Solomon Islands
Flag Coat of arms
Motto: "To Lead is to Serve"
Anthem: God Save Our Solomon Islands Royal anthem: God Save the Queen
Capital (and largest city)		Honiara 9°28′S, 159°49′E
Official languages		English
Government		Constitutional monarchy
-	Queen	Queen Elizabeth II
-	Governor-General	Nathaniel Waena
-	Prime Minister	Manasseh Sogavare
Independence
-	from the UK	7 July 1978
Area
-	Total	28,896 km² (142nd) 11,157 sq mi
-	Water (%)	3.2%
Population
-	July 2005 estimate	478,000 (170th)
-	Density	17/km² (189th) 43/sq mi
GDP (PPP)		2005 estimate
-	Total	$911 million (171st)
-	Per capita	$1,894 (146th)
HDI (2004)		0.592 (medium) (128th)
Currency		Solomon Islands dollar (SBD)
Time zone		(UTC+11)
Internet TLD		.sb
Calling code		+677

The Solomon Islands is a nation in Melanesia, east of Papua New Guinea, consisting of nearly one thousand islands. Together they cover a land mass of 28,400 square kilometres (10,965 sq mi). The capital is Honiara, located on the island of Guadalcanal. Image File history File links Flag_of_the_Solomon_Islands. ... Image File history File links Coat_of_arms_of_Solomon_Islands. ... Flag ratio: 1:2 This is the national flag of the Solomon Islands. ... the coat of arms rule ... For other uses, see Motto (disambiguation). ... A national anthem is a generally patriotic musical composition that evokes and eulogizes the history, traditions and struggles of its people, recognized either by a countrys government as the official national song, or by convention through use by the people. ... God Save Our Solomon Islands is the national anthem of the Solomon Islands. ... A royal anthem is a patriotic song, much like a national anthem that recognizes the nations monarch. ... Publication of an early version in The Gentlemans Magazine, 15 October 1745. ... Wikipedia does not have an article with this exact name. ... Not to be confused with capitol. ... The Solomon Islanders comprise diverse cultures, languages, and customs. ... Honiara, population 49,107 (1999), is the capital of the Solomon Islands and of Guadalcanal Province, although it is a separately administered town. ... An official language is a language that is given a special legal status in the countries, states, and other territories. ... The English language is a West Germanic language that originates in England. ... Forms of government Part of the Politics series Politics Portal This box:      A constitutional monarchy is a form of government established under a constitutional system which acknowledges an elected or hereditary monarch as head of state, as opposed to an absolute monarchy, where the monarch is not bound by a... The Head of State of the Solomon Islands is Queen Elizabeth II. The Solomon Islands share the Sovereign with a number of Commonwealth realms. ... Elizabeth II (Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor; born 21 April 1926) is Queen of sixteen sovereign states, holding each crown and title equally. ... The Governor-General of the Solomon Islands is the de facto Head of State of the Solomon Islands, representing Queen Elizabeth II, who is styled Queen of the Solomon Islands. ... Sir Nathaniel Waena Rt Hon. ... List of Prime Ministers of the Solomon Islands Categories: | ... Religion: Jewish Manasseh Damukana Stein Sogavare (born 1954) is the current prime minister of the Solomon Islands as a member of the Peoples Progressive Party. ... is the 188th day of the year (189th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1978 (MCMLXXVIII) was a common year starting on Sunday (link displays the 1978 Gregorian calendar). ... This article is about the physical quantity. ... To help compare orders of magnitude of different geographical regions, we list here areas between 10,000 km² and 100,000 km². See also areas of other orders of magnitude. ... This is a list of the countries of the world sorted by area. ... A square mile is an English unit of area equal to that of a square with sides each 1 statute mile (≈1,609 m) in length. ... Impact from a water drop causes an upward rebound jet surrounded by circular capillary waves. ... A percentage is a way of expressing a proportion, a ratio or a fraction as a whole number, by using 100 as the denominator. ... This is a list of countries ordered according to population. ... Population density per square kilometre by country, 2006 Population density map of the world in 1994. ... Population density by country, 2006 List of countries and dependencies by population density in inhabitants/km². The list includes sovereign states and self-governing dependent territories that are recognized by the United Nations. ... The purchasing power parity (PPP) theory uses the long-term equilibrium exchange rate of two currencies to equalize their purchasing power. ... There are three lists of countries of the world sorted by their gross domestic product (GDP) (the value of all final goods and services produced within a nation in a given year). ... Per capita is a Latin phrase meaning for each head. ... This article includes two lists of countries of the world[1] sorted by their gross domestic product (GDP) at purchasing power parity (PPP) per capita, the value of all final goods and services produced within a nation in a given year divided by the average population for the same year. ... This page talks about Human Developpment Index, for other HDIs see HDI (disambiguation) World map indicating Human Development Index (2007). ... Image File history File links Red_Arrow_Down. ... World map indicating Human Development Index (2007) (Colour-blind compliant map) For red-green color vision problems. ... The Solomon Islands Dollar was introduced in 1975 to replace the Australian Dollar after independence. ... ISO 4217 is the international standard describing three letter codes (also known as the currency code) to define the names of currencies established by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). ... Timezone and TimeZone redirect here. ... UTC redirects here. ... A country code top-level domain (ccTLD) is a top-level domain used and reserved for a country or a dependent territory. ... .sb is the Internet country code top-level domain ( ccTLD) for Solomon Islands. ... This is a list of country calling codes defined by ITU-T recommendation E.164. ... map of Melanesia Melanesia (from Greek: μέλας black, νῆσος island) is a subregion of Oceania extending from the western side of the West Pacific to the Arafura Sea, north and northeast of Australia. ... A square mile is an English unit of area equal to that of a square with sides each 1 statute mile (≈1,609 m) in length. ... Honiara, population 49,107 (1999), is the capital of the Solomon Islands and of Guadalcanal Province, although it is a separately administered town. ... This article is about the island in the Pacific Ocean. ...

The Solomon Islands are believed to have been inhabited by Melanesian people for thousands of years. The United Kingdom established a protectorate over the Solomon Islands in the 1890s. Some of the most bitter fighting of World War II occurred in the Solomon Islands campaign of 1942-45, including the Battle of Guadalcanal. Self-government was achieved in 1976 and independence two years later. The country remains a Commonwealth Realm. map of Melanesia Melanesia (from Greek: μέλας black, νῆσος island) is a subregion of Oceania extending from the western side of the West Pacific to the Arafura Sea, north and northeast of Australia. ... Combatants Allied powers: China France Great Britain Soviet Union United States and others Axis powers: Germany Italy Japan and others Commanders Chiang Kai-shek Charles de Gaulle Winston Churchill Joseph Stalin Franklin Roosevelt Adolf Hitler Benito Mussolini Hideki Tōjō Casualties Military dead: 17,000,000 Civilian dead: 33,000... Combatants  United States  Australia New Guinea[1]  New Zealand  United Kingdom Colony of Fiji[2] Solomon Is. ... Operation Watchtower On August 7, 1942, the 1st Marine Division performed an amphibious landing east of the Tenaru River. ... The Commonwealth Realms, shown in pink A Commonwealth Realm is any one of the sixteen sovereign states within the Commonwealth of Nations that recognise Elizabeth II as their respective monarch. ...

Since 1998 ethnic violence, government misconduct and crime have undermined stability and civil society. In June 2003 an Australian-led multinational force, the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI), arrived to restore peace and disarm ethnic militias. Map of the Solomon Islands The Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI), also known as Operation Helpem Fren, was created in 2003 in response to a request for international aid by the Governor-General of the Solomon Islands. ...

The North Solomon Islands are divided between the independent Solomon Islands and Bougainville Province in Papua New Guinea. The North Solomons are the former German Solomon Islands in Melanesia which were part of German New Guinea. ... For other uses of Bougainville, see Bougainville. ...

History

Main article: History of the Solomon Islands

Solomon Island Warriors with Spears in Ornamented War Canoe

It is believed that Papuan speaking settlers began to arrive around 30,000 BC. Austronesian speakers arrived circa 4,000 BC also bringing cultural elements such as the outrigger canoe. It is between 1,200 and 800 BC that the ancestors of the Polynesians, the Lapita people, arrived from the Bismarck Archipelago with their characteristic ceramics.^[1] The first European to discover the islands was the Spanish navigator Álvaro de Mendaña de Neira, coming from Peru in 1568. This does not cite any references or sources. ... Image File history File links Solomon_Islands_canoe. ... Image File history File links Solomon_Islands_canoe. ... The East Papuan languages, also called the East Papuan phylum, is a hypothetical family of Papuan languages spoken on the islands east of New Guinea, including New Britain, New Ireland, Bougainville, the Solomon Islands, and the Santa Cruz Islands. ... The Austronesian languages are a family of languages widely dispersed throughout the islands of Southeast Asia and the Pacific, with a few members spoken on continental Asia. ... Outrigger canoe at El Nido, Philippines The outrigger canoe (Tagalog: bangka; Maori: waka; Hawaiian: waa) is a type of canoe featuring one or more lateral support floats known as outriggers, which are fastened to one or both sides of the main hull. ... Carving from the ridgepole of a Māori house, ca 1840 Polynesia (from Greek: πολύς many, νῆσος island) is a large grouping of over 1,000 islands scattered over the central and southern Pacific Ocean. ... Lapita is the common name of an ancient Pacific Ocean culture which is believed by some to be the common ancestor of several cultures in Polynesia and surrounding areas. ... The Bismarck Archipelago is a group of islands off the northeastern coast of New Guinea in the western Pacific Ocean, named in honour of the German chancellor Otto von Bismarck and belonging to Papua New Guinea. ... Ceramics can refer to: Ceramic, a type of material Ceramics (art), a fine art. ... For other uses, see Europe (disambiguation). ... Álvaro de Mendaña de Neira. ...

Missionaries began visiting the Solomons in the mid-19th century. They made little progress at first, because "blackbirding" (the often brutal recruitment of laborers for the sugar plantations in Queensland and Fiji) led to a series of reprisals and massacres. The evils of the labor trade prompted the United Kingdom to declare a protectorate over the southern Solomons in 1893. This was the basis of the British Solomon Islands Protectorate. In 1898 and 1899, more outlying islands were added to the protectorate; in 1900 the remainder of the archipelago, an area previously under German jurisdiction, was transferred to British administration apart from the islands of Buka and Bougainville which remained under German administration as part of German New Guinea (until they were occupied by Australia in 1914, after the commencement of World War I). Traditional trade and social intercourse between the western Solomon islands of Mono and Alu (the Shortlands) and the traditional societies in the south of Bougainville, however, continued without hindrance. Under the protectorate, missionaries settled in the Solomons, converting most of the population to Christianity. Blackbirding refers to the recruitment of people through trickery and kidnappings to work on plantations, particularly the sugar cane plantations of Queensland (Australia) and Fiji[1] , as well as in the early days of the pearling industry in Broome. ... Slogan or Nickname: Sunshine State, Smart State Motto(s): Audax at Fidelis (Bold but Faithful) Other Australian states and territories Capital Brisbane Government Constitutional monarchy Governor Quentin Bryce Premier Anna Bligh (ALP) Federal representation  - House seats 28  - Senate seats 12 Gross State Product (2004-05)  - Product ($m)  $158,506 (3rd... For other uses of Bougainville, see Bougainville. ... Buka Island from Space Buka Island is the second largest island in the Papua New Guinean province of Bougainville. ... Bougainville and neighbouring islands For other uses of Bougainville, see Bougainville. ...

World War II

In the early 20th century, several British and Australian firms began large-scale coconut planting. Economic growth was slow, however, and the islanders benefited little.^{[citation needed]} With the outbreak of World War II, most planters and traders were evacuated to Australia, and most cultivation ceased. Some of the most intense fighting of World War II occurred in the Solomons. The most significant of the Allied Forces' operations against the Japanese Imperial Forces was launched on August 7, 1942 with simultaneous naval bombardments and amphibious landings on the Florida Islands at Tulagi and Red Beach on Guadalcanal. The Battle of Guadalcanal became an important and bloody campaign fought in the Pacific War as the Allies began to repulse Japanese expansion. Of strategic importance during the war were the coastwatchers operating in remote locations, often on Japanese held islands, providing early warning and intelligence of Japanese naval, army and aircraft movements during the campaign. Sergeant-Major Jacob Vouza was a notable coastwatcher who after capture refused to divulge Allied information in spite of interrogation and torture by Japanese Imperial forces. He was awarded the highest award for bravery by the Americans. Islanders Biuku Gasa and Eroni Kumana would be noted by National Geographic for being the first to find the shipwrecked John F. Kennedy and his crew of the PT-109. They suggested using a coconut to write a rescue message for delivery by dugout canoe, which was later kept on his desk when he became the president of the United States. For other uses, see Coconut (disambiguation). ... Combatants Allied powers: China France Great Britain Soviet Union United States and others Axis powers: Germany Italy Japan and others Commanders Chiang Kai-shek Charles de Gaulle Winston Churchill Joseph Stalin Franklin Roosevelt Adolf Hitler Benito Mussolini Hideki Tōjō Casualties Military dead: 17,000,000 Civilian dead: 33,000... Anthem: Kimi ga Yo Imperial Reign Slogan: Fukoku Kyohei Enrich the Country, Strengthen the Military (a. ... is the 219th day of the year (220th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1942 (MCMXLII) was a common year starting on Thursday (the link will display the full 1942 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... This article is about the island in the Pacific Ocean. ... Operation Watchtower On August 7, 1942, the 1st Marine Division performed an amphibious landing east of the Tenaru River. ... Captain Martin Clemens, Australian Coastwatcher on Guadalcanal, rendered services to Allied forces during the battle for the island (August, 1942-February, 1943). ... Sergeant Major Sir Jacob Charles Vouza GM MBE (1900-15 March 1984) was a highly decorated Solomonese Coastwatcher and scout for the U.S. Marine Corps on Guadalcanal. ... Captain Martin Clemens, Australian Coastwatcher on Guadalcanal, rendered services to Allied forces during the battle for the island (August, 1942-February, 1943). ... Biuku Gasa was a Solomon Islands native who discovered John F. Kennedy and the rest of PT-109 crew following the ships collision with Japanese destroyer Amagiri near Plum Pudding Island on August 2, 1943. ... The National Geographic Society was founded in the USA on January 27, 1888, by 33 men interested in organizing a society for the increase and diffusion of geographical knowledge. ... John Kennedy and JFK redirect here. ... PT-109 redirects here. ...

The U.S. employment of tanks in Guadalcanal was hampered by the nature of the terrain

The Solomon Islands was one of the major staging areas of the South Pacific and was home to the legendary VMF214 BlackSheep Squadron commanded by Maj Greg(Pappy)Boyington. The group of islands was part of what was called the Slot . Image File history File links Download high resolution version (640x757, 109 KB) EMPLOYMENT OF TANKS in Guadalcanal was hampered by the nature of the terrain. ... Image File history File links Download high resolution version (640x757, 109 KB) EMPLOYMENT OF TANKS in Guadalcanal was hampered by the nature of the terrain. ...

Independence movement

Following the end of World War II, the British colonial government returned. The capital was moved from Tulagi to Honiara to take advantage of the infrastructure left behind by the U.S. military. A revolutionary movement known as Maasina Ruru helped to organize and focus a mass campaign of civil disobedience and strikes across the islands. There was much disorder and the leaders were jailed in late-1948. Throughout the 1950s, other indigenous dissident groups appeared and disappeared without gaining strength. In 1960, an advisory council of Solomon Islanders was superseded by a legislative council, and an executive council was created as the protectorate's policymaking body. The council was given progressively more authority. In 1974, a new constitution was adopted establishing a parliamentary democracy and ministerial system of government. In mid-1975, the name Solomon Islands officially replaced that of British Solomon Islands Protectorate. Tulagi, less commonly Tulaghi, is a small island (5. ... Honiara, population 49,107 (1999), is the capital of the Solomon Islands and of Guadalcanal Province, although it is a separately administered town. ... Maasina Ruru was an emancipation movement for self government and self determination during and after World War II, 1945-1950, credited with creating the movement towards independence for Solomon Islands. ... For other uses, see Civil disobedience (disambiguation). ...

On January 2, 1976, the Solomons became self-governing, and independence followed on July 7, 1978, the first post-independence government being elected in August 1980. The series of governments formed since have not performed to upgrade and build the country. Following the 1997 election of Bartholomew Ulufa'alu the political situation in the Solomons began to deteriorate. Governance was slipping as the performance of the police and other government agencies deteriorated due to what is commonly known as "the tensions". is the 2nd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1976 Pick up sticks(MCMLXXVI) was a leap year starting on Thursday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 188th day of the year (189th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1978 (MCMLXXVIII) was a common year starting on Sunday (link displays the 1978 Gregorian calendar). ... Bartholomew Ulufaalu (born 1950) was the Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands from August 27, 1997 to June 30, 2000. ...

The Tensions

Commonly referred to as the tensions or the ethnic tension, the initial civil unrest was mainly characterised by fighting between the Isatabu Freedom Movement (also known as the Guadalcanal Revolutionary Army) and the Malaita Eagle Force (as well as the Marau Eagle Force). (Although much of the conflict was between Guales and Malaitans, Kabutaulaka (2001) and Dinnen (2002) argue that the 'ethnic conflict' label is an oversimplification). For detailed discussions of The Tensions, see also Fraenkel (2004) and Moore (2004). Isatabu Freedom Movement (IFB) is a nationalist militant organization of the island of Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands. ... Malaita Eagles Force is a militant organisation, originating in the island of Malaita, in the Solomon Islands. ...

In late 1998, militants on the island of Guadalcanal commenced a campaign of intimidation and violence towards Malaitan settlers. During the next year, thousands of Malaitans fled back to Malaita or to the capital, Honiara (which, although situated on Guadalcanal, is predominantly populated by Malaitans and Solomon Islanders from other provinces). In 1999, the Malaita Eagle Force (MEF) was established in response. Malaita Eagles Force is a militant organisation, originating in the island of Malaita, in the Solomon Islands. ...

The reformist government of Bartholomew Ulufa'alu struggled to respond to the complexities of this evolving conflict. In late 1999, the government declared a four month state of emergency. There were also a number of attempts at reconciliation ceremonies but to no avail. He also requested assistance from Australia and New Zealand in 1999 but this was rejected. Bartholomew Ulufaalu (born 1950) was the Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands from August 27, 1997 to June 30, 2000. ...

In June 2000, Ulufa'alu was kidnapped by militia members of the MEF who felt that although he was a Malaitan, he was not doing enough to protect their interests. Ulufa'alu subsequently resigned in exchange for his release. Manasseh Sogavare, who had earlier been Finance Minister in Ulufa'alu's government but had subsequently joined the opposition, was elected as Prime Minister by 23-21 over Rev. Leslie Boseto. However Sogavare's election was immediately shrouded in controversy because six MPs (thought to be supporters of Boseto) were unable to attend parliament for the crucial vote (Moore 2004, n.5 on p.174). Malaita Eagles Force is a militant organisation, originating in the island of Malaita, in the Solomon Islands. ... Religion: Jewish Manasseh Damukana Stein Sogavare (born 1954) is the current prime minister of the Solomon Islands as a member of the Peoples Progressive Party. ...

In October 2000, the Townsville Peace Agreement [3], was signed by the Malaita Eagle Force, elements of the IFM and the Solomon Islands Government. This was closely followed by the Marau Peace agreement in February 2001, signed by the Marau Eagle Force, the Isatabu Freedom Movement, the Guadalcanal Provincial Government and the Solomon Islands Government. However, a key Guale militant leader, Harold Keke, refused to sign the Agreement, causing a split with the Guale groups. Subsequently, Guale signatories to the Agreement led by Andrew Te'e joined with the Malaitan-dominated police to form the 'Joint Operations Force'. During the next two years the conflict moved to the Weathercoast of Guadalcanal as the Joint Operations unsuccessfully attempted to capture Keke and his group. the townsville peace agreement was sign in Townsville between the Malaita Eagle Force and the Isatabu Freedom Movement ...

New elections in December 2001 brought Sir Allan Kemakeza into the Prime Minister’s chair with the support of his People's Alliance Party and also the Association of Independent Members. Law and order deteriorated as the nature of the conflict shifted: there was continuing violence on the Weathercoast whilst militants in Honiara increasingly turned their attention to crime and extortion. The Department of Finance would often be surrounded by armed men when funding was due to arrive. In December 2002, Finance Minister Laurie Chan resigned after being forced at gunpoint to sign a cheque made out to some of the militants. Conflict also broke out in Western Province between locals and Malaitan settlers. Renegade members of the Bougainville Revolutionary Army (BRA) were invited in as a protection force but ended up causing as much trouble as they prevented. Sir Allan Kemakeza (born 1951) is the current Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands. ...

The prevailing atmosphere of lawlessness, widespread extortion and ineffective police prompted a formal request by the Solomon Islands Government for outside help. With the country bankrupt and the capital in chaos, the request was unanimously supported in Parliament.

In July 2003, Australian and Pacific Island police and troops arrived in the Solomon Islands under the auspices of the Australian-led Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI). 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 Helpem Fren. Since this time some commentators have considered the country a failed state.^[2] Map of the Solomon Islands The Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI), also known as Operation Helpem Fren, was created in 2003 in response to a request for international aid by the Governor-General of the Solomon Islands. ... Map of the Solomon Islands Operation Helpem Fren, also known as the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI), was created in response to a request for international aid by the Governor General of the Solomon Islands. ... For Noam Chomskys 2006 book, see Failed States (book). ...

In April 2006 allegations that the newly elected Prime Minister Snyder Rini had used bribes from Chinese businessmen to buy the votes of members of Parliament led to mass rioting in the capital Honiara. A deep underlying resentment against the minority Chinese business community led to much of Chinatown in the city being destroyed. Tensions had also been increased by the belief that large sums of money were being exported to China. China sent chartered aircraft to evacuate hundreds of Chinese who fled to avoid the riots. Evacuation of Australian and British citizens was on a much smaller scale. Further Australian, New Zealand and Fijian troops were dispatched to try to quell the unrest. Rini eventually resigned before facing a motion of no-confidence in Parliament, and Parliament elected Manasseh Sogavare as Prime Minister. Snyder Rini (born July 17, 1949) was the Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands for eight days during April 2006. ... Honiara, population 49,107 (1999), is the capital of the Solomon Islands and of Guadalcanal Province, although it is a separately administered town. ... Religion: Jewish Manasseh Damukana Stein Sogavare (born 1954) is the current prime minister of the Solomon Islands as a member of the Peoples Progressive Party. ...

Further reading

• Randell, N (2003) "The White Headhunter" Carroll & Graf Publishers, New York
• Dinnen (2002) ‘Winners and losers: politics and disorder in the Solomon Islands 2000-2002’, The Journal of Pacific History, Vol.37, No.3, pp.285-98.
• Fraenkel, J (2004) The Manipulation of Custom: from uprising to intervention in the Solomon Islands, Pandanus Books, Sydney
• Moore, C (2004) Happy Isles in Crisis: the historical hauses for a failing state in Solomon Islands, 1998-2004, Asia Pacific Press, Canberra
• Kabutaulaka, T (2001) ‘Beyond ethnicity: the political economy of the Guadalacanal crisis in Solomon Islands’, SSGM Working Paper 01/1

Sport

The Solomon Islands national football team made history by becoming the first team to beat New Zealand into qualifying for a play-off spot against Australia for qualification to the World Cup 2006. They were soundly beaten 7-0 in Australia and 2-1 at home. First International Fiji 6 - 0 Solomon Islands (Fiji; December 15, 1963) Largest win Solomon Islands 17 - 0 Wallis & Futuna (Papua New Guinea; September ??, 1991) Worst defeat Tahiti 18 - 0 Solomon Islands (Fiji; December 17, 1963) World Cup Appearances none (First in -) Best result - OFC Nations Cup Appearances 5 (First in... 2006 World Cup redirects here. ...

2007 earthquake and tsunami

Main article: 2007 Solomon Islands earthquake and tsunami

On 2 April 2007, the Solomon Islands were struck by a major earthquake followed by a large tsunami. Initial reports indicated that the tsunami, which mainly affected the small island of Gizo, was several metres in height (perhaps as high as 10 metres (39 ft) according to some reports, 5 metres (16 1/3 ft) according to the Foreign Office). The tsunami was triggered by an 8.1 magnitude earthquake, with an epicenter 217 miles (349 km) northwest of the island's capital, Honiara, at Lat -8.453 Long 156.957 and at a depth of 10 kilometres (6.2 miles).^[3] The 2007 Solomon Islands earthquake took place on April 2, 2007, near the island of Gizo, in the Solomon Islands. ... is the 92nd day of the year (93rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... For other uses, see Tsunami (disambiguation). ... A map of Gizo Island Gizo is the capital of the Western province in the Solomon Islands. ... Honiara, population 49,107 (1999), is the capital of the Solomon Islands and of Guadalcanal Province, although it is a separately administered town. ...

According to the United States Geologic Survey the earthquake struck at 20:39:56 UTC on Sunday, 1 April 2007. Since the initial event and up until 22:00:00 UTC on Wednesday, 4 April 2007, more than 44 aftershocks of a magnitude of 5.0 or greater were recorded in the region.

The death toll from the resulting tsunami was at least 52 people, and the tsunami destroyed more than 900 homes and has left thousands of people homeless.^[4]

Land thrust from the quake has extended out from the shoreline of one island, Ranongga, by up to 70 meters (230 ft) according to local residents.^[5] This has left many once pristine coral reefs exposed on the newly formed beaches. Landsat composite image of the southwestern New Georgia Islands Ranongga is an island located in the New Georgia Islands group of Western Province, Solomon Islands. ...

Politics

Main article: Politics of the Solomon Islands

The Solomon Islands are a constitutional monarchy and have a parliamentary system of government. The Monarch of the Solomon Islands is the head of state; she is represented by the Governor-General who is chosen by the Parliament for a five-year term. There is a unicameral parliament of 50 members, elected for four-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 head of government is the Prime Minister, who is elected by Parliament and 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. Elizabeth II, Queen of the Solomon Islands The Solomon Islands is a parliamentary democracy within the Commonwealth, with a unicameral Parliament and a ministerial system of government. ... Forms of government Part of the Politics series Politics Portal This box:      A constitutional monarchy is a form of government established under a constitutional system which acknowledges an elected or hereditary monarch as head of state, as opposed to an absolute monarchy, where the monarch is not bound by a... States currently utilizing parliamentary systems are denoted in red and orange—the former being constitutional monarchies where authority is vested in a parliament, and the latter being parliamentary republics whose parliaments are effectively supreme over a separate head of state. ... The Head of State of the Solomon Islands is Queen Elizabeth II. The Solomon Islands share the Sovereign with a number of Commonwealth realms. ... For the comedy film of the same name, see Head of State (film). ... The Governor-General of the Solomon Islands is the de facto Head of State of the Solomon Islands, representing Queen Elizabeth II, who is styled Queen of the Solomon Islands. ... The House of Representatives Chamber of the Parliament of Australia in Canberra. ... Unicameralism is the practice of having only one legislative or parliamentary chamber. ... The head of government is the chief officer of the executive branch of a government, often presiding over a cabinet. ... List of Prime Ministers of the Solomon Islands Categories: | ... This article is about the governmental body. ... The Permanent Secretary, in most departments officially titled the Permanent Under-Secretary of State (although the full title is rarely used), is the most senior civil servant of a British Government ministry, charged with running the department on a day-to-day basis. ...

Solomon Islands governments are characterized by weak political parties (see List of political parties in Solomon Islands) 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. Political parties in Solomon Islands lists political parties in Solomon Islands. ...

Land ownership is reserved for Solomon Islanders. The law provides that resident expatriates, such as the Chinese and Kiribati, may obtain citizenship through naturalization. Land generally is still held on a family or village basis and may be handed down from mother or father according to local custom. The islanders are reluctant to provide land for nontraditional economic undertakings, and this has resulted in continual disputes over land ownership.

No military forces are maintained by the Solomon Islands, although a police force of nearly 500 includes a border protection unit. The police also are responsible for fire service, disaster relief, and maritime surveillance. The police force is headed by a commissioner, appointed by the governor-general and responsible to the prime minister. On 27 December 2006, the Solomon Islands Government said it had taken steps to prevent the country's Australian police chief from returning to the Pacific nation. On 12 January 2007, Australia replaced its top diplomat expelled from the Solomon Islands for political interference in a conciliatory move aimed at easing a four-month dispute between the two countries. December 27 is the 361st day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (362nd in leap years). ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 12th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ...

On 11 July 2007, the Solomon Islands swore Julian Moti in as their Attorney General. Moti is currently wanted in Australia for child-related sex offences. Australian Prime Minister John Howard called the move "quite extraordinary". Australia's Foreign Minister Alexander Downer has described the country as the "laughing stock" of the civilised world.^[6]. However the Australian charges against Moti relate to events in Vanuatu, and parallel charges which the courts in Vanuatu dismissed in the 1990s. Julian Moti has attracted Australian attention because he advised the Solomons Government to inquire into the role of Australian police in provoking the 2006 Honiara riots. Julian Moti QC (Solomon Islands), CSI, BA (Hons) (Sydney), LLB (Australian National University), GDLP (University of Technology, Sydney) is the recently appointed Attorney-General of the Solomon Islands and was at the centre of an international row over attempts by Australia to have Moti extradited from Papua New Guinea to... John Winston Howard (born 26 July 1939) is an Australian politician and the 25th Prime Minister of Australia. ... Alexander John Gosse Downer, MP (born 9 September 1951), Australian politician, became Foreign Minister of Australia in March 1996 This makes him the longest serving Foreign Minister in Australian history. ...

Provinces

Map of the Solomon Islands

Main article: Provinces of the Solomon Islands

For local government, the country is divided into 10 administrative areas, of which nine are provinces administered by elected provincial assemblies, and the 10th is the town of Honiara, administered by the Honiara Town Council. Solomon Islands map (modified from PCL map collection Courtesy of the University of Texas Libraries, The University of Texas at Austin. ... Solomon Islands map (modified from PCL map collection Courtesy of the University of Texas Libraries, The University of Texas at Austin. ... The Solomon Islands are divided into 9 provinces and 1 capital territory*: Central Choiseul (Lauru) Guadalcanal Honiara* Isabel Makira Malaita Rennell and Bellona Temotu Western Categories: Oceania geography stubs ...

• Central
• Choiseul
• Guadalcanal
• Honiara, Town
• Isabel
• Makira-Ulawa
• Malaita
• Rennell and Bellona
• Temotu
• Western

The Central Province is one of the provinces of the Solomon Islands. ... Choiseul Province is one of the provinces of the Solomon Islands. ... Guadalcanal Province is one of the provinces of the Solomon Islands. ... Honiara, population 49,107 (1999), is the capital of the Solomon Islands and of Guadalcanal Province, although it is a separately administered town. ... Isabel Province is one of the provinces of the Solomon Islands. ... Makira-Ulawa Province is one of the provinces of the Solomon Islands. ... Malaita Province is one of the largest provinces of the Solomon Islands. ... Rennell and Bellona is a province of the Solomon Islands comprised of two atolls, Rennell and Bellona, or Mu Nggava and Mu Ngiki respectively in Polynesian. ... Temotu Province is one of the provinces of the Solomon Islands. ... Western Province is one of the provinces of the Solomon Islands. ...

Foreign relations

Main article: Foreign relations of the Solomon Islands

Solomon Islands is a member of the United Nations, Commonwealth, South Pacific Commission, South Pacific Forum, International Monetary Fund, and the European Economic Community/African, Caribbean, Pacific Group (EEC/ACP)/(Lome Convention). Countries with diplomatic missions in the Solomon Islands are Australia, United Kingdom, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and Japan. ... UN and U.N. redirect here. ... The Commonwealth of Nations as of 2007 Headquarters Marlborough House, London, UK Official languages English Membership 53 sovereign states Leaders  -  Queen Elizabeth II  -  Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma Appointed 24 November 2007 Establishment  -  Balfour Declaration 18 November 1926   -  Statute of Westminster 11 December 1931   -  London Declaration 28 April 1949  Area  -  Total... SPC is a TLA that may stand for: St. ... The Pacific Islands Forum is an inter-governmental consultative process which aims to enhance cooperation between the countries of the Pacific Ocean and represent their interests. ... IMF redirects here. ...

The political stage of the Solomon Islands is further influenced by its diplomatic importance to the Republic of China on Taiwan and the People's Republic of China. The Solomon Islands gives diplomatic recognition to the ROC, recognizing it as the sole-legitimate Government of all of China, giving Taiwan vital votes in the United Nations. Lucrative investments, political funding and preferential loans from both the ROC and PRC are increasingly manipulating the political landscape of the Solomon Islands. This article is about the foreign relations of the Republic of China on Taiwan. ... Diplomatic recognition is a political act by which one state acknowledges an act or status of another state or government, thereby according it legitimacy and expressing its intent to bring into force the domestic and international legal consequences of recognition. ... UN and U.N. redirect here. ...

Relations with Papua New Guinea, which had become strained because of an influx of refugees from the Bougainville rebellion and attacks on the northern islands of the Solomon Islands by elements pursuing Bougainvillean rebels, have been repaired. A peace accord on Bougainville confirmed in 1998 has removed the armed threat, and the two nations regularized border operations in a 2004 agreement. Bougainville and neighbouring islands For other uses of Bougainville, see Bougainville. ...

Military

Although the locally-recruited British Solomon Islands Protectorate Defence Force was part of Allied forces taking part in fighting in the Solomons during World War II, the country has not had any regular military forces since independence. The various paramilitary elements of the Royal Solomon Islands Police (RSIP) were disbanded in 2003 following the intervention of the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI), and the RSIP was disarmed. RAMSI has a small military detachment headed by an Australian commander with responsibilities for assisting the police element of RAMSI in internal and external security. The RSIP still operates two patrol boats (RSIPV Auki and RSIPV Lata) which constitute the navy of the Solomon Islands. The British Solomon Islands Protectorate Defence Force (BSIPDF) was the British colonial military force of the British Solomon Islands Protectorate. ... This article is about the independent states that comprised the Allies. ...

In the long-term it is anticipated that the RSIP will resume the defense role. The police force is headed by a commissioner, appointed by the governor general and responsible to the prime minister. A Governor-General is most generally a governor of high rank, or a principal governor ranking above ordinary governors. ...

The police budget of the Solomon Islands has been strained due to a four-year civil war. Following Cyclone Zoe's strike on the islands of Tikopia and Anuta in December 2002, Australia had to provide the Solomon Islands government with 200,000 Solomons ($50,000 Australian) for fuel and supplies for the patrol boat Lata to sail with relief supplies. (Part of the work of RAMSI includes assisting the Solomon Islands Government to stabilise its budget.) A civil war is a war in which parties within the same culture, society or nationality fight against each other for the control of political power. ... Severe tropical cyclone Zoe was one of the most intense tropical cyclones which have been detected at Southern Pacific Ocean. ... Tikopia is the southernmost of the Santa Cruz Islands, located in the province of Temotu. ... Anuta is a small high island in the southeastern part of the Solomon Islands province of Temotu. ... Map of the Solomon Islands Operation Helpem Fren, also known as the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI), was created in 2003 in response to a request for international aid by the Governor General of the Solomon Islands. ...

Geography

Main article: Geography of the Solomon Islands

The Florida Islands from the air. Photo by Jim Lounsbury

The Solomon Islands is 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 Russell Islands; Nggela (the Florida Islands); Malaita; Guadalcanal; Sikaiana; Maramasike; Ulawa; Uki; Makira (San Cristobal); Santa Ana; Rennell and Bellona; the Santa Cruz Islands and three remote, tiny outliers, Tikopia, Anuta, and Fatutaka. The distance between the westernmost and easternmost islands is about 1,500 kilometres (930 mi). The Santa Cruz Islands (of which Tikopia is part), are situated north of Vanuatu and are especially isolated at more than 200 kilometres (120 mi) from the other islands. Bougainville is geographically part of the Solomon Islands, but politically Papua New Guinea. Location The Solomon Islands are a wide island nation in the South Pacific Ocean, 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... Image File history File linksMetadata No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File linksMetadata No higher resolution available. ... Choiseul Island seen from space Topographic map of Choiseul. ... The Shortland Islands are group of islands belonging to the Solomon Islands. ... Solomon Islands New Georgia Islands The New Georgia Islands are part of the Western Province of the Solomon Islands. ... Solomon Islands map, highlighting Santa Isabel Santa Isabel, neighbouring islands, and towns and villages Santa Isabel Island is the longest in the Solomon Islands, South Pacific, and the largest in Isabel Province. ... The Russell Islands are two important small islands, as well as several islets, of volcanic origin, in the central Solomon Islands. ... The Florida Islands (or Nggela Islands) are a small island group in the Central Province (Solomon Islands) of the Solomon Islands, a nation in the western Pacific Ocean. ... Map of the Florida Islands The Florida Islands (or Nggela Islands) are a small island group in the Central Province of the Solomon Islands, a nation in the western Pacific Ocean. ... Malaita Province is one of the largest provinces of the Solomon Islands. ... Guadalcanal, a 2,510 square mile (6,500 km²) island in the Pacific Ocean and a province of the Solomon Islands, is largely a jungle. ... Sikaiana formerly called Stewart Islands is a small atoll 212 km NE of Malaita. ... South Malaita Island, also known as Small Malaita and Maramasike, is a small island at the southern tip of the larger island of Malaita in the eastern part of the Solomon Islands. ... Uki can mean: Uki, New South Wales an Australian town Uki in Solomon Islands This is a disambiguation page — a navigational aid which lists other pages that might otherwise share the same title. ... The Island of Makira (formerly San Cristobal) in the Solomon Islands is the largest island of Makira/Ulawa Province. ... The Island of Makira (formerly San Cristobal) in the Solomon Islands is the largest island of Makira Province. ... Rennell and Bellona is a province of the Solomon Islands comprised of two atolls, Rennell and Bellona, or Mu Nggava and Mu Ngiki respectively in Polynesian. ... The Santa Cruz Islands are a group of islands in the Pacific Ocean, part of Temotu Province of the Solomon Islands. ... Tikopia is the southernmost of the Santa Cruz Islands, located in the province of Temotu. ... Anuta is a small high island in the southeastern part of the Solomon Islands province of Temotu. ... Fatutaka or Fatu Taka is a small high island in the Solomon Islands province of Temotu. ... “Miles” redirects here. ... Tikopia is the southernmost of the Santa Cruz Islands, located in the province of Temotu. ... Bougainville and neighbouring islands For other uses of Bougainville, see Bougainville. ...

The islands' ocean-equatorial climate is extremely humid throughout the year, with a mean temperature of 27 °C (80 °F) and few extremes of temperature or weather. June through August is the cooler period. Though seasons are not pronounced, the northwesterly winds of November through April bring more frequent rainfall and occasional squalls or cyclones. The annual rainfall is about 3050 mm (120 in).

The Solomon Islands archipelago is part of two distinct terrestrial ecoregions. Most of the islands are part of the Solomon Islands rain forests ecoregion, which also includes the islands of Bougainville and Buka, which are part of Papua New Guinea, these forests have come under pressure from forestry activities. The Santa Cruz Islands are part of the Vanuatu rain forests ecoregion, together with the neighboring archipelago of Vanuatu. Soil quality ranges from extremely rich volcanic (there are volcanoes with varying degrees of activity on some of the larger islands) to relatively infertile limestone. More than 230 varieties of orchids and other tropical flowers brighten the landscape. The Mergui Archipelago The Archipelago Sea, situated between the Gulf of Bothnia and the Gulf of Finland, the largest archipelago in the world by the number of islands. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ... The Solomon Islands rain forests are a terrestrial ecoregion which includes most of the Solomon Islands (except the Santa Cruz Islands) and the islands of Bougainville and Buka, which are part of Papua New Guinea. ... Bougainville and neighbouring islands For other uses of Bougainville, see Bougainville. ... The Santa Cruz Islands are a group of islands in the Pacific Ocean, part of Temotu Province of the Solomon Islands. ... The Vanuatu rain forests are a terrestrial ecoregion that includes the islands of Vanuatu, as well as the Santa Cruz Islands group of the neighboring Solomon Islands. ... Cleveland Volcano in the Aleutian Islands of Alaska photographed from the International Space Station For other uses, see Volcano (disambiguation). ...

The islands contain several active and dormant volcanoes. Tinakula and Kavachi volcanoes are the most active.

Economy

Main article: Economy of the Solomon Islands

Its per capita GDP of $600 ranks Solomon Islands as a lesser developed nation, and more than 75% of its labor force is engaged in subsistence and fishing. Most manufactured goods and petroleum products must be imported. Until 1998, when world prices for tropical timber fell steeply, timber was Solomon Islands main export product, and, in recent years, Solomon Islands forests were dangerously overexploited. Other important cash crops and exports include copra and palm oil. In 1998 Ross Mining of Australia began producing gold at Gold Ridge on Guadalcanal. Minerals exploration in other areas continued. However in the wake of the ethnic violence in June 2000, exports of palm oil and gold ceased while exports of timber fell. The islands are rich in undeveloped mineral resources such as lead, zinc, nickel, and gold. A per capita GDP of $340 ranks Solomon Islands as a lesser developed nation. ... Copra drying in the sun Copra is the dried meat, or kernel, of the coconut. ... Palm oil from Ghana with its natural dark color visible, 2 litres Palm oil block showing the lighter color that results from boiling. ... Gold Ridge is a mine located at 9°36’S, 160°08’E, in 30km SE of Honiara, Solomon Islands. ... For other uses, see Mineral (disambiguation). ... This article is about the metal. ... General Name, symbol, number zinc, Zn, 30 Chemical series transition metals Group, period, block 12, 4, d Appearance bluish pale gray Standard atomic weight 65. ... For other uses, see Nickel (disambiguation). ... GOLD refers to one of the following: GOLD (IEEE) is an IEEE program designed to garner more student members at the university level (Graduates of the Last Decade). ...

Exploitation of Solomon Islands' fisheries also offers prospects for export and domestic economic expansion. However, a Japanese joint venture, Solomon Taiyo Ltd., which operated the only fish cannery in the country, closed in mid-2000 as a result of the ethnic disturbances. Though the plant has reopened under local management, the export of tuna has not resumed. Negotiations are underway which may lead to the eventual reopening of the Gold Ridge mine and the major oil-palm plantation.

Tourism, particularly diving, is an important service industry for Solomon Islands. Growth in that industry is hampered, however, by lack of infrastructure and transportation limitations.

The Solomon Islands Government was insolvent by 2002. Since the RAMSI intervention in 2003, the government has recast its budget, and has taken a hard look at priorities. It has consolidated and renegotiated its domestic debt and with Australian backing, is now seeking to renegotiate its foreign obligations. Principal aid donors are Australia, New Zealand, the European Union, Japan, and the Republic of China.

Recently, the Solomons courts have re-approved the export of live dolphins for profit, most recently to Dubai, Arab Emirates. This practice was originally stopped by the government in 2004 after international uproar over a shipment of 28 live dolphins to Mexico. The move has resulted in criticism from both Australia and New Zealand as well as several conservation organisations.

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of the Solomon Islands

As of 2006 the majority 552,438 people on the Solomon Islands are ethnically Melanesian (94.5%), Polynesian (3%) and Micronesian (1.2%) are the two other significant groups.^[7] The Solomon Islanders comprise diverse cultures, languages, and customs. ... 2006 is a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Melanesia (from Greek black islands) is a region extending from the west Pacific to the Arafura Sea, north and north-east of Australia. ... Polynesian is an adjectival form which refers variously to: Polynesian pie Polynesian sauce, a food condiment available at Chick-fil-A the aboriginal inhabitants of Polynesia, and their: Polynesian culture Polynesian mythology Polynesian languages Category: ...

There were 74 languages spoken in the Solomon Islands, although four of these are extinct.^[8] On the central islands, Melanesian languages (predominantly of the Southeast Solomonic group) are spoken, on the outliers Rennell and Bellona to the south, Tikopia, Anuta and Fatutaka to the far east, Sikaiana to the north east, and Luaniua (Ontong Java Atoll, Lord Howe Atoll) to the north, Polynesian languages. Immigrant populations of Gilbertese (i-Kiribati) and Tuvaluans speak Micronesian languages. While English is the official language, only 1-2% of the population speak English; the lingua franca is Solomons Pijin. Melanesian languages are the indigenous languages of Melanesia. ... The family of Southeast Solomonic languages is a subgroup of the Central-Eastern Oceanic languages. ... Rennell and Bellona is a province of the Solomon Islands comprised of two atolls, Rennell and Bellona, or Mu Nggava and Mu Ngiki respectively in Polynesian. ... Bellona may refer to: The goddess Bellona, the Roman counterpart of to the Greek goddess Enyo. ... Tikopia is the southernmost of the Santa Cruz Islands, located in the province of Temotu. ... Anuta is a small high island in the southeastern part of the Solomon Islands province of Temotu. ... Fatutaka or Fatu Taka is a small high island in the Solomon Islands province of Temotu. ... Sikaiana formerly called Stewart Islands is a small atoll 212 km NE of Malaita. ... Ontong Java Atoll is the northernmost tract of land in the Solomon Islands and an outlying part of the province of Malaita. ... The Polynesian languages are a language family spoken in the region known as Polynesia. ... The family of Micronesian languages is a subgroup of the Remote Oceanic languages. ... The English language is a West Germanic language that originates in England. ... Lingua franca, literally Frankish language in Italian, was originally a mixed language consisting largely of Italian plus a vocabulary drawn from Turkish, Persian, French, Greek and Arabic and used for communication throughout the Middle East. ... Pijin is a language spoken in the Solomon Islands. ...

Religion

The religion of Solomon Islands is about 97% Christian with following denominations: the Anglican Church of Melanesia 32.8%, Roman Catholic 19%, South Seas Evangelical Church 17%, Seventh-day Adventist 11.2%, United Church 10.3%, Christian Fellowship Church 2.4%, other Christian 4.4%. The remaining 2.9% practice indigenous religious beliefs and other faiths such as The Baha'i Faith and Islam.^[9] Topics in Christianity Movements · Denominations · Other religions Ecumenism · Preaching · Prayer Music · Liturgy · Calendar Symbols · Art · Criticism Important figures Apostle Paul · Church Fathers Constantine · Athanasius · Augustine Anselm · Aquinas · Palamas · Luther Calvin · Wesley Arius · Marcion of Sinope Archbishop of Canterbury · Catholic Pope Coptic Pope · Ecumenical Patriarch Christianity Portal This box:      Christianity is... The Church of the Province of Melanesia, usually called the Church of Melanesia or COM, is the Anglican Province in the Melanesian countries of Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and New Caledonia. ... The Roman Catholic Church, most often spoken of simply as the Catholic Church, is the largest Christian church, with over one billion members. ... The South Seas Evangelical Church (SSEC) is an non-denominational evangelical church in the Solomon Islands. ... The Seventh-day Adventist (abbreviated Adventist[1]) Church is a Christian denomination which is distinguished by its observance of Saturday, the seventh day of the week, as the Sabbath. ... The United Church in Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands is merged denomination dating from 1968 consisting of the former London Missionary Society (operating exclusively in Papua), the relatively marginal Presbyterian church (largely confined to Port Moresby itself) and the Methodist mission (largely operating in the New Guinea Islands... Seat of the Universal House of Justice, governing body of the Baháís, in Haifa, Israel The Baháí Faith is the religion founded by Baháulláh in 19th-century Persia (Iran). ... For people named Islam, see Islam (name). ...

Culture

A Malaitan Chief.

Main article: Culture of the Solomon Islands

In the traditional culture of the Solomon Islands, age-old customs are handed down from one generation to the next, allegedly from the ancestral spirits themselves, to form the cultural values to Solomon Islands. Image File history File linksMetadata No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File linksMetadata No higher resolution available. ... In the traditional culture of the Solomon Islands, age-old customs are handed down from one generation to the next, allegedly from the ancestral spirits themselves, to form the cultural values to Solomon Islands. ...

Radio is the most influential type of media in the Solomons Islands due to language differences and illiteracy.^[10] the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) operates public radio services, including the national stations Radio Happy Isles and Wantok FM, and the provincial stations Radio Happy Lagoon and Radio Temotu. There is one commercial station, PAOA FM, that broadcasts in the Solomons. There is one daily newspaper Solomon Star (www.solomonstarnews.com), 2 weekly papers Solomons Voice and Solomon Times, and 2 monthly papers Agrikalsa Nius and the Citizen's Press. There are no TV services based in the Solomon Islands, although satellite TV stations can be received. There is free-to-air access to ABC Asia Pacific (from Australia's ABC) and BBC World. Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation is the official radio and television broadcaster of the Solomon Islands. ... ABC Asia Pacific TV (formerly Australia Television) is an Australian free-to-air international satellite television service operated by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. ... World News bulletins form the main part of the channels daily schedule. ...

See also: Music of the Solomon Islands

The Solomon Islands have been independent from the United Kingdom since 1978, and the culture, Melanesian in origin, has received international attention since before that time. ...

See also

• Lau Lagoon

Lau Lagoon is a part of Solomon Islands. ...

References

Patrick Vinton Kirch is an archaeologist who studies Oceanic and Polynesia prehistory. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 108th day of the year (109th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

External links

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• Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet
• Department of Commerce, Industries and Employment
• Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI)
• The People First Network, PFnet from the Ministry of Provincial Government and Rural Development
• The Solomon Star daily newspaper
• Solomon Times online newspaper
• Medals and awards of the Solomon Islands
• History of Anglicanism in Oceania
• 1912 Catholic Encyclopedia - Solomon Islands
• Exploring Solomons Travel Wiki with information on bushwalking, mountain biking, camping, kayaking, surfing and village stays
• Some photos from the Solomon Islands Online gallery on Pbase.com

v • d • e Countries and territories of Oceania

Australasia This does not cite any references or sources. ... Combatants  United States  Australia New Guinea[1]  New Zealand  United Kingdom Colony of Fiji[2] Solomon Is. ... Map of the Solomon Islands The Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI), also known as Operation Helpem Fren, was created in 2003 in response to a request for international aid by the Governor-General 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 and Bellona Temotu Western Categories: Oceania geography stubs ... Elizabeth II, Queen of the Solomon Islands The Solomon Islands is a parliamentary democracy within the Commonwealth, with a unicameral Parliament and a ministerial system of government. ... Countries with diplomatic missions in the Solomon Islands are Australia, United Kingdom, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and Japan. ... The National Parliament of the Solomon Islands has 50 members, elected for a four year term in single-seat constituencies. ... Political parties in Solomon Islands lists political parties in Solomon Islands. ... Telephones - main lines in use: 7,000 (1995) Telephones - mobile cellular: 230 (1995) Telephone system: domestic: NA international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean) Radio broadcast stations: AM 3, FM 0, shortwave 1 (2002). ... The Solomon Islanders comprise diverse cultures, languages, and customs. ... July 7: Independence Day Categories: Solomon Islands ... This is an alphabetical list of Oceanian countries and dependencies. ... Image File history File links Download high resolution version (1096x744, 47 KB)Australasia ecozone re-drawn from French wiki by MPF Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1. ... Australasia Australasia is a term variably used to describe a region of Oceania: Australia, New Zealand, and neighbouring islands in the Pacific Ocean. ... Australia · Christmas Island · Cocos (Keeling) Islands · New Zealand1 · Norfolk Island Melanesia Copyright 2004 Affordable Solutions Pty Ltd Aust. ... map of Melanesia Melanesia (from Greek: μέλας black, νῆσος island) is a subregion of Oceania extending from the western side of the West Pacific to the Arafura Sea, north and northeast of Australia. ... East Timor 2 · Fiji · Indonesia (Maluku Islands) · New Caledonia · Papua New Guinea3 · Solomon Islands · Vanuatu Maluku redirects here. ... Micronesia Image File history File links Micronesia. ... Federated States of Micronesia · Guam · Kiribati · Marshall Islands · Nauru · Northern Mariana Islands · Palau Polynesia Image File history File links Polynesia. ... Carving from the ridgepole of a Māori house, ca 1840 Polynesia (from Greek: πολύς many, νῆσος island) is a large grouping of over 1,000 islands scattered over the central and southern Pacific Ocean. ... American Samoa · Cook Islands · French Polynesia · Niue · Pitcairn · Samoa · Tokelau · Tonga · Tuvalu · Wallis and Futuna 1 Often included in Polynesia · 2 East Timor is often included in Asia Carving from the ridgepole of a Māori house, ca 1840 Polynesia (from Greek: πολύς many, νῆσος island) is a large grouping of over 1,000 islands scattered over the central and southern Pacific Ocean. ... For other uses, see Asia (disambiguation). ... 3 New Guinea is often included in Australasia

v • d • e List of former German colonies and protectorates
Colonies	Africa	Wituland · German East Africa (Tanganyika · Rwanda · Burundi) · Togoland · German South-West Africa (Namibia) · German West Africa (Kamerun · Neukamerun)
	Pacific	German New Guinea (German Solomon Islands · German Marshall Islands · Caroline Islands · Mariana Islands · Nauru · Palau) · German Samoa
Concessions	China	German Kiautschou · Tsingtao
Unrecognised	Antarctica	New Swabia

v • d • e Austronesian-speaking countries and territories

v • d • e Formosan Taiwan v • d • e Malayo-Polynesian  American Samoa  Brunei  Burma  Cambodia  Christmas Island  Cocos (Keeling) Islands  Cook Islands  Easter Island  East Timor  Fiji Australasia Australasia is a term variably used to describe a region of Oceania: Australia, New Zealand, and neighbouring islands in the Pacific Ocean. ... German colonial empire This is a list of former German Empire colonies and protectorates (German: Schutzgebiete), the German colonial empire. ... This article is about a type of political territory. ... A world map showing the continent of Africa Africa is the worlds second-largest and second most-populous continent, after Asia. ... Wituland (also Witu or Swahililand) was an approximately 3000 km² territory in East Africa centered on the town of Witu just inland from Indian Ocean port of Lamu north of the mouth of the Tana River in what is now Kenya. ... German East Africa (German: Deutsch-Ostafrika) was Germanys colony in East Africa, including what is now Burundi, Rwanda, and Tanganyika, the mainland part of present Tanzania. ... Flag of Deutsch-Ostafrika (1885-1919) Flag of Tanganyika (1919-1961) Flag of the Republic of Tanganyika 1962–64 Tanganyika is the name of an East African territory lying between the largest of the African great lakes: Lake Victoria, Lake Malawi and Lake Tanganyika, after which it was named. ... Togoland was a German protectorate in West Africa. ... Flag German South-West Africa (black), other German colonies in red Capital Windhoek (from 1891) Political structure Colony Governor  - 1898-1905 Theodor von Leutwein  - 1905-1907 Friedrich von Lindequist  - 1907-1910 Bruno von Schuckmann  - 1910-1915 Theodor Seitz Historical era The Scramble for Africa  - Established 7 August, 1884  - Genocide 1904... The German West African Company, in German Deutsch-Westafrikanische Gesellschaft / Compagnie, was a German chartered company, founded in 1882, which exploited two German Schutzgebiete in West Africa knwon as German West Africa, but apparently, unlike German East Africa, without a central authority. ... The Republic of Cameroon is a unitary republic of central Africa. ... Neukamerun (German for New Cameroon) was the name of Central African territories ceded by France to Germany in 1911. ... For other meanings of Pacific, see Pacific (disambiguation). ... German New Guinea (Ger. ... The North Solomons are the former German Solomon Islands in Melanesia which were part of German New Guinea. ... Motto: Jepilpilin ke ejukaan Anthem: Forever Marshall Islands Capital (and largest city) Majuro Official languages Marshallese, English Government  -  President Kessai Note Independence  -  from the United States October 21, 1986  Area  -  Total 181 km² (213th) 69. ... Sunset at Colonia on Yap The Caroline Islands form a large archipelago of widely scattered islands in the western Pacific Ocean, northeast of New Guinea. ... The Mariana Islands (also the Marianas; up to the early 20th century sometimes called Ladrones Islands, from Spanish Islas de los Ladrones meaning Islands of Thieves) are an archipelago made up by the summits of 15 volcanic mountains in the north-western Pacific Ocean between the 12th and 21st parallels... The Independent State of Samoa (conventional long form) or Samoa (conventional short form) is a country comprising a group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean. ... In international law, a concession is a territory within a country that is administered by another entity than the state which holds sovereignty over it. ... Capital Berlin Language(s) German (official), Chinese Political structure Colony King List of German monarchs Historical era German colonization  - Colonization November 3, 1897  - Treaty of Versailles June 28, 1914 Currency Goldmark and Pfennig, by 1905 Dollar (Mexican Silverdollar) and Cents The Kiautschou Bay (chin. ... Tsingtao redirects here. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_the_German_Empire. ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (615x707, 424 KB) Other versions File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): German Empire Hamburg Mecklenburg-Strelitz Württemberg Mecklenburg-Schwerin Schaumburg Bremen (state) Reuss Duchy of Anhalt... New Swabia (German: Neuschwabenland or Neu-Schwabenland) is a section of the continent Antarctica between 20°E and 10°W (overlapping a portion of Norways claim zone Queen Maud Land), which was claimed by Nazi Germany between 19 January 1939 and 8 May 1945. ... The Austronesian languages are a language family widely dispersed throughout the islands of Southeast Asia and the Pacific, with a few members spoken on continental Asia. ... Below is a list of countries that are home to Austronesian languages along with the most notable languages in each country. ... The Formosan languages are a group of Austronesian languages spoken 2% of the population of Taiwan, almost exclusively aboriginals. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_the_Republic_of_China. ... The Malayo-Polynesian languages are a subgroup of the Austronesian languages used by some 351 million speakers. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_American_Samoa. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Brunei. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Myanmar. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Cambodia. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Christmas_Island. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_the_Cocos_(Keeling)_Islands. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_the_Cook_Islands. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Rapa_Nui,_Chile. ... Rapa Nui redirects here. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_East_Timor. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Fiji. ...  French Polynesia  Guam  Hainan Island  Hawaii  Indonesia  Kiribati  Madagascar  Malaysia  Marshall Islands  FS Micronesia Image File history File links Flag_of_French_Polynesia. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Guam. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_the_Peoples_Republic_of_China. ... Not to be confused with the unrelated provinces of Henan and Hunan Hainan (海南; pinyin: Hǎinán) is a province of the Peoples Republic of China, located at the southern end of the country. ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... This article is about the U.S. State. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Indonesia. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Kiribati. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Madagascar. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Malaysia. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_the_Marshall_Islands. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Micronesia. ... Anthem Patriots of Micronesia Capital Palikir Largest city Weno Official languages English (national), Ulithian, Woleaian, Yapese, Pohnpeian, Kosraean, and Chuukese (at state or local level) Government Constitutional government1  -  President Joseph J. Urusemal Independence from US-administered UN Trusteeship   -  Date 3 November 1986  Area  -  Total 702 km² (188th) 271 sq mi...  Nauru  New Caledonia  New Zealand  Niue  Northern Mariana Islands  Orchid Island  Palau  Papua New Guinea  Patani  Philippines Image File history File links Flag_of_Nauru. ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_New_Zealand. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Niue. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_the_Northern_Mariana_Islands. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_the_Republic_of_China. ... Old photo of the people of Orchid Island, near Taiwan published in a Japanese colonial government publication, ca. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Palau. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Papua_New_Guinea. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Pattani. ... This article or section does not cite any references or sources. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_the_Philippines. ...  Samoa  Singapore  Solomon Islands  Suriname  Tokelau  Tonga  Tuvalu  Vanuatu  Vietnam  Wallis and Futuna Image File history File links Flag_of_Samoa. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Singapore. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_the_Solomon_Islands. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Suriname. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_New_Zealand. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Tonga. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Tuvalu. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Vanuatu. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Vietnam. ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ...

v • d • e Commonwealth of Nations
Sovereign states	Antigua and Barbuda · Australia · Bahamas · Bangladesh · Barbados · Belize · Botswana · Brunei · Cameroon · Canada · Cyprus · Dominica · Fiji · The Gambia · Ghana · Grenada · Guyana · India · Jamaica · Kenya · Kiribati · Lesotho · Malawi · Malaysia · Maldives · Malta · Mauritius · Mozambique · Namibia · Nauru · New Zealand · Nigeria · Papua New Guinea · St. Kitts and Nevis · St. Lucia · St. Vincent and the Grenadines · Samoa · Seychelles · Sierra Leone · Singapore · Solomon Islands · South Africa · Sri Lanka · Swaziland · Tanzania · Tonga · Trinidad and Tobago · Tuvalu · Uganda · United Kingdom · Vanuatu · Zambia The Commonwealth of Nations as of 2007 Headquarters Marlborough House, London, UK Official languages English Membership 53 sovereign states Leaders  -  Queen Elizabeth II  -  Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma Appointed 24 November 2007 Establishment  -  Balfour Declaration 18 November 1926   -  Statute of Westminster 11 December 1931   -  London Declaration 28 April 1949  Area  -  Total... “Sovereign” redirects here. ...
Dependencies	Australia Ashmore and Cartier Islands · Australian Antarctic Territory · Christmas Island · Cocos (Keeling) Islands · Coral Sea Islands · Heard Island and McDonald Islands · Norfolk Island Image File history File links Flag_of_the_Commonwealth_of_Nations. ... World map of dependent territories. ... The Australian Antarctic Territory (AAT) is the part of Antarctica claimed by Australia. ... New Zealand Cook Islands · Niue · Ross Dependency · Tokelau Political status Dependency of New Zealand Governor Anand Satyanand Area   – Total  450 000 km² (174 000 mi²) Population Scott Base: 10-80 seasonally McMurdo Station: 200-1000 seasonally Currency New Zealand dollar The Ross Dependency comprises an area of Antarctica (and other land masses in the Southern Ocean) claimed by... United Kingdom Akrotiri and Dhekelia · Anguilla · Bermuda · British Antarctic Territory · British Indian Ocean Territory · British Virgin Islands · Cayman Islands · Falkland Islands · Gibraltar · Guernsey · Isle of Man · Jersey · Montserrat · Pitcairn Islands · St. Helena (including Ascension Island and Tristan da Cunha) · South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands · Turks and Caicos Islands Anthem God Save the Queen Akrotiri and Dhekelia (Occupied Areas) Sovereign Base Areas indicated in pink. ... Motto: Research and Discovery Anthem: God Save the Queen Status British overseas territory Official language(s) - Commissioner Tony Crombie Administrator Michael Richardson Area 1,395,000 km² Population c. ... Anthem: God Save the Queen Capital Georgetown Largest city Georgetown Official languages English Government Dependency of St. ... Motto Our faith is our strength Anthem God Save the Queen Capital (and largest city) Edinburgh of the Seven Seas Official languages English Government Dependency of St. ... Motto Leo Terram Propriam Protegat(Latin) Let the Lion protect his own land or May the Lion protect his own land Anthem God Save the Queen Capital Grytviken (King Edward Point) Official languages English Government British overseas territory  -  Head of State Queen Elizabeth II  -  Commissioner Alan Huckle Area  -  Total 3...