Solomon Islands

Solomon Islands Flag

Basic Information |Solomon Islands

Official NameSolomon Islands
Common NameSolomon Islands
ContinentOceania
RegionMelanesia (South Pacific)
Capital CityHoniara
Largest CityHoniara

Geography | Solomon Islands

Total Area (sq km)28,896
Land BordersNone (island nation)
Coastline~5,313 km
Major RiversMataniko, Lungga
Major MountainsMount Popomanaseu (highest, 2,335 m)
ClimateTropical rainforest; hot and humid year-round with wet and dry seasons

Demographics | Solomon Islands

Population~740,000 (2024 est.)
Population Density~25/sq km
Urbanization~25% (majority rural)
Official Language(s)English
Regional LanguagesSolomon Islands Pijin (widely spoken), plus 70+ indigenous languages
Major Ethnic GroupsMelanesian (~95%), Polynesian, Micronesian
Major ReligionsChristianity (Anglican, Roman Catholic, Protestant, Seventh-day Adventist)

Government & Politics | Solomon Islands

Government TypeParliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy
Current LeaderKing Charles III (Head of State), Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele (2024)
Administrative Divisions9 provinces
Independence / Founding Date7 July 1978 (from the United Kingdom)

Economy | Solomon Islands

CurrencySolomon Islands Dollar (SBD, $)
GDP (Nominal)~$1.7 billion (2024 est.)
GDP Per Capita~$2,300
Major IndustriesAgriculture (coconut, cocoa, rice), forestry, fishing, mining
Major ExportsTimber, fish, palm oil, cocoa
Major ImportsMachinery, fuel, manufactured goods, foodstuffs
Trade PartnersChina, Australia, Singapore, Japan, South Korea

Culture & Society | Solomon Islands

National SymbolsFlag (blue, green, and yellow with five white stars)
National SportFootball (soccer)
Famous FestivalsIndependence Day (7 July), Lagoon Festival
Cuisine HighlightsRoot crops (taro, yam), fish, coconut-based dishes
Literature & ArtsTraditional woodcarving, weaving, and music (panpipe ensembles)
UNESCO Heritage SitesEast Rennell (World Heritage Site)

Travel & Tourism | Solomon Islands

Top Tourist AttractionsMarovo Lagoon, Guadalcanal WWII battlefields, Mataniko Falls, Western Province diving spots
Best Time to VisitDry season (May–October)
Famous CitiesHoniara, Gizo, Auki, Kirakira
Visa RequirementMany nationalities require a visa (check regulations; some exemptions apply)

Other Key Facts | Solomon Islands

Time Zone(s)UTC+11
Internet Domain.sb
Calling Code+677
Major AirportsHoniara International Airport (Henderson Field), Gizo, Auki
Currency SymbolSI$
Literacy Rate~76%
Life Expectancy~73 years
Interesting FactThe Solomon Islands is home to the largest saltwater lagoon in the world (Marovo Lagoon).

Solomon Islands on the World Map

Solomon Islands on World Map

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