Where are the Solomon Islands. Solomon Islands map in Russian

General information

Official name - Solomon islands. The state is located in the southwestern part of the Pacific Ocean. The area is 28,450 km 2. The population is 571,890 people. (for 2011). The official language is English. The capital is the city of Honiara. The monetary unit is the dollar of the Solomon Islands.

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

The country is characterized by a hot climate with a long wet season (up to 8-10 months per year). Monthly average temperatures + 26 + 28 ° С. Precipitation is over 2,000 mm per year. During the winter months there are severe hurricanes.

Story

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

For Europeans, this island world was discovered by the Spaniards Alvaro Mendanya de Neira (1541-95) and Pedro Sarmiento de Gamboa (1532-92). Copying complex local names was not accepted then, so the islands were called the Solomon Islands, since the Spaniards thought 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 made a serious mistake: during the development of new lands one of the local leaders was killed. After this, a war began with natives who had not previously been aggressive. 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. The Englishman Philip Carteret (1733-1796), lost his way in the ocean, ended up on the Solomon Islands.

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

Realizing that more decisive people needed to enter the island, the Europeans changed their tactics. First, businessmen strengthened here under the guise of soldiers, then in 1893 they announced their 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 there were large and very stubborn battles. The battle for the island of Guadalcanal, which began on August 7, 1942 and lasted until February 9, 1943, is most famous. During the battle on land, on water and in the air, soldiers showed fierce perseverance, resulting in heavy losses on both sides. Many ships were then sunk and ended up at the bottom of the Silark Strait, which after these events became known as Iron Bott (From the English “Iron Bottom”). The “graveyard” of ships remains there to this day and attracts divers from all over the world.

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

Post-war reality dictated change around the world. In July 1978, the Solomon Islands gained independence from, remaining a member of the British Commonwealth. This organization brings together former colonies. The Queen of England 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, tsunamis up to three meters high hit the islands, causing destruction and human casualties. Ethnic conflicts occur between the inhabitants of the islands. Low living standards remain the norm for most people. The Solomon Islands problem requires truly Solomon wisdom in order to solve complex problems.

Solomon Islands Attractions

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 Mendanya called Puento Cruz at one time. The small and quite picturesque seaport of Honiara originates from a tiny fishing village, whose name Nakho ni-Ara can be translated as “a place where east and south-east winds collide” (for local dialects such “flowery” names are very typical) . 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 for it was not the most successful). In 1952, Honiara officially became the capital of the Solomon Islands.

10 km from the capital are the most beautiful "bilateral" matanico waterfalls. The waters of the river of the same name break here from a high cliff directly into a cave filled with elegant stalactites and stalagmites, and then disappear somewhere in the bowels of the island. Around you can find many fairly large and, importantly, clean ponds suitable for swimming, and in the cave itself there is a vast population of swallows and bats. During the Second World War, 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 organized to places whose names speak for themselves - to the shore of Iron Bottom Sound, on the ridge of the Bludy Ridge, Alligator Creek and Red Beach, to the Japanese memorial in Poha River and its Village Museum Wil (also devoted to the history of battles for Guadalcanal), Cape Lunga Point and to Tetere Bay.

Volcanic constantly shrouded in clouds island of savolying in the strait of Iron-Bottom Sound, is a paradise for divers and fans of other types of outdoor activities. The almost complete lack of infrastructure is compensated by the abundance of sunken ships (the famous Battle of Savo Island took place here), the constantly smoking crater of the volcano and many practically boiling mineral springs, several ancient cult sites - megapods, as well as a lively bird community and magnificent crystal-clear waters.

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

AND islet Anuha  widely known for its white sandy beaches.

The largest salt lagoon in the world - Marovo  (occupies approximately 150 by 96 km), located on the island of New Georgia north of Wangoon Island. This vast 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 frame the Marovo lagoon, from tiny coral reefs to massive volcanic rocks up to 1,600 meters high, many of which still show signs of active volcanic activity, but are quite accessible to visitors. The lagoon of Marovo is the best place to relax by the sea, is a unique combination of scenic beauties of wildlife and the rich traditions of local residents (the coast of the lagoon is 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 region, excellent conditions for sea fishing are created (the lagoon is connected with the open sea by almost a hundred passages in reefs, so the species composition of its inhabitants is more than impressive), and the traditional crafts of local residents made of wood and shells are widely known far beyond the borders of the country.

Rennell Island  It is considered the largest elevated atoll on the planet, but the main feature of its uniqueness is the elongated stretch of almost the entire southern part tengano lake - the largest freshwater lake in the southern part of the Pacific Ocean (now its area is about 15.5 thousand hectares), on which 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 in the era of the formation of the island, the lake was a vast lagoon, which, as the land around it rose above the water, gradually desalinated, although the water still remains slightly brackish. Therefore, now it is possible to find here completely unique species of once marine fish, converted by nature to freshwater (the only analogue is Lake Titicaca in the South American Andes). Due to its unique natural conditions and specific ecology, the eastern part of the island, along with Lake Tengano, was declared a National Wildlife Park (an area of \u200b\u200b37 thousand ha), which was subsequently included in the UNESCO World Heritage List of Wildlife.

Solomon Islands Cuisine

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

On the islands you will find Polynesian, Melanesian traditions. They are reflected in widespread use: yams, cassava sago (tapioca), colocasia, fish, meat, grilled charcoal, coconut.

All this is seasoned with a small amount of spices. All countries in the region use an earthen stove called umu. In addition, there are options from outside for cooking and decoration.

Alcoholic drinks can be bought without problems. They are produced locally, also brought from, and New Zealand. Recommends tasting local wine and beer.

Solomon Islands on the map

Solomon Islands - 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 components, is marked.

In contact with

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 increased.

The emblem also has its own symbolism, but it is not so simple. If the meaning of the coat of arms is interesting, then you can find it on the request “Coat of arms. Solomon islands. Wikipedia. ” Also speaking about symbolism, it can be noted that the state has its own motto.

Solomon Islands Square

The state consists of 992 islands, which have many volcanoes on their area. They are located in the seismic zone, and the large islands are very mountaineers. The archipelago, with an area of \u200b\u200b40.4 thousand square kilometers, consists of 10 large islands and 4 small groups. Some of them still remain uninhabited.

Archipelago history

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

  In the 1860s Europeans began to study the entire territory. The natives, realizing this, destroyed everyone who stepped on their lands. In 1893, the Solomon Islands became part of Great Britain. The British at the beginning of the XX century, began to create the first coconut plantations in the islands. Then, part of the Japanese captured. 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 are 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 the summer, from December to March, it rises to + 26 - 32 ° C. The maximum rainfall occurs during the summer. Hurricanes are also typical of the summer time of the year. The least rainfall is in Honiara (the capital of the Solomon Islands).

About 80% of the archipelago is located in dense tropical forests. Savannahs are characteristic of dry areas. There are mangroves and swamps on the coasts.

Vegetable  The medium is composed of over 4,500 plant species. 200 species of them orchids. The fauna of the islands is also diverse: crocodiles, snakes, lizards, giant butterflies, turtles, many insects and many aquatic inhabitants. When searching for (Solomon Islands photo) you will understand how beautiful nature is in question. 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 attract attention with their lack of desire to create modern comfort. After all, to be among the forests, in specially equipped dwellings, is truly a paradise. Many tourists prefer to retire to villages where you can enjoy life, like the inhabitants of the islands.

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

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

You can find a lot of photos related to these attractions in online sources.

For those who want to enjoy the ocean, you can take time for diving and snorkeling. In the ocean, during the war, a large number of ships sank. Diving even to a shallow depth, you can see the details of these ships.

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

But in this state there is also civilized  a life. Usually trips start from the capital of Honiara. It is in it that the modern world is concentrated. ​

The first thing you can visit is Puento Cruz. According to legend, there is a traveler - the discoverer put an end to, as a symbol of discovery.

Then, it’s worth visiting the unusual building of the National of parliament, which has the appearance of a conical shape and is the center of Honiara.

There is now a National Museum in the old Government House. It has all the culture and history of the islands. In the vicinity of the museum you can stroll through 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 museum of the Second World War will be very unusual and entertaining, due to the fact that it is not in the 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 more. But it is worth noting that holidays on the paradise islands are not cheap enough. The price of a hotel room varies from $ 30 to $ 400.

Archipelago also famous for its holidays. These are: The Military Parade of the Day of Spirits, which is held 8 weeks after Easter; and also the Queen's birthday. But the most memorable and beautiful celebration is the Festival of the Western Seas, during which they organize canoe races, fishing competitions and various other competitions and contests.

These days you can capture the festivities, outfits of the inhabitants of the islands and the inhabitants of the local fauna.

Since Honiara is the center tradethen leaving home you should buy souvenirs. There are a lot 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 you need to remember that it is not customary to bargain in the Solomon Islands, this is considered an insulting gesture for merchants.

Transport and nuances to vacationers

Another important factor of rest is transport. Those who don’t really like walking can take a taxi, its price is $ 1.5 per 1 km, and the price of public transport is $ 0.4. For the convenience of this type of movement, on the windshields, drivers put signs with the image of route maps. Or you can purchase a map of the entire city or a specific area.

Vacationers who have chosen such a tour should remember:

• it’s not customary in the cafe to tip, it’s better to thank them with a sweet smile and politely say “thank you”
• pedestrians and drivers do not follow the rules of the road, so you need to be very careful.
• the export of historical objects is prohibited.
• it’s worth buying medicines in advance, problems can arise with this.
• 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.

Solomon Islands is a state located in Melanesia, in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. It consists of 992 islands.

In 1568, the Spanish traveler A. Mendanya de Neira discovered these islands. The seafarer managed to exchange a lot of gold from local residents. And he gave the name to the Solomon Islands in honor of the magical land Ophirwhere, according to legend, King Solomon hid his treasures.

The next two centuries, Europeans did not visit here. Only in 1767 the islands were discovered a second time by the Englishman F. Carteret.

Since the 1860s Europeans began to actively develop the territory of the Solomon Islands. The natives quickly realized the danger posed by the white man, and they killed every European stepping on their land. That is why the Solomon Islands at that time had a reputation as the most hostile islands in the Pacific.

In 1893, the islands came under British rule. And from the beginning of the 20th century, the British created the first plantations of coconut palms here.

During World War II, some of the islands were captured by the Japanese. For a long time there were bloody battles, many warships sank.

Solomon Islands gained independence only in 1978.

The ethnic composition of the population of the islands is heterogeneous. Most of them are Melanesians (over 90%), then Polynesians (3%), Micronesians (1.2%), Europeans and Chinese.

Holidays in the Solomon Islands are suitable primarily for those who want to enjoy the unspoiled nature of this region, as well as extremals, lovers of diving, snorkeling and fishing.

Climate and weather

The climate of the Solomon Islands is subequatorial, very humid and hot. The thermometer does not fall below +21 ° C in winter, but in summer the temperature often exceeds +30 ° C. Winter falls here from April to November. This is a dry season, which is characterized by cool (+ 23 ... + 27 ° C) weather. The time from December to March is called the wet season. Air temperature reaches its maximum, and humidity rises to 90%. The amount of precipitation varies depending on the region of the archipelago.

Hurricane winds are possible in the summer, but they are not as destructive here as they are east of the Solomon Islands.

The most favorable time for traveling to the Solomon Islands is June - December. There is no sweltering heat at this time, in addition, various festivals and festivals are held in June-August.

Nature

About 80% of the islands are covered with dense equatorial forests (ficus, palm trees); savannahs are characteristic of dry places; mangroves and swamps grow on the coasts.

The flora of the Solomon Islands is represented by more than 4,500 species of plants, among which only orchids are more than 200 species. Often you can find sumai, salat, hibiscus.

The fauna of the islands is also diverse: crocodiles, snakes, lizards, rats, bats, parrots, wild pigeons and others. Often here you can see rare giant butterflies. Green turtles, tuna, dolphins, barracuda, sharks and many other species of fish live in coastal waters.

The Solomon Islands are also rich in minerals: silver, gold, copper, nickel.

In the east about. Rennell  with the support of UNESCO, the National Wildlife Park has been created.

Solomon Islands are of volcanic origin. The highest point of the country is the peak Popomanaseu (about.Guadalkanale).  Its height reaches 2335 meters.

sights

The Solomon Islands attract tourists primarily because of their naturalness and lack of desire to create something specifically for tourists. It offers relaxation in the natural environment, and these are valuable islands for the traveler.

Traveling around the islands usually begins with the capital of the state - Honiara. Here is a place called Point cruise. According to legend, the Spaniard first landed here Mendanaand set up a cross in honor of the discovery of the island.

It will also be interesting to visit the National Museum, Parliament, Botanical Gardens, colorful Chinatown.

Just a few kilometers from the capital are famous waterfalls Matanico. Water falls into a cave filled with stalagmites and stalactites, after which it hides in the bowels of the island.

Unforgettable will be a trip to the lagoon Marovo. Here is the best tourist village in the country - World Heritage. The state, trying to preserve the unique flora and fauna of this place, has limited logging. Local residents receive the main income from tourism.

Village Nusambaruku (about Guizot)Is an example of a traditional isolated village. It consists of several buildings that are located high on stilts. You can get to the village only by boat or along a narrow dam.

The islands Anarvon  are 280 km from the capital. This is a group of 100 islands, none of which is permanently inhabited, and many of them protrude only 20-30 cm above the sea, but this place is known for being home to the rarest sea turtles. A natural reserve was organized here: dozens of specially trained people monitor the safety of the lives of turtles and accompany tourists.

The western province is famous for the beauty and richness of the underwater world. Lovers of extreme sports and water sports come here. Here are located the most comfortable resorts.

The pearl of the Western province can rightfully be called the lagoon Marovo. This is the largest salt lagoon in the world (150 to 96 kilometers). Thousands of islands and coral reefs surround the lagoon.

Almost the entire southern part about. Rennell  takes a lake Tengano. It is the largest freshwater lake in the Pacific. The lake and surrounding areas form the National Wildlife Park, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Nutrition

The cuisine of the Solomon Islands is a mixture of culinary traditions of Southeast Asia, Europe and Oceania. It is characterized by the use of yams and colocasia leaves, tapioca (obtained from the roots of the cassava plant), coconut. Chefs at local restaurants mix the ingredients in random order and often get new and unique dishes.

Often food is cooked in special earthen ovens, which are called umu. Meat and fish are usually baked on charcoal with a small addition of spices.

In addition to the Melanesian and Polynesian, European and Asian dishes are perfectly prepared here. Moreover, they are no different from similar dishes prepared in Beijing or London.

There are several European, Chinese and even Japanese restaurants in Honiara. All of them are popular with tourists and locals.

The selection of drinks is huge: local alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, as well as wines and beer imported from Chile, China, New Zealand.

Accommodation

The Solomon Islands has a poorly developed tourism infrastructure. Comfortable accommodation is provided only on the largest islands of the archipelago: Guadalcanal, Ueli, Mangalong, Guizot.

Hotels on these islands are something like resort complexes, where tennis courts, pools, playgrounds are located. It can be several colorful eco-huts or bungalows.

Prices vary between $ 30-150 per day.

Before checking in, be sure to check the availability of mosquito nets in the room: local insects can be dangerous.

AT Honiara, right on the beach, the country's most modern and prestigious hotel is located - Heritage park. To fully enjoy the nature of the Pacific coast, you can rent apartments at the hotel. An excellent double room will cost you $ 300 per day.

Outside the capital and other major cities there is the opportunity to stay right in the homes of local residents. In this case, agree on payment in advance (focus on the amount of about 12-20 $ per day). Often they pay for housing with food.

Fun and relaxation

The underwater world of the Solomon Islands attracts extreme people from all over the world. Sunken ships and planes, coral reefs, a variety of underwater inhabitants allow you to fully enjoy diving and snorkeling.

Good area for snorkeling about. Guadalcanal. About 50 huge warships were buried in the local waters. In most cases, they are located at such a depth that scuba diving is prohibited. However, the transparency of the water and the features of the bottom topography make it possible to see the details without deep immersion.

Isle Savo  called a paradise for divers. An island of volcanic origin is constantly shrouded in clouds. There are no comfortable conditions for tourists, but all this is more than compensated by the abundance of sunken ships, many hot mineral springs, crystal clear water.

The most picturesque reefs can be seen by the lagoon Marovonearby islands Tawanipuluand   Arnavon.

Diving in the Solomon Islands cannot be called cheap pleasure. For one dive you will have to pay from $ 50-70.

Another way to spend time on the islands is fishing. The local waters are known for the variety of species of fish and marine animals. Some travel agencies organize entire fish tours to Lola islandto the lagoons Marovo  and Won-won.

Those wishing to get acquainted with the strange and bewitching rites of the locals simply need to visit the surroundings of the city Auki  (100 km from Honiara). Here you will witness a dangerous ritual "Shark challenge". Local sorcerers somehow manage to euthanize the shark directly in the water, and then manually raise it to the surface.

Center for the Cultural Life of the State - Honiara. On the second Friday of June, the Queen's birthday is celebrated here. The celebration is accompanied by a police parade, dancing and sporting events. July 7, the whole country celebrates Independence Day.

If you find yourself in the Solomon Islands in mid-December, you can take part in the Festival of the Western Seas. At this time, numerous fishery competitions, canoe races and other competitions take place.

There are many good hiking trails in the Solomon Islands. Trekking enthusiasts will be pleased with the hiking trails organized from Honiara to the waterfalls Matanicofrom Guizo  before Titians.

Purchases

Large shops and supermarkets are concentrated in the capital of the Solomon Islands. Prices for imported goods are very high.

When buying food, carefully monitor the shelf life: often the goods float for a long time from Singapore, China and other countries and deteriorate on the go.

Prices in the stores of the islands are not regulated by the state, so do not be surprised if the cost of the same goods in neighboring stores will differ significantly.

Be sure to visit the colorful markets of the country. Here you can buy all kinds of vegetables and tropical fruits, fresh fish, shells, handicrafts. Markets operate throughout the week. Remember that bargaining is not welcome here.

As a souvenir from the Solomon Islands, you can bring handmade wooden figurines, which symbolize peace and tranquility.

Ritual wooden balls are very popular among tourists. According to legend, with their help you can call the spirit of a deceased ancestor and ask for advice.

Local wooden masks painted by hand are also unusual. They, according to beliefs, give strength and dexterity to their owner, protect from evil spirits.

A good gift will be brooches, key chains, beads, shell bracelets, coral.

For some goods (especially for handmade goods), two different prices are assigned: the first for local residents, the second for tourists.

Transport

international Airport Henderson Field  It is located 11 km from the capital and is named after the US major who died in the Battle of Midway. For the runway, which later became the airport, there were hot battles between the Japanese and the Americans. The airport is small, but there is everything you need: a taxi, car rental, ATM and exchange office. There are also about 30 small airports on the islands that serve local flights.

Only 2% of all roads in the Solomon Islands are paved. Most of the roads are owned by private plantation owners.

The most common transport that allows you to move from island to island is a ferry, or, as the locals call it, a water taxi. You will get a lot of impressions from sea travel. In most cases, maritime transport is not subject to any schedule, the fare is quite low.

In Honiara it is most convenient to get around by taxi. You can "vote" on the street or call him in advance. The cost of a taxi is $ 1.5 per kilometer.

There are few buses in the capital, minibuses are the most common mode of transport here, the ticket price is $ 0.4.

You can also rent a car. But drivers should be especially careful: roads outside Honiara are in terrible condition.

Communication

In the Solomon Islands standard cellular communications GSM 900. The level of communication is not very high. The only mobile operator Solomon Telekom  provides a good reception only in the area of \u200b\u200bHoniara, Auki, Guizot. In other areas, coverage is partial.

While on the islands, you can either buy a local operator’s SIM card or rent a phone.

There are about 300 pay phones in the country, and almost all of them are concentrated in Honiara, near banks, large shops and hotels. To use a payphone, you need to buy a prepaid card. It is sold in stores, kiosks, communication stores.

If you need to make an international call, it is better to use the services Solomon Telekom. The company's offices operate around the clock and are located in the capital, in many provincial centers, in all major hotels.

Internet connection is available in Honiara and in some provinces. In the capital there is a whole network of Internet cafes. Wi-Fi network has just begun its development. Test points are open only in Honiara and Guizot.

Safety

Residents of the Solomon Islands are quite friendly with tourists. Theft is rare, but in crowded places beware of pickpockets. Do not leave valuables and documents unattended, do not visit isolated areas alone.

It is recommended to visit picturesque local villages only with experienced guides who will tell you about various features of local traditions. In order to avoid the innuendo and insults from the natives, it is necessary to obtain consent before visiting their home.

For Melanesians, ownership is very important. A tree, flower or fruit in the vicinity of the village may well belong to one of the inhabitants. Therefore, in order not to provoke a conflict, do not tear anything without permission.

Pay attention to clothing: swimwear and shorts are allowed only on the beach, in other cases it is necessary to hide the body as much as possible.

Local water can be hazardous to health, so eat only boiled or bottled water. Milk, meat, fish can only be eaten after heat treatment. Wash vegetables thoroughly, peel fruits.

The danger is fraught with the fauna of the islands. Scorpions, Javanese millipedes, blood-sucking insects, poisonous fish and snakes, some reptiles, forest ants can pose a threat not only to health, but also to life. To avoid meeting with them, move around the islands (especially the jungle) only accompanied by an experienced guide.

Business climate

The economy of the Solomon Islands has been growing rapidly lately and offers good business opportunities in areas such as mining, tourism infrastructure, the agricultural industry, fisheries, and forestry.

Resident companies (shareholders who have voting rights and are resident of the islands) pay a 30% income tax from any source, regardless of their location. Non-resident companies are taxed at 35% on income earned in the islands.

The property

Exotic nature, good climate, low prices explain the demand for property in the Solomon Islands. Here you will not see high-rise apartment buildings. Most of the local population still lives in rural houses. Only in the capital there are chic modern buildings.

The legislation allows the purchase of real estate by foreigners. But this requires documents confirming the legality of the transaction.

Buying property in the Solomon Islands is quite problematic. The fact is that 95% of the land of the islands belongs to indigenous peoples. For a foreign investor to buy a house, for example, it is necessary to conduct lengthy negotiations with members of various clans to find the owner of the land and agree on a deal. Usually such negotiations take a lot of time and there is no guarantee that everything will be resolved in your favor. Community land is rarely sold. But it is possible to rent them for up to 75 years.

In the Solomon Islands, as in most other countries of Polynesia and Melanesia, it is not customary to leave a tip. According to local tradition, tips are perceived as a gift and imply a return gift. Smiling and saying "thank you", you will fully thank for the services provided.

Currency can be exchanged at a bank, in large shops and restaurants, some hotels, special exchange bureaus. There are also exchange machines in the capital, which are located mainly near bank offices. In the provinces, the easiest way to exchange currency in branches National Bank of the Solomon Islands. They are located in shops and post offices.

In Honiara you can pay by credit card, in the province - only in cash.

Often, especially in the southern regions of the islands, US dollars and Australia are accepted for payment.

Jewelry and gold upon entry should be declared.

The export and import of items of historical value is prohibited: products from coral, skins of tropical animals, feathers of birds, shell of a sea turtle.

When going on a trip, make sure that in your first-aid kit there are all the necessary medicines. In the Solomon Islands, difficulties may arise with their acquisition.

Visa Information

Where are the Solomon Islands on the world map. Detailed map of Solomon Islands in Russian online. Satellite map of Solomon Islands with cities and resorts. Solomon Islands on the world map - an island state that is located in the Pacific Ocean and includes more than 992 islands. The capital of the islands is Honiara. The official language is English.

Map of the Solomon Islands in Russian:

Solomon Islands - Wikipedia:

Solomon Islands population  - 599,419 people (2016)
Capital of the Solomon Islands  - Honiara
Phone Code of Solomon Islands - 677
Solomon Islands Internet Domains  - .sb
Used language in the Solomon Islands  - English

Almost all the islands that make up the archipelago are of volcanic origin. On the Solomon Islands  There are also several active volcanoes. For example, the volcanoes of Bagan and Balbi. The highest point above sea level is 2743 meters. Most of the islands are occupied by evergreen forests. In the driest regions, there are savannas, and along the coast there are mangroves.

Climate  on the islands it is very humid with a subequatorial climatic zone in most of the territory. The weather is characterized by a large number of sunny days and high annual temperatures. On average, the air warms up to +26 ... + 29 C. The seasons are divided into important and dry. During the rainy season, up to 7,500 mm of precipitation may fall on the islands.

Solomon islands  famous for their traditions, culture and exotic nature. One of the most interesting places in the state is Betikama, a church school complex where various workshops for the production of pottery, metal and wood cutting, and a museum with exhibits from the Second World War are opened and operate.

From natural sights  One of the most beautiful is considered a waterfall 60 meters high, located near the village of Tenaru. The bilateral Mataniko waterfalls, which can be seen if you drive 10 km from the capital, also attract and fascinate. In general, each of the islands of the archipelago is a storehouse of unique, interesting and beautiful places.

Tourism on the islands is quite well developed. The main and most visited resort Beach holidays - the capital of Honiara with a large number of hotels, restaurants, cafes and shops.

What to see in the Solomon Islands:

Matanico and Tenaru Waterfalls, Honiara City, Aola Bay Harbor, Rennell and Bellona Provinces, Santa Cruz Island, Guadalcanal, Honiara, Malaita Island, Gizo Island, Plum Pudding Island, Rennell Island.

Solomon islands
english Solomon islands
Motto: "To Lead is to Serve   (News means Serving) "
Anthem: "God Save Solomon Islands"
Independence date	July 7, 1978 (from)
official languages	english
Capital
The largest city
Form of government	a constitutional monarchy
Queen	Elizabeth II
Governor General	Frank Kabui
Prime Minister	Rick Houenipwela
Territory	142nd in the world
Total	28,450 km²
% water surface.	3,2
Population
Rating (2009)	515 870 people (170th)
Density	18.13 people / km²
GDP
Total (2011)	$ 840 million
Per capita	$ 1,522
HDI (2013)	▲ 0.530 (low; 143rd place)
Currency	solomon Islands Dollar (SBD)
Internet domain	.sb
ISO code	SB
IOC Code	SOL
Telephone code	+677
Time Zones	+11

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

Solomon islands  (English Solomon Islands) - a state in the southwestern part of the Pacific Ocean, in, occupying most of the eponymous archipelago, as well as some other island groups. It consists of 992 islands, the total area of \u200b\u200bwhich is 28,450 km² (land - 28,400 km²). The capital of the Solomon Islands is the city.

Geography

Solomon islands

The state occupies most of the eponymous archipelago in the Pacific Ocean, in, east of the island. The largest islands are: Guadalcanal, Santa Isabel, Malaita, San Cristobal, Choiseul Bay, New Georgia. Also occupies the island groups of Duff, Santa Cruz, Swallow and the islands of Bellona, \u200b\u200bRennell and others.

Islands of predominantly 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, very humid. The average monthly temperatures are from 26 to 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.

Most of the islands are covered with evergreen forests (palm trees, ficus, etc.); in the driest places - savannahs; along the banks are mangroves. Fauna: rats, bats, crocodiles, snakes, giant frogs; birds - wild pigeons, parrots, etc.

Seismology

Solomon Islands are located in a seismically dangerous region, where earthquakes often occur. In January 2010, an earthquake occurred, the magnitude of the tremors was 7.2, the tremors triggered 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 magnitude of 6.9 shocks was noted. On February 6, 2013, an earthquake of magnitude 8.0 occurred.

History and etymology

The first Papuan-speaking settlers began arriving in the Solomon Islands around 3000 BC. e. Speakers of Austronesian languages \u200b\u200b- about 4000 years ago. They brought with them cultural elements such as a canoe with an outrigger. Between approximately 1200 and 800 BC. e. the ancestors of the Polynesians (people of the Lapit culture) arrived from the Bismarck archipelago, who knew pottery.

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

For the next century and a half, the islands were not visited by Europeans. Secondly 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 Aborigines.

The development of the Solomon Islands by Europeans began only in the 1860s, when the first white merchants 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 a protectorate over the Solomon Islands. Since 1907, English entrepreneurs began to create coconut plantations in the British Solomon Islands. From the beginning of the 20th century, missionaries reappeared on the islands, converting Aboriginal people to Christianity.

During the Second World War, part of the islands was 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), ending with the victory of the latter.

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

Since 1998, tribal tensions in the Solomon Islands have sharply increased, reaching 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 Manasse Sogawara.

In June 2003, Prime Minister Allan Kemakeza asked Australia to restore law and order in the country. The following month, the military and police forces of Australia, and several countries (, and others) arrived in the Solomon Islands - “Regional mission to help the Solomon Islands”  (RAMSI), a total of about 2,200 police and military personnel. They restored order and disarmed tribal fighters.

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

Administrative Division of the Solomon Islands

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

Population

The population is 515,870 people. (2009 census).

Annual population growth is 2.3% (2009 census).

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

Mortality 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 Solomon Islands population is not available.

The urban population is 19.7% (101,798 people) (2009 census).

Languages

Languages: English (official) - they are owned by 1-2% of the population, one of the varieties of the Melanesian pidgin is used as the language of universal communication - the pidgin of the Solomon Islands (neo-Solomonic, Solomon pidgin), which is actually a Creole language. There are 120 local languages \u200b\u200bin total in the country.

Religion

Religions: Melanesian church - 31.9% (164 639 people), Catholics - 19.6% (100 999 people), evangelists of the southern seas - 17.1% (88 395 people), Seventh-day Adventists - 11, 7% (60 506 people), a single church - 10.1% (51 919 people), a Christian partnership church - 2.5% (13 153 people), other Christians - 4.4%, others - 2, 7% (14,076 people). (2009 census).

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

Policy

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. Her power is exercised through the Governor-General, who is elected by the Parliament for a term of five years.

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

Any citizen over the age of 21 has the right to vote. The head of government is the prime minister, he is elected by Parliament and appoints other ministers. The Cabinet of Ministers consists of 20 people. Each ministry is headed by a minister, assisted by a Permanent Secretary, who runs the ministry.

The political parties of the Solomon Islands are weak, parliamentary coalitions are extremely unstable. Votes of no confidence are often announced to the government, with the result that the composition of the government often changes.

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 act as firefighters, help in emergency situations and carry out maritime patrols. The police are led by a commissioner appointed by the Governor General. The Commissioner is controlled by the Prime Minister.

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

International relationships

Solomon Islands is a member of the UN, the Commonwealth of Nations, the Secretariat of the Pacific Community, the Pacific Islands Forum, the International Monetary Fund and the Countries of Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific (ACP).

Relations with, which became tense due to the influx of refugees from Fr. Bougainville after rebellion and attacks on the northern islands of the state by the rebel persecutors, were restored. The Bougainville Peace Agreement was reached in 1998, border issues were settled between Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands in an agreement signed in 2004.

Economy

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

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

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

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

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

International trade

Export - $ 0.24 billion in 2008 - wood, fish, copra, palm oil, cocoa.

The main buyers (in 2009) are China 54.1%, South Korea 6.2%, Philippines 6%, Spain 4.9%.

Import - $ 0.26 billion in 2008 - food, manufactured goods, fuel, chemical products.

The main suppliers (in 2009) are Singapore 24.7%, Australia 23.1%, New Zealand 5.2%, Fiji 4.5%, Papua New Guinea 4.3%, Malaysia 4%.

Culture

Solomon Islands to a large extent retained their former cultural appearance.

In the villages, houses of a traditional type prevail: light, rectangular huts on poles with wicker walls and a gable roof made of palm leaves. However, in large settlements there are many European-type buildings.

In clothes, European elements significantly crowded the tradition, but some locals 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 art are relatively well preserved, but modern culture is also being introduced.

Sport

Football

The national football team made history, becoming the first team to defeat the New Zealand national team and enter the qualifying playoffs for the 2006 World Cup. However, in the first match of the playoffs they were defeated by Australia with a score of 7: 0.

Mini football

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

Rugby

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

see also

• Solomon Islands Literature

Notes

1. Atlas of the world: The most detailed information / Project leaders: A. N. Bushnev, A. P. Pritvorov. - Moscow: AST, 2017 .-- S. 93. - 96 p. - ISBN 978-5-17-10261-4.
2. HON. RICK HOU IS NEW PRIME MINISTER. National Parliament of Solomon Islands (November 16, 2017). Retrieved November 16, 2017.
3. Census (Recensement national de 2009).
4. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the Solomon Islands, 1970-2011
5. Human Development Report 2013. UN (2013). Retrieved March 14, 2013. Archived May 10, 2013.
6. Mount Popomanaseu, Solomon Islands. Peakbagger.com. Retrieved May 6, 2012. Archived June 23, 2012.
7. 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.
8. Census - Solomon Islands National Statistics Office (en-gb). www.statistics.gov.sb. Retrieved October 24, 2017.
9. Solomon Islands National Statistical Office. Ministry of Finance and Treasury.  2009 POPULATION & HOUSING CENSUS. NATIONAL REPORT (Volume 2) (pdf). Solomon Islands National Statistics Office (SINSO)  P. 83 (2009). - Census of the population and housing of the Solomon Islands (2009). Retrieved October 25, 2017.
10. Census of the Solomon Islands (2009). Pacific Regional Statistics | Secretariat of the Pacific Community (en-gb). www.spc.int. Retrieved October 24, 2017.
11. International Religious Freedom Report 2007
12. CIA - The World Factbook - Central Intelligence Agency - Solomon Islands. www.cia.gov. Retrieved October 24, 2017.

Literature

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

References

• Solomon islands  - article from the encyclopedia "Around the World"
• Solomon islands  // Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary: in 86 volumes (82 volumes and 4 additional). - SPb. , 1890-1907.