Solomon Islands

The Solomon Islands are a nation in the South Pacific Ocean, east of Papua New Guinea and is part of the British Commonwealth. It consists of more than 990 islands, which together cover a land mass of 28,000 square kilometres.

Solomon Islands

(In Detail) ()
National motto: To Lead is to Serve
Official language	English
Capital	Honiara
Queen	Elizabeth II
Governor General	Father John Lapli
Prime Minister	Sir Allan Kemakeza
Area  - Total  - % water	Ranked 140th 28,450 km² 3.2%
Population  - Total (2002)  - Density	Ranked 160th 480,442 17/km²
Independence  - Date	From the UK July 7, 1978
Currency	Solomon Islands dollar
Time zone	UTC +11
National anthem	God Save Our Solomon Islands
Internet TLD	.SB
Calling Code	677

Table of contents

1 History 2 Politics 3 Provinces 4 Geography 5 Economy 6 Culture 7 Miscellaneous topics 8 External links

History

Main article: History of the Solomon Islands

The United Kingdom established a protectorate over Solomon Islands in the 1890s. Some of the bitterest fighting of World War II occurred on these islands. Self-government was achieved in 1976 and independence was granted on July 7, 1978. Current issues include government deficits, deforestation, and malaria control.

Continuing civil unrest led to an almost complete breakdown in normal activity: civil servants remained unpaid for months at a time, and cabinet meetings had to be held in secret to prevent local warlords from interfering. The security forces were unable to reassert control, largely because many police and security personnel are associated with one or another of the rival gangs.

In July 2003 the Governor General of the Solomon Islands issued an official request for international help, which was subsequently endorsed by the government. A sizable international security contingent of 2,200 police and troops, led by Australia and New Zealand, and with representatives from about 20 other Pacific nations began arriving the next month under Operation Helpim Fren.

Politics

Main article: Politics of the Solomon Islands

The Solomon Islands is a parliamentary democracy within the Commonwealth of Nations, with a unicameral Parliament and a ministerial system of government. The British monarch is head of state and is represented by a governor general, chosen by the Parliament for a 5-year term. The national Parliament has 50 members, elected for 4-year terms. However, Parliament may be dissolved by majority vote of its members before the completion of its term. Parliamentary representation is based on single-member constituencies. Suffrage is universal for citizens over age 18. The prime minister, elected by Parliament, chooses the other members of the cabinet. Each ministry is headed by a cabinet member, who is assisted by a permanent secretary, a career public servant, who directs the staff of the ministry.

Solomon Islands governments are characterized by weak political parties and highly unstable parliamentary coalitions. They are subject to frequent votes of no confidence, and government leadership changes frequently as a result. Cabinet changes are common.

Provinces

Main article: Provinces of the Solomon Islands

The Solomon Islands are divided into 9 provinces and 1 capital territory*:

• Central
• Choiseul (Lauru)
• Guadalcanal
• Honiara*
• Isabel
• Makira
• Malaita
• Rennell/Bellona
• Temotu
• Western

Geography

Main article: Geography of the Solomon Islands

The Solomons Island are a wide island nation that lies East of Papua New Guinea and consists of many islands: Choiseul, the Shortland Islands, the New Georgia Islands, Santa Isabel, the Russel Islands, the Florida Islands, Malaita, Guadalcanal, Sikaiana, Maramasike, Ulawa, Uki, San Cristobal, Santa Ana, Rennell, Bellona and the Santa Cruz Islands. The distance between the most western and most eastern islands is about 1500 km. Especially the Santa Cruz Islands, North of Vanuatu, (of which Tikopia is part) are isolated at more than 200 km from the other islands. Volcanoes with varying degrees of activity are situated on some of the larger islands, while many of the smaller islands are simply tiny atolls covered in sand and palm trees.

Economy

Main article: Economy of the Solomon Islands

The bulk of the population depend 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. Economic troubles in Southeast Asia led to a steep downturn in the timber industry, and economic output declined by about 10% in 1998. The government instituted public service pay cuts and other retrenchments. The economy partially recovered in 1999 on the strength of rising international gold prices and the first full year of the Gold Ridge mining operation. However, the closure of the country's major palm oil plantation in mid-year cast a shadow over future prospects.

Culture

Main article: Culture of the Solomon Islands

Holidays

Date	English Name	Local Name	Remarks
July 7	Independence Day	(same)	Independence from UK in 1978

See also: Music of the Solomon Islands

Miscellaneous topics

• List of Solomon Islands-related topics
• List of Solomon Islanders
• Demographics of the Solomon Islands
• Communications in the Solomon Islands
• Transportation in the Solomon Islands
• Military of the Solomon Islands
• Foreign relations of the Solomon Islands

External links

• Government of the Solomon Islands

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