common in some parts of Solomon Islands, so take extra care while walking the streets, going to the market, or going out at night. Guided or group tours are generally safer than traveling alone. Landowners may demand money if you enter their land without permission. Home invasions, burglaries, and violent crime typically increase in the months approaching the Christmas holiday season.

Gang-based criminal activity has increased in and around the Burns Creek area in East Honiara and in the Borderline area, which is close to the Japanese WWII memorial. You should not go alone to the Japanese memorial . Use caution when shopping in the central market area as purse and mobile phone snatching is common. Police have established a post at the Market area where you can report crimes.

Yacht-related robberies have increased. The perpetrators—usually armed with knives and clubs—board yachts at night while the occupants are asleep and steal valuables and money. Most criminals are not deterred even when boats are anchored off-shore.

Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, you may be breaking local law too. Every care should be given when purchasing pharmaceuticals. There are no guarantees that the medicines you purchase in Solomon Islands are genuine.

Criminal Penalties

While you are traveling in another country, you are subject to its laws. U.S. laws don’t apply, and your U.S. passport won’t help you if you do something illegal overseas. Foreign laws, legal systems, and criminal penalties can be vastly different than those in the United States. There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States.

Based on the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, bilateral agreements, and customary international law, if you are arrested in Solomon Islands, you have the option to request that the police, prison officials, or other authorities alert the nearest U.S. embassy of your arrest. You may also request to have communications from you forwarded to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

Languages

While English is the official language, there are 65 indigenous languages spoken in the Solomons. Solomon Island Pijin enables islanders from differing language groups to communicate. The vocabulary is English, but the grammar is Melanesian. 93% are Melanesians, 4% are Polynesian, and some Micronesians re-settled from the Gilbert Islands.

Medical Facilities and Health Information

Hospitals and pharmacies in Solomon Islands are limited to populated areas and religious missions. The nearest reliable medical facilities are in Australia or New Zealand. There is a hyperbaric recompression chamber in Honiara at the In-the-Zone Medical Centre, phone (677) 23485 or (677) 23482; however, medical conditions resulting from diving accidents may require medical evacuation to Australia or New Zealand. Serious medical treatment requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to Australia, New Zealand, or the United States can cost thousands of dollars. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. If you anticipate the possible need for medical treatment in Australia, obtain entry permission for Australia in advance. Entry permission for Australia can be granted by the Australian High Commission in Honiara but is easier to obtain before you leave the United States (see section above on Entry/Exit Requirements).

Malaria occurs throughout the year in most areas of Solomon Islands. We recommend that you seek medical advice on taking prophylaxis against malaria and that you use an insect repellent at all times. Outbreaks of the mosquito-borne illness, dengue fever, occur from time to time. For information on dengue fever, see the World Health Organization Factsheet. Water-borne, food-borne, parasitic, and other infectious diseases (including hepatitis, tuberculosis, filariasis and sexually transmitted infections) are prevalent, with more serious outbreaks occurring from time to time. We encourage you to consider having vaccinations before traveling. We advise you to boil all drinking water or drink bottled water, and avoid ice cubes and raw and undercooked food. Seek medical advice if you have a fever or are suffering from diarrhea.

Safety and Security

Acts of political violence and civil unrest sometimes occur in Solomon Islands and may coincide with Parliamentary sessions and court cases. In November 2011, the election of a new Prime Minister was followed by protests in Honiara that resulted in some injuries and property damage. Civil unrest can also occur at sporting or cultural events that attract large crowds, especially if alcohol is involved.

You can obtain up-to-date safety and security information by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the U.S. and Canada, or by calling a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

Traffic Safety and Road Conditions

While in a foreign country, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Solomon Islands is provided for general reference only and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Traffic in Solomon Islands moves on the left side of the road. Paved roads are found only in and around Honiara. These two-lane paved roads are poorly marked and have many potholes. Roads are not well lit at night. The remaining roads in Solomon Islands are made of coral or gravel or are dirt tracks. Be careful when driving off main roads to avoid trespassing on communal land.