Country Profile: Solomon Islands
The Solomon Islands, located in Oceania east of Papua New Guinea, is an archipelago known for its rugged mountains and tropical monsoon climate. With a population of approximately 726,799, the nation grapples with a growing economic relationship with China while being rich in natural resources like fish and timber. Governed as a parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy, the Solomon Islands has faced both historical and recent challenges, including civil unrest and environmental issues impacting its economy.
Geography
The Solomon Islands is a group of islands in the South Pacific, characterized by rugged mountains and low coral atolls. The total land area is 28,896 sq km, with a coastline extending 5,313 km. The country has no land boundaries and claims an exclusive economic zone of 200 nautical miles. Its strategic location on key sea routes and significant natural resources like gold and forests underpin its geographical importance.
- Highest point: Mount Popomanaseu at 2,335 m.
- Climate: Tropical monsoon with minimal weather extremes.
- Natural hazards: Frequent earthquakes and occasional tropical cyclones.
People and Society
The Solomon Islands has a population of about 726,799 (2024 estimate), predominantly Melanesian (95.3%) with over 120 indigenous languages spoken across the islands. The urban population is about 26%, primarily concentrated in Honiara, the capital. The country has a relatively young population with a median age of 25.2 years.
- Languages: Melanesian pidgin as a lingua franca; English is spoken by only 1%-2%.
- Major religions: Predominantly Protestant (73.4%).
- Birth rate: 22 births per 1,000 population.
Economy
The Solomon Islands features a lower middle-income economy, with key sectors in agriculture, mining, and fisheries. The estimated real GDP stands at $2.07 billion (2024), with a growth rate of 2.5%. Agriculture comprises 33.8% of the GDP, focusing on crops like coconuts and cocoa. The nation's economic growth is hindered by past infrastructure damage due to social unrest.
- GDP per capita: $2,500 (2024).
- Unemployment rate: 1.5% (2024).
- Exports: Approximately $642.877 million (2024), with major exports including wood and fish.
Government
The Solomon Islands operates as a parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy, with a governance structure that includes a National Parliament of 50 members. The country gained independence from the UK on July 7, 1978, and its latest election was held on April 17, 2024.
- Current Prime Minister: Jeremiah Manele since May 2, 2024.
- Suffrage: Citizens aged 21 and over.
- Constitution: Adopted on May 31, 1978, with a mixed legal system of common and customary law.
Military and Security
The Solomon Islands' military is overseen by the Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services, primarily encapsulated in the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force. In recent years, security agreements with Australia and China have enhanced the country's emergency response capabilities in times of unrest.
- Security Treaty: Signed with Australia in 2017.
- Recent unrest: Led to police support from Australia in November 2021.
Environment
The Solomon Islands face significant environmental challenges, including deforestation and damage to coral reefs. The nation is a party to numerous international environmental agreements, addressing issues like climate change and biodiversity.
- Total renewable water resources: Estimated at 44.7 billion cubic meters (2020).
- Urban population: Comprises 26% of the total population (2023).
- Air pollutants: Particulate matter emissions of 7.83 micrograms/m³ (2019).
Transportation
The Solomon Islands has a network of 36 airports and 25 merchant vessels, facilitating domestic and international movement. Honiara serves as the key port, alongside other notable harbors.
- Total ports: 6, including major ports like Gizo and Tulaghi.
- Heliports: 2 (2025).
- Civil aircraft registration: Prefix H4.
Communications
Communications infrastructure includes 474,000 mobile cellular subscriptions, enabling increasing connectivity, although internet access remains limited.
- Internet users: Approximately 43% of the population (2023).
- Fixed line subscriptions: About 7,000 (2021).
- Broadcast media: Includes national radio stations operated by the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation.
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 726,799 | 2024 estimate |
| Area | 28,896 sq km | |
| GDP | $2.07 billion | 2024 estimate |
| Unemployment Rate | 1.5% | 2024 estimate |
| Birth Rate | 22 births/1,000 population | 2024 estimate |
| Life Expectancy | 77.2 years | 2024 estimate |
| Total Fertility Rate | 2.77 children/woman | 2024 estimate |
| Energy Consumption | 5.655 million Btu/person | 2023 estimate |
| Electric Access | 76% | Total population electrification (2022 est.) |
| Natural Resources | Fish, gold, forests |
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