Solomon Islands: general information. Where are the Solomon Islands on the world map The country that owns the Solomon Islands

Solomon islands

General information

Solomon islands- an archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean, 1670 km long. Includes 992 islands (of which 347 are inhabited), 10 large volcanic and mountainous islands and 4 groups of small islands. Largest islands: Buka and Bougainville (part of the state of Papua New Guinea). The islands are located in an active seismic zone, earthquakes are frequent here, there are active volcanoes. Many islands are surrounded by coral reefs. Most of the Solomon Islands are the volcanic peaks of the underwater ridge. Tore chains occupy almost all of their surface, only narrow lowlands stretch near the coast. The length of the coastline is 5,313 km.

The country is characterized by a hot climate with a long wet season (up to 8-10 months a year). Average monthly temperatures + 26 + 28 ° С. The amount of precipitation is over 2,000 mm per year. There are severe hurricanes during the winter months.

History

For many centuries, life on the Solomon Islands, scattered by volcanic eruptions across the Pacific Ocean, was relatively quiet and peaceful. The tropical diversity of flora and fauna here was complemented by a diverse ethnic picture.

For Europeans, this island world was discovered by the Spaniards Alvaro Mendanha de Neira (1541-95) and Pedro Sarmiento de Gamboa (1532-92). It was not then accepted to copy complex local names, so the islands were named Solomon, since it seemed to the Spaniards that this was the legendary country of Ophir, where the treasures of King Solomon were hidden.

Mendanya in 1595 became the founder of the first colony on the islands, but at the same time he made a serious mistake: during the development of new lands, one of the local leaders was killed. After that, a war began with the natives, who had not previously been aggressively disposed. Soon Mendanya died of a nervous strain, and his wife became the head of the colony, but was soon forced to flee with the remaining soldiers.

The next visit of Europeans to the islands took place in 1767. Englishman Philip Carteret (1733-1796), lost in the ocean expanses, came to the Solomon Islands.

However, the first European inhabitants began to move to the islands only in the middle of the 19th century. The first settlers were missionaries. An unenviable fate awaited them, they were eaten by the islanders: here cannibalism was part of the rituals. Moreover, human skulls were important sacred symbols and served as money until the beginning of the 20th century!

Realizing that more decisive people needed to penetrate the island, the Europeans changed their tactics. First, businessmen were entrenched here under the cover of soldiers, then in 1893 England declared its protectorate over the Solomon Islands, and only then it came to the missionaries.

During the Second World War (1939-45), part of the islands was occupied by the Japanese and large and very stubborn battles took place here. The most famous is the battle for the island of Guadalcanal, which began on August 7, 1942 and lasted until February 9, 1943. During the battle on land, on water and in the air, soldiers showed fierce tenacity, resulting in heavy losses on both sides. Many ships were sunk then and ended up at the bottom of the Silark Strait, which after these events became known as Iron Bottom (From the English. "Iron Bottom"). The "graveyard" of ships remains there to this day and attracts divers from all over the world.

The US victory was of strategic importance. Although on some islands, Japanese troops continued to fight even after the surrender of their camp in 1945.

The post-war reality dictated change around the world. In July 1978, the Solomon Islands gained independence from Great Britain, remaining a member of the British Commonwealth. This organization brings together the former colonies. The English queen is symbolically considered the head of the Commonwealth, but the real power does not belong to her.

The young independent state has many problems. Natural elements haunt him. In April 2007, a tsunami up to three meters high struck the islands, causing destruction and loss of life. Ethnic conflicts occur between the inhabitants of the islands. Low living standards remain the norm for the majority of the population. The Solomon Islands problem requires truly Solomon wisdom to tackle the tough challenges.

Solomon Islands landmarks

Honiara- the capital of the islands is located on the northern coast of Guadalcanal, in a vast bay between the Cape Esperance and Lunga Point peninsulas, in the very place that de Mendanha called at the time Puento Cruz. The small and quite picturesque seaport of Honiara originates from a tiny fishing village, whose name Naho-ni-Ara can be translated as "a place where east and southeast winds collide" (for local dialects such "flowery" names are generally very characteristic) ... The city is very young - most of its modern buildings were built immediately after the end of World War II, when it was necessary to find a place for the new capital of the archipelago (Tulagi was badly damaged during the fighting, and the place was not chosen for it very well). In 1952, Honiara officially became the capital of the Solomon Islands.

10 km from the capital are the most beautiful "double-sided" waterfalls Mataniko... The waters of the river of the same name break down here from a high cliff right into a cave filled with graceful stalactites and stalagmites, and then disappear somewhere in the bowels of the island. Around you can find many fairly large and, importantly, clean water bodies suitable for swimming, and the cave itself is home to a vast population of swallows and bats. During World War II, this cave served as a shelter for the last soldiers of the Japanese garrison of Guadalcanal, and its surroundings became the scene of fierce battles (according to various estimates, from 400 to 600 soldiers of the imperial army found their death in the cave itself, resisting literally to the last bullet).

On the mountain Mount Austin towering american Memorial park with a detailed description of the battles for the island, as well as the Japanese Peace Memorial with its four white monoliths. From here, organized tours are held to places whose names speak for themselves - to the shore of Iron Bottom Sound, to Bloody Ridge, Alligator Creek and Red Beach, to the Japanese memorial in Poha River and its Wilu Village Museum (also dedicated to the history of the battles for Guadalcanal), Cape Lunga Point and Tetere Bay.

Constantly cloud-shrouded volcanic Savo island, lying in the Iron Bottom Sound, is a paradise for divers and fans of other species active rest... The almost complete lack of infrastructure is compensated by an abundance of sunken ships (this is where the famous Battle of Savo Island took place), a constantly smoking volcano crater and many practically boiling mineral springs, several ancient cult sites - megapods, as well as a living bird community and magnificent crystal-clear waters.

On Florida island you can see the old headquarters of the British colonial administration with its hospital and headquarters, as well as old Port Parvis, which first served as a base for the British Navy, and then for the Japanese Imperial Navy.

A islet of Anukha widely known for its white sandy shores.

The largest salt lagoon in the world - Marovo(covers approximately 150 by 96 km), located on the island of New Georgia to the north of Wangunu Island. This huge body of water with a narrow strip of coral beaches around the perimeter and amazingly blue water is a candidate for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Literally thousands of islands line the Marovo Lagoon, from tiny coral reefs to massive volcanic cliffs up to 1,600 meters high, many of which still show signs of active volcanic activity, but are quite accessible to the public. Lagoon Marovo - the best place to relax by the sea, is a unique combination of scenic beauty of wildlife and rich traditions of local residents (the shores of the lagoon are inhabited by two separate tribes - Marovo and Roviana). Noteworthy resorts are Matikuri Resort, Rogosakena Eco Resort and Uepi Island Resort, as well as a section of the traditional village of World Heritage, considered the best tourist village in the country. Logging is limited here, in order to preserve the unique composition of flora and fauna inherent in this area, excellent conditions have been created for sea fishing (the lagoon is connected with the open sea by almost a hundred passages in the reefs, so the species composition of its inhabitants is more than impressive), and traditional crafts of local residents from wood and shells are widely known far beyond the borders of the country.

Rennell Island considered the largest elevated atoll on the planet, but the main feature of its uniqueness is the elongated Lake Tengano- the largest freshwater lake in the South Pacific Ocean (now its area is about 15.5 thousand hectares), where there was a place for 200 islands, and for large bird colonies, and for many rare species of flora, primarily orchids. It is easy to guess that at the time of the formation of the island, the lake was a vast lagoon, which, as the surrounding land rose above the water, gradually freshened, although the water is still slightly brackish. Therefore, now here you can find completely unique species of the once sea fish, which by nature itself turned into freshwater (the only analogue is Lake Titicaca in the South American Andes). Because of their unique natural conditions and specific ecology Eastern The island, together with Lake Tengano, was declared a National Wildlife Park (area 37 thousand hectares), subsequently included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Wildlife.

Solomon Islands cuisine

Local cuisine is a mixture of European traditions and principles of cuisine South-East Asia and Oceania. The latter, by the way, is very simple and adapted to local conditions.

On the islands you will also find Polynesian and Melanesian traditions. They are reflected in the widespread use of: yams, cassava sago (tapioca), taro, fish, meat roasted over coals, coconut.

All this is flavored with a small amount of spices. All countries in the region use an earthen oven called Umu. In addition, there are options for cooking and decorating dishes that came from outside.

Alcoholic drinks can be bought without any problem. They are produced locally and also imported from Australia, China, Chile and New Zealand. Recommends to try local wines and beers.

For centuries, life in the Solomon Islands, scattered by volcanic eruptions across the Pacific Ocean, was relatively quiet and peaceful. The tropical diversity of flora and fauna here was complemented by a diverse ethnic picture.
For Europeans, this island world was discovered by the Spaniards Alvaro Mendanha de Neira (1541-95) and Pedro Sarmiento de Gamboa (153292). It was not then accepted to copy complex local names, so the islands were named Solomon, since it seemed to the Spaniards that this was the legendary country of Ophir, where the treasures of King Solomon were hidden.
Mendanya in 1595 became the founder of the first colony on the islands, but at the same time he made a serious mistake: during the development of new lands, one of the local leaders was killed. After that, a war began with the natives, who had not previously been aggressively disposed. Soon Mendanya died of a nervous strain, and his wife became the head of the colony, but was soon forced to flee with the remaining soldiers.
The next visit of Europeans to the islands took place in 1767. Englishman Philip Carteret (1733-96), lost in the ocean expanses, came to the Solomon Islands.
However, the first European inhabitants began to move to the islands only in the middle of the 19th century. The first settlers were missionaries. An unenviable fate awaited them, they were eaten by the islanders: here cannibalism was part of the rituals. Moreover, human skulls were important sacred symbols and served as money until the beginning of the 20th century!
Realizing that more decisive people needed to penetrate the island, the Europeans changed their tactics. First, businessmen were entrenched here under the cover of soldiers, then in 1893 England declared its protectorate over the Solomon Islands, and only then it came to the missionaries.
During the Second World War (1939-45), part of the islands was occupied by the Japanese and large and very stubborn battles took place here. The most famous is the battle for the island of Guadalcanal, which began on August 7, 1942 and lasted until February 9, 1943. During the battle on land, on water and in the air, soldiers showed fierce tenacity, resulting in heavy losses on both sides. Many ships were sunk then and ended up at the bottom of the Silark Strait, which after these events became known as Iron Bottom (from the English. "Iron Bottom"). The "graveyard" of ships remains there to this day and attracts divers from all over the world.
The US victory was of strategic importance. Although on some islands, Japanese troops continued to fight even after the surrender of their country in 1945, the post-war reality dictated changes around the world. In July 1978, the Solomon Islands gained independence from Great Britain, remaining a member of the British Commonwealth. This organization brings together the former colonies. The English queen is symbolically considered the head of the Commonwealth, but the real power does not belong to her.
The young independent state has many problems. Natural elements haunt him. In April 2007, a tsunami up to three meters high struck the islands, causing destruction and loss of life. Ethnic conflicts occur between the inhabitants of the islands. Low living standards remain the norm for the majority of the population. The Solomon Islands problem requires truly Solomon wisdom to tackle the tough challenges.

The list of exotic advantages in the Solomon Islands is typical for any tropical place - rich flora, diverse and, in some cases, dangerous fauna, wonderful ocean and beautiful beaches, a combination of modern civilization (in hotels) and traditional culture of the natives (on the street).
The natural and climatic features of these places do not require a person to take extreme care of food, supplies and utilities, such as preparing for the change of season. The weather here does not depend too much on the calendar. Only the intervention of civilization is gradually destroying the established island way of life for centuries.
Nature and natural resources are the main treasures of the islands. About 80% of their territory is still covered with forests. Individual trees reach a height of 40-50 meters. In drier places, there are savannas, on the sea coast - mangrove forests and swamps.
The Solomon Islands is home to more than 170 species of birds, many giant butterflies (Victoria, Urvelian), populations of lizards, giant frogs, snakes and rats thrive here. The coastal waters are inhabited by dolphins, green turtles, from fish: shark, marlin, tuna, barracuda, giant eel. There are more than 4,500 plant species in the Solomon Islands, and there are about 230 species of orchids alone.
Even today, the islands are fraught with mysteries for scientists and delight them with new discoveries. Among these discoveries are various species of horned frog - a local endemic that takes pride of place in the tropical choir in the evenings.
Meeting with local nature conceals not only pleasant discoveries, but also dangers. One of them are blood-sucking insects that are carriers of diseases, the Javanese centipede and scorpions, about 20 species of reptiles, poisonous fish and sea snakes, even forest ants and leeches are dangerous.
In the eastern part of Rennell Island, UNESCO organized National park wildlife. There are not many places on Earth with such biodiversity as the Solomon Islands. But the harmonious combination of nature and modern civilization here remains the most complex and unsolved problem.
The islands have industrial reserves of bauxite, copper, gold, silver, nickel. But so far their development is hampered by the lack of capital and personnel. Most of the inhabitants are engaged in agriculture, fishing and logging play an important role.
The government is betting on the development of tourism. So far, most of the guests come here from Australia. But, as you know, island exotic attracts many people not only from neighboring states. Many surprises have been prepared for tourists. The traditions of the natives will help the inhabitants of cities forget about the present day and travel back to distant past eras. For example, on the islands today there are masters of the lethal act, who master the art of luring sharks, putting them to sleep right in the water and lifting them to the surface. Here, old traditions and modernity are intertwined at every step. A manifestation of this is the juxtaposition of traditional and modern buildings, European and indigenous clothing, traditional and contemporary art.
The island fen-shui (art of wind and water), which has developed over the centuries, is not very easy to combine with the achievements of the modern world. It has always been painfully difficult for a person to escape from the embrace of nature.

general information

Official name:
Form of government: a constitutional monarchy.
Administrative divisions: nine provinces and a special Capital Territory.
Capital: Honiara, 78 190 people. (2009).
Languages: the official one is English, the majority of the population speaks Melanesian Pajin, a special dialect of English. There are 120 local languages ​​in the country.
Ethnic composition: Melanesians - 94.5%, Polynesians - 3%, Micronesians - 1.2%, other peoples - 1.3%.
Religions: about 96% Christian (Anglican Church of Melanesia 32.8%, Catholics 19%, Evangelicals southern seas- 17%, Seventh-day Adventists - 11.2% and others), indigenous religious beliefs - about 4%.
Currency unit: Solomon Islands dollar.
Largest islands: Guadalcanal, New Georgia, Santa Isabel, Malaita, Santa Cruz.
The largest city: the capital is Honiara, there are no other major cities.
The most important airport: in Honiara.

Numbers

Square: 28 450 km
Population: 610,000 (2010).
Population density: 21.4 people / km 2
Highest point: Mount Makarakomburu (Guadalcanal Island), 2447 m.
Time zone: MCK +7 hours.

Economy

GDP (PPP): $ 1.514 billion (2009)
GDP per capita:$ 2818 (2009).
Industry: timber processing, food.
Agriculture: cocoa, coconuts, rice, potatoes. Fishing.
Service sector: tourism.

Climate and weather

Equatorial-tropical.
Average January temperature:+ 32 ° C.
Average temperature in July:+ 27 ° C.
Average rainfall: 2500 - 4300 mm, in the area of ​​the capital of Honiara - 2100 mm, in some places up to 8000 mm.

sights

■ Honiara: Point Cruise Marina, Parliament, international Airport, National Museum, "Water Pump Village", the world of shipwrecks in coastal waters.
Coral reefs. Beaches.
■ Rennell Island National Park.

Curious facts

■ In the Langa Langa and Lau lagoons, off the island of Malaita, far from land, shark worship is highly developed. No other island has so many holidays and rituals dedicated to this predator. The locals even tame sharks. Despite this, it is here that shark fishing is practiced, when, armed only with a rag and a spear, a person lures the fish and fights with it.
■ The cultural traditions of the peoples of the world can vary significantly. In the Solomon Islands, the inhabitants of the islands of Laulasi and Busu have black and red colors - a taboo, it is a symbol of blood. On many islands it is considered forbidden for a woman to stand higher than a man. It is also forbidden to swim under a canoe in which there are women, after which it must be destroyed.

Curious facts

■ Despite the great distances, quite a few people in the world come into contact with distant islands indirectly, because they are susceptible to certain diseases. The H1N1 (A) flu strain was first isolated in the Solomon Islands and was named after them.
■ Islanders' ownership is often unrelated to legal guarantees and “private ownership” signs. But often a tree, fruit or flower by the road may turn out to be someone's private property. Therefore, once on the islands, it is necessary to pluck the seemingly wild fruits with caution or not at all.

This article is about the state. For the archipelago see Solomon Islands (archipelago).

Solomon islands(English Solomon Islands) is a state in the southwestern part of the Pacific Ocean, occupying most of the archipelago of the same name, as well as some other island groups. It consists of 992 islands, the total area of ​​which is 28,450 km² (land - 28,400 km²). The capital of the Solomon Islands is a city.

Geography

Solomon islands

The state occupies most of the archipelago of the same name in the Pacific Ocean, in, to the east of the island. Largest islands: Guadalcanal, Santa Isabel, Malaita, San Cristobal, Choiseul, New Georgia. It also occupies the island groups of Duff, Santa Cruz, Swallow and Bellona, ​​Rennell and others.

The islands are predominantly of volcanic origin; active volcanoes. The highest point of the country is Popomanaseu Peak on Guadalcanal with a height of 2335 meters. Short high-water rivers.

The climate is subequatorial and very humid. Average monthly temperatures are between 26 and 28 ° C. Precipitation from 2300 to 7500 mm per year. From May to October, the southeast trade wind prevails, from December to March the northwest equatorial monsoon prevails.

Most of the islands are covered with evergreen forests (palms, ficuses, etc.); in the driest places - savannas; along the banks - mangroves. Animal world: rats, bats, crocodiles, snakes, giant frogs; birds - wild pigeons, parrots, etc.

Seismology

The Solomon Islands is located in a seismically hazardous region where earthquakes often occur. In January 2010, an earthquake occurred, the magnitude of the tremors of which was 7.2, the tremors provoked the appearance of a tsunami with a maximum wave height of 2.5 meters. In total, about a thousand people were left homeless. On April 23, 2011, an earthquake with a tremor magnitude of 6.9 was noted. On February 6, 2013 there was an earthquake with a magnitude of 8.0.

History and etymology

Main article: Chronological table for the history of the Solomon Islands

The first settlers speaking Papuan languages ​​began arriving in the Solomon Islands around 3000 BC. NS. Speakers of Austronesian languages ​​- about 4000 years ago. They brought with them cultural elements such as canoes with an outrigger. Between approximately 1200 and 800 BC. NS. the ancestors of the Polynesians (people of the Lapita culture) from the Bismarck archipelago, who know pottery, came to the Islands.

The Solomon Islands were discovered in 1568 by the Spanish navigator A. Mendanha de Neira, who exchanged gold from the locals and named these islands Solomon after the legendary biblical king Solomon, comparing them with "The Golden Land of Solomon"... Founded in 1595 by Mendanha by order of King Philip II on the island of Santa Cruz, the Spanish colony did not last long and was soon abandoned due to conflicts with the warlike natives.

For the next century and a half, the islands were not visited by Europeans. They were re-discovered by the Englishman F. Carteret in 1767.

Since the mid-1840s, Catholic and Protestant missionaries have repeatedly tried to settle in the Solomon Islands, but for a long time they did not succeed: many of them were killed by the aborigines.

The development of the Solomon Islands by Europeans began only in the 1860s, when the first white traders began to gain a foothold there. The natives tried to kill these merchants, but they, unlike the missionaries, managed to organize their defenses.

In 1893, Britain declared its protectorate over the Solomon Islands. From 1907, English entrepreneurs began to establish coconut plantations in the British Solomon Islands. From the beginning of the 20th century, missionaries reappeared on the islands, converting the natives to Christianity.

During World War II, part of the islands were occupied by the Japanese. From 1942 to 1945, bloody battles were fought on the islands between the Japanese and the countries of the Anti-Hitler coalition (Australia and), which ended in victory for the latter.

In July 1978, the Solomon Islands gained independence from. The first prime minister was Peter Kenilorea.

Since 1998, tribal tensions have sharply increased in the Solomon Islands, reaching the point of armed clashes. As a result, on June 5, 2000, a coup took place in the country, Prime Minister Bartholomew Ulufaalu was arrested, then resigned, giving way to Manassa Sogavara.

In June 2003, Prime Minister Allan Kemakeza asked Australia to restore law and order in the country. The next month, the military and police forces of Australia, and several countries (and others) - "Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands"(RAMSI), about 2,200 police and military in total. They restored order and disarmed the tribal militants.

One of two UN member states (2nd -), which do not have diplomatic relations with Russia (not established).

Main article: Administrative divisions of the Solomon Islands

The territory of the Solomon Islands is divided into 9 provinces; the capital, located on the island of Guadalcanal, is allocated in a special administrative unit - the Capital Territory.

Population

Population - 515 870 people. (2009 census).

Annual population growth - 2.3% (2009 census).

Fertility - 26.9 per 1000 (fertility - 3.4 births per woman)

The mortality rate is 3.7 per 1000.

The average life expectancy is 71 years for men, 76 years for women.

Ethnic composition: Melanesians - 95.3% (491 466 people), Polynesians - 3.1% (15 911 people), Micronesians - 1.2% (6446 people), Chinese - 0.1% (654 people). .), Europeans - 0.1% (721 people), others - 0.1% (672 people) (according to the 2009 census).

Literacy data for the population of Solomon Islands are not available.

Urban population - 19.7% (101 798 people) (2009 census).

Languages

Languages: English (official) - 1-2% of the population speaks it, one of the varieties of the Melanesian pidgin is used as the language of general communication - the pidgin of the Solomon Islands (neo-Solomon, Solomon pidgin), which is actually a Creole language. In total, there are 120 local languages ​​in the country.

Religion

Religions: Church of Melanesia - 31.9% (164 639 people), Catholics - 19.6% (100 999 people), Evangelicals of the South Seas - 17.1% (88 395 people), Seventh-day Adventists - 11, 7% (60,506 people), one church - 10.1% (51,919 people), Christian fellowship church - 2.5% (13,153 people), other Christians - 4.4%, others - 2, 7% (14,076 people). (based on the 2009 census).

Approximately 97% of the population of the Solomon Islands is Christian. The largest Christian denominations: 31.9% of the population belongs to the Church of Melanesia, 19.6% belongs to the Roman Catholic Church, 17.1% to the South Seas Evangelical Church, 11.7% to Seventh-day Adventist churches, 10.1% to the United Church of Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, 2.5% to the Christian fellowship. 2.9% of the population practice indigenous religious beliefs. There are approximately 350 Muslims (2007 data).

Politics

The political system of the Solomon Islands is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system of government. Queen Elizabeth II is the monarch of the Solomon Islands and the head of state. Its power is exercised through the Governor-General, who is elected by Parliament for a five-year term.

The parliament is unicameral, consists of 50 representatives, and is elected every four years. According to the results of the last elections (August 2010), there are 19 independent deputies and representatives of 12 political parties in parliament (the largest party has 13 deputies, the rest have from 3 to 1 deputies). Parliament can be dissolved early by a majority vote of its members.

Any citizen over the age of 21 has the right to participate in elections. The head of government is the prime minister, who is elected by Parliament and appoints other ministers. The Cabinet of Ministers consists of 20 people. Each ministry is headed by a minister who is assisted by a Permanent Secretary who directs the ministry's employees.

Political parties in Solomon Islands are weak, parliamentary coalitions are highly unstable. The government often receives votes of no confidence, resulting in frequent changes in government composition.

There are no military units as such in the Solomon Islands, although the police, numbering about 500 people, include a border guard unit. The police function as firefighters, assist in emergencies and conduct maritime patrols. The police are led by a commissioner appointed by the governor-general. The Commissioner is under the control of the Prime Minister.

On April 23, 2006, the inauguration ceremony of the new government, led by Snyder Reenie, took place. The new government is urged to step up the fight against corruption, which has sparked recent riots that have burned several metropolitan areas (most notably Chinatown) to the ground.
On the same day, a mass evacuation of ethnic Chinese from the country began, of which there were about 2 thousand before. It was they who became the main object of discontent of the indigenous population. Snyder Reenie, who previously served as Deputy Prime Minister, had close business contacts with the Chinese community and was largely dependent on it.

International relationships

See also: List of diplomatic missions of the Solomon Islands

Solomon Islands is a member of the United Nations, the Commonwealth of Nations, the Secretariat of the Pacific Community, the Pacific Islands Forum, the International Monetary Fund and the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries.

Relations with, which became tense due to the influx of refugees from about. Bougainville after the uprising and attacks on northern islands states pursued by the rebels were restored. A peace agreement on Bougainville was reached in 1998, and border issues were settled between Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands in an agreement signed in 2004.

Economy

Main article: Economy of Solomon Islands

The basis of the country's economy is agriculture, fishing, logging.

Three quarters of the employed are employed in agriculture, as well as in fishing and logging. The industrial sector (fish processing, timber) employs 5%, the service sector - 20%.

GDP per capita (in 2009) - 2.5 thousand dollars (177th place in the world).

Cocoa, coconuts, rice, potatoes, vegetables and fruits are cultivated. Livestock is raised.

The country has large deposits of lead, zinc, nickel and gold, as well as bauxite and phosphates, but they are not being developed.

International trade

Exports - $ 0.696 billion in 2017 - timber (68%), processed fish (7.5%), palm oil (4.1%), copra (2.7%), cocoa and coconut oil. in the top ten largest exporters of unprocessed timber (approx. 3.3% of the global volume)

The main buyers (in 2017) are China 66%, Italy 8.1%, the Philippines 4.4%.

Imports - $ 0.589 billion in 2017 - food (including rice - up to 6.9%), industrial goods, fuel (mainly oil products - 15%), chemical products.

The main suppliers (in 2017) are Australia 17%, New Zealand 13%, Singapore 13%, China 13%, Malaysia 12%.

The culture

The Solomon Islands has largely retained its former cultural identity.

The villages are dominated by traditional houses: light, rectangular huts on pillars with wicker walls and a gable roof made of palm leaves. However, in large settlements many buildings of the European type.

In clothing, European elements have significantly supplanted the tradition, but some local residents continue to wear loincloths and short skirts.

In the spiritual culture of the islanders, tradition is also closely intertwined with modernity. Among the local population, folklore, original songs and dances, and applied arts are relatively well preserved, but modern culture is also being introduced.

Sport

Football

The National Football Team made history by becoming the first team to defeat New Zealand and enter the 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifier playoffs. However, they were defeated 7-0 by Australia in their first playoff match.

Mini football

On June 14, 2008, the Solomon Islands national futsal team won the Oceania Championship in and won the right to participate in the World Championship, which was held from September 30 to October 19, 2008 in. The Solomon Islands Beach Soccer Team is considered the best team in Oceania and has participated in the last three World Cups.

Rugby

The national rugby team is in the IRB Top 100, but has never played in the rugby world championships.

see also

• Solomon Islands literature

Notes (edit)

1. World Atlas: The most detailed information / Project leaders: A. N. Bushnev, A. P. Pritvorov. - Moscow: AST, 2017 .-- P. 93 .-- 96 p. - ISBN 978-5-17-10261-4.
2. HON. RICK HOU IS NEW PRIME MINISTER (unspecified) (unavailable link - history) ... National Parliament of Solomon Islands.16 November 2017. Retrieved November 16, 2017.
3. Population census (Recensement national de 2009).
4. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the Solomon Islands, 1970-2011
5. Human Development Indices and Indicators(English). United Nations Development Program (2018). - Human Development Report on the website of the United Nations Development Program. Date of treatment September 14, 2018.
6. http://chartsbin.com/view/edr
7. Mount Popomanaseu, Solomon Islands(English). Peakbagger.com. Date of treatment May 6, 2012. Archived June 23, 2012.
8. Kirch, Patrick Vinton. On the Road of the Winds: An Archaeological History of the Pacific Islands. - Berkley, California: University of California Press, 2002 .-- ISBN 0-520-23461-8.
9. Census - Solomon Islands National Statistics Office(English). www.statistics.gov.sb. Date of treatment October 24, 2017.
10. Solomon Islands National Statistical Office. Ministry of Finance and Treasury. 2009 POPULATION & HOUSING CENSUS. NATIONAL REPORT (Volume 2)(eng.) (pdf). Solomon Islands National Statistics Office (SINSO) P. 83 (2009). - Population and Housing Census of the Solomon Islands (2009). Date of treatment October 25, 2017.
11. Population Census of Solomon Islands (2009). Pacific Regional Statistics | Secretariat of the Pacific Community(unspecified) (unavailable link - history) ... www.spc.int. Date of treatment October 24, 2017.
12. International Religious Freedom Report 2007 (unspecified) (unavailable link)... Retrieved July 14, 2009. Archived January 19, 2012.
13. CIA - The World Factbook - Central Intelligence Agency - Solomon Islands(English). www.cia.gov. Date of treatment October 24, 2017.
14. Foreign trade of the Solomon Islands by reference https://oec.world/
15. World timber market

Literature

• Oceania. Directory. - M.: Science, 1982.
• B. Rubtsov Oceania. - M.: Science, 1991.

Solomon Islands have a high good rating in terms of diving. Beautiful coral reefs and colorful fish are found in the waters around the Solomon Islands. The underwater beauty of this island is a real treasure in the ocean. In addition, when diving in this place, you can find debris left over from the Second World War.

Solomon Islands are island nation located in the South Pacific Ocean, east of Papua New Guinea... The Solomon Islands includes 1,000 islands with a total area of ​​28,400 sq. km. The island's capital, Honiara, is the main tourist destination in the Solomon Islands.

Solomon Islands landmarks

1. Waterfalls Mataniko and Tenaru

The city of Honiara, the capital of the Solomon Islands, is famous for its various attractions. Motaniko and Tenaru Falls is one of the best places in Honiara. The natural pool with clear water is a good place to swim. While walking and exploring this area, one can enjoy the beauty of its landscape.

Another place that attracts tourists is the National Cultural Center and Museum. It is located in the center of the island's capital. Cultural Center and the national museum focuses on the traditional culture of the island.

Here you can find special sections dedicated to dance traditions, jewelry and the island's currency. In addition, many are attracted by the sections where traditional weapons used are presented local residents and various archaeological finds.

2. Harbor Aola Bay

The harbor of Aola Bay is one of the most important ports and sea gates of the Solomon Islands and, among other things, is the first place where you usually start exploring the islands before heading to other cities and regions.

3. Provinces of Rennell and Bellona

Rennell and Bellona are the provinces of the Solomon Islands, which are two inhabited atolls, Rennell and Belona or Mu Nggava and Mu Ngiki respectively in the Polynesian dialect. In addition, they include an uninhabited Mandatory Reef. Rennell and Bellona are included in the UNESCO list, and the islands of Florida and Russell are known as the sites of many shipwrecks.

They are among other famous places visited by local and foreign tourists. This place offers many exciting and amazing places to visit.

4. Island of Santa Cruz

The most important attraction of Santa Cruz Island is the Vanuatu rainforest. They are part of the ecological zone of Australia and here you can find a wide variety of tropical and subtropical moist deciduous trees. Therefore, you should not miss the opportunity to gain knowledge about the different types of trees growing in this amazing region.

The Solomon Islands is an archipelago in the Pacific Ocean, located east of New Guinea, which is an integral part of Melanesia. This archipelago is a state and has its own flag and coat of arms. The archipelago on the world map is shown in white, not far from the place where the main group is located, Bougainville, the largest of the constituents, is marked.

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Geographical position

The flag has its own designations. It depicts 4 colors:

1. blue is water;
2. green is fertile land;
3. yellow is sunlight;
4. white - 5 stars symbolizing the provinces of the country, over time their number has increased.

The coat of arms also has its own symbolism, but it is not so simple. If you are interested in the meaning of the coat of arms, you can find it by request “Coat of arms. Solomon islands. Wikipedia ". Also speaking about symbols, it can be noted that the state has its own motto.

Solomon Islands area

The state consists of 992 islands, which have many volcanoes in their area. They are in a seismic zone, and large islands are very mountainous... The archipelago, with an area of ​​40.4 thousand square kilometers, consists of 10 large islands and 4 groups of small ones. Some of them still remain uninhabited.

Archipelago history

This archipelago was discovered by the traveler A. Melania de Nera. The islands were named Solomon, in honor of the country of Ofer, in which, according to legend, King Solomon hid his treasures.

In the 1860s. the inhabitants of Europe began to explore the entire territory. The natives, realizing this, destroyed everyone who set foot on their land. In 1893 the Solomon Islands became part of Great Britain. At the beginning of the 20th century, the British began to create the first coconut plantations on the territory of the islands. Then, a part was captured by the Japanese. And only in 1978, the Solomon Islands received independence.

The ethnic composition of the state is diverse: Melanesians (90%), Polynesians (3%), Micronesians (1.2%), the rest of the population is Europeans and Chinese.

Climate and nature

The climate in the Solomon Islands is subequatorial, very hot and humid. Winter comes from April to November. The temperature is + 24 - 27 ° C, and in summer, from December to March, it rises to + 26 - 32 ° C. The maximum amount of precipitation falls during the summer. Hurricanes are also common during the summer season. Honiara (capital of the Solomon Islands) has the least rainfall.

About 80% of the archipelago's area is located in dense tropical forests. Savannahs are typical for dry areas. There are mangrove forests and swamps along the coasts.

Vegetable the environment is composed of over 4500 plant species. 200 species of them are orchids. The fauna of the islands is also diverse: crocodiles, snakes, lizards, giant butterflies, turtles, many insects and many aquatic life. When searching (Solomon Islands photo), you will understand which beautiful nature there is a speech. The state is rich in precious metals such as gold, silver, copper, nickel. Therefore, this place attracts investors.

Solomon Islands vacation

If you decide to buy a tour to these islands, then you are definitely a connoisseur of living and natural nature and thrills. The islands are attracting attention for their lack of desire to create modern comforts. After all, being among the forests, in specially equipped dwellings, is truly paradise. Many tourists prefer to retire to villages where they can enjoy life like the inhabitants of the islands.

One of these villages is Medana - Avenue, where there are buildings of palm leaves and branches, and, having visited it, you can get acquainted with the rites and traditions of the archipelago.

For diversity recreation, you can admire the Mataniko waterfall and visit the Marovo lagoon.

In the Internet sources you can find many photos related to these attractions.

For those who want to enjoy the ocean, time can be set aside for diving and snorkeling. During the war, a large number of ships sank in the ocean. Diving even to a shallow depth, you can see the details of these ships.

Also for those who like fishing, these places will bring indescribable pleasure. The Solomon Archipelago is specially provided with a fish tour, this type of fishing tour is very popular, because fishing is provided in the most favorable places for marine life.

But in this state there is also civilized life. Travel usually starts from the capital, Honiara. It is in it that the modern world is concentrated. ​

The first thing to visit is Puento Cruz. According to legend, there the traveler - the discoverer put up a cross as a symbol of discovery.

Then, it is worth visiting the not quite ordinary building of the National parliament, which has a conical shape and is the center of Honiara.

The old Government House now houses the National Museum. It contains all the culture and history of the islands. In the vicinity of the museum, you can walk in the park, which is rich in vegetation.

There is a library in the capital, the archive of which contains more than 600 thousand books.

A tour of the World War II Museum will be very unusual and entertaining, due to the fact that it is not in a building, but on the street.

All comfortable hotels are located in Honiara. Some hotels are separate resort complexes and provide guide services. Despite the fact that the state has preserved its culture, you can see restaurants, nightclubs, bars, and other things here. But it is worth noting that rest on paradise islands, not quite cheap. The price for a hotel room varies from $ 30 to $ 400.

Archipelago is also famous for its holidays. These are: The military parade of the Day of the Spirits, which is held 8 weeks after Easter; as well as the birthday of the queen. But the most memorable and beautiful celebration is the Western Seas Festival, during which canoe races, fishing competitions and various other competitions and contests are organized.

On these days, you can take pictures on photo celebrations, outfits of the inhabitants of the islands and the inhabitants of the local fauna.

Since Honiara is the center trade, then leaving home, you should buy souvenirs. There are a huge number of them on the island. These are figurines and wooden magic balls. Forgetting to visit the Central Market, you can deprive yourself of fresh exotic fruits, seafood and vibrant tropical flowers. But it must be remembered that bargaining is not customary in the Solomon Islands; this is considered an offensive gesture for merchants.

Transport and nuances for vacationers

Another important factor in recreation is transport. Those who do not particularly like walking can take a taxi, its price is $ 1.5 per 1 km, and the price for public transport is $ 0.4. For the convenience of this type of movement, on the windshields, drivers put plates with route maps. Alternatively, you can purchase a map of the entire city or a specific area.

Vacationers who have chosen such a tour should remember:

• it is not customary to leave a tip in a cafe, it is better to thank you with a sweet smile and politely say "thank you"
• pedestrians and drivers do not follow traffic rules, so you need to be very careful.
• export of historical items is prohibited.
• It is worth buying medicines in advance, this may cause problems.
• the currency that is imported into the territory must be declared.

Holidays in the Solomon Islands can be very enjoyable if you follow these rules.