Solomon Islands: General information. Sights of Solomon Islands

Country in the Pacific Ocean on the same archipelago - Solomon Islands!

Solomon Islands is the name of the archipelago and the state located in the Pacific Ocean, east of Papua New Guinea. Solomon islands from 6 large and 992 small islets, atolls and reefs, and stretches almost 30 thousand square kilometers. He occupies an important position, being at the crossroads of the sea routes between the southern District of the Pacific Ocean, Solomon and Coral Seas.

Tours on Solomon Islands

The state of Solomon Islands is a British protectorate and occupies most of the archipelago. The highest point is located on the island of Guadalcanal. It is Mount Makarakombu height 2447 meters. One of the most isolated islands is Santa Cruz - is located north of Vanuatu, and 200 km from other islands.

Rent a car on Solomon Islands

There is a version that about a tent of thousands of years ago, Solomon Islands inhabited Melanesian tribes. The first European, who stepped on these lands in 1568 was the Spanish researcher Alavaro Mendania de Neira. He decided that he found the mythical country an officer, where the treasures of the Jewish king Solomon were hidden on the legend. It is from here that the name of the Solomon Islands occurred.

The capital and largest city of Solomon Islands is Honiare. It is located on Guadalkanal Island. About 54 thousand people live here, and the population of the islands in general is about five hundred thousand inhabitants. By the way, rent a car on Solomon Islands easily on our site, and also buy tours at Solomon Islands, especially since they are quite inexpensive!

The archipelago will almost not affect tourism, quite a few people visits this poor country, but all of them leads to the Solomon Islands the genuine naturalness of all that will bring to see or visit. There is practically nothing artificial or specially created by tourists. Those travelers who are looking for extraordinary natural natural conditions will not be disappointed by anyone plot of this small country - the islands have a well-deserved reputation. It is possible to better place in the world, as if the very nature of the scabeling, snorkeling and fishing fans.

As in many Pacific Islands, the greatest attractiveness for visitors to Solomon Islands is the underwater world. The combination of exciting coral reefs, sunken ships and hundreds of places of falling aircraft during the Second World War, especially in the Guadalcanal area, makes scuba diving and snorkeling the most attractive choice of the form of rest. Despite the long, often bloody story of these places, the greatest historical interest of Solomon Islands represents as the strategic section of the Tich Ocean during the Second World War. Water Iron Bottom Sound from Guadalkanal - witnesses of the ferocious and bloody battles of American and English fleets with the Japanese, one of the largest landing and planning operations in the entire history of mankind was held here - in 1942-43. About 58 thousand American paratroopers landed at Guadalkanal, there are about 50 major warships of both parties in the waters of both parties, testifying to the destructive power of the battle.

There are many natural temptations for the tourist on Guadalkanal, but first of all guests visit the capital of the islands to Honiara. Many visitors say that their first impression from Honiara has a fairly disappointing shade - dusty and unprecedentedly quiet city. But only after a long time spent in the villages of the island, with numerous tours, jumping into water, cruises and excursion picnics with a constant sensation of turmoil, becomes apparent the peculiar charm of this city. One day is quite enough to inspect all the attractions of the capital, you can visit the shops selling articles of handicrafts, or enjoy local cafes, restaurants and bars with an explicit problem of traditional seafood dishes.

Point Cruz - Local Center, from where all the journeys on Honiare begins. In general opinion, this point, where the Spanish researcher Mendan has landed for the first time and installed the cross, is the center of the country. Now this is a place where boats and passenger ferries are loaded and unloading passengers, and local customs are manifested most interesting and colorfully. Also interesting Parliament, National Museum and Cultural Center, Botanical Gardens, nearby Water Pamp Williage ("Water Pump Village") and Colorful, Bright Chinatown.

In two hours walking from Honiara are addictive two-way waterfalls Matanico. The waters of the river fall into the cave filled with elegant stalactites and stalagmites and then disappear somewhere in the depths of the island. During World War II, the cave served as shelter for Japanese soldiers who were trying to avoid capturing by the American paratroopers and the surroundings of her became the arena of fierce fighting.

Laguna Marovo is the best place of passive recreation and the best combination of scenic beauty and a rich traditional life. Visit the excursion program to the WORLD Herityage plot in Laguna, which is now the best tourist village in the country. The state support for this unique historical site is to try to limit the workpiece of the forest to preserve the unique composition of the flora and fauna inherent in this area, and in the future - to provide local residents to a viable source of income due to tourism for which there are all conditions here.

Western province with Vella-Lovely Islands, New Georgia and Shuazell, unsurpassed by the beauty of the shores and wealth of the underwater world, it can also boast of excellent beaches, Colombangar volcano 1770 m. Height, unique megado - ancient shrine of local residents, decorated with skulls, crocodile farm And the holiday of dance in Mbangopigo. On the island of Gizo is the village of Nusambaruk - a perfect example of an isolated traditional village. The whole village consists of only a few buildings that rise above the waters of the Solomonian sea on the piles. The village is actually available only from Gizo, the main city of the island (approximately 370 km from Honiara) and the second largest in the Solomon Islands. Traveling to the village is possible only by boats or by a narrow path-dam, but this is, oddly enough, much faster and more exciting journey than it may seem at first glance. Before entering the village, it is necessary to ask her permission from its residents and inform them that you want to see or do, then you can fully enjoy the hands of the aborigines and watch them everyday life.

A little further along the coast lies the fishing village of Malait. Since it is inhabited by migrants from other regions of Oceania, and first of all - by immigrants from Malait Island, this is an excellent opportunity to observe two different cultures, peacefully coexist for many centuries just a minute walk from each other.

The eastern province of Malait has an excellent provincial city named Auki (less than 100 km from Honiara). Until the 20s of the 20th century, the city had an impressive defensive wall around the perimeter, able to keep the attacks of hostile locals or even well armed Europeans for quite a long time. Today's auki, with a population of about 4 thousand inhabitants, is the most photogenic of cities in the country. Here you can make successful purchases or enjoy good even by local chariters. Travel routes begin with lagunas, artificial islands, and here you can witness an ancient rite of the practice of "call challenge" or a sufficiently dangerous way to catch it, when a diver, armed with only a rag and a spear (or a knife) going into confrontation alone with this Grozny sea predator.

The sharks are worshiped in many areas of Solomon Islands, but there is no more rituals and festivities on this sea predator than on Islands Laulaci and Bouus, which are 16 km away. from Auki. Believing that the ancestors are often reincarnated into sharks, local residents treat these animals to be revered and many of the sharks serve to the tantic signs of tribes and childbirth. The practice of "shark challenge" - an ancient art of lining the shark, and somehow local sorcerers manage to put the shark right in the water, and then raise them by hand to the surface !! A knock on the stones in certain places under water lures sharks to a depth of 30 cm., Where a little boy (necessarily !!) gives a predator capable of a snack to snack it in half, a piece of pork, thanks to her for a visit. Shark continues to swim around the lagoon, as if taking the gift. This ritual, as extremely dangerous, was banned in the 1970s, but many parts of this amazing custom are still practiced in many places. Since the meat of black pigs is used, then black and red (blood color) color is taboo on Laulaci and Bow, and visitors should take it into account when choosing clothes and jewelry for a trip. Many local residents tame a shark, starting with the smallest sharks and ending the largest and most terrible of them.

In an isolated Eastern region, darkness you can visit the islands actually unaffected by modern civilization, see active volcanoes, become witnesses of vintage rites and use in the quality of the red feathers of tropical birds - one of the most unusual currencies in the world.

Western Islands and Islands Anarvon, this is a group of more than 100 islands in Central Province Isabel, 280 km. from Honiara, - one of the most attractive waterways in the region. None of the islands are permanently inhabited, many only for a couple of dozen centimeters rise above sea level, but this area can boast, in addition to the largest land in the world, on which the eggs are laying the rarest sea turtles, also unsurpassed fishing. In 1995, a natural reserve was created here, in which visitors accompanies the whole staff of trained guides, specially followed by the behavior of tourists and controlling the life of the turtles - the local population is so raw and not yet fully recovered after many years of extermination of these unique animals, what is behavior Personnel is just necessary. However, the staff of the reservation workers is also engaged in the device and placement of tourists, so in any case, complaints about excessive annoying of the guides have not been received from anyone. The best way to islands - on the ocean canoe from the island of Vagina or Shuazell.

The life of the village on the Solomon Islands is still surrounded by many of the taboo. It would be impossible to explain the importance of all of them here, however, when visiting villages, caution should be taken and limit your curiosity as possible. The term "taboo" means "sacred" ("saint"), as well as "prohibited", so it should be borne in mind. The property rights are very important - the tree, the fruit or flower at the side of the road is most likely belonging to someone. For many islanders, income depends on what they will grow, so they will expect decent compensation if you dispel the fruit that was intended for sale. Clothing (or her absence) The islanders vary extremely, but travelers should always stay completely dressed. Many areas are considered to be "taboo" for a woman stand above men, and even more than a man, albeit a foreigner, should not be deliberately occupying the place below the woman. It is also forbidden to swim under canoe, in which there are women - it is later likely to be destroyed, and for many canoe islanders - the only means of extinguishing food. As in all cultures of the world, Taboo play the role of moral regulations or codes and are designed to protect the community, therefore it is not customary to punish the uninitiated, to which foreigners belong. But nevertheless, the observance of local customs is extremely preferably.

Crafts of Solomon Islands are extremely peculiar and have quite high aesthetic data despite the seeming simplicity. Elegant wood carving, fish bones or sinks can be found everywhere on the islands, and its forms can vary from decorative ritual balls in the field of Makira-Wław to a miniature gift canoe in the Western region, Malayite, Santa Anya and on the Islands of Ngengla.

Despite the domination of the Christian faith, traditional practice is still largely distributed, especially among the 75% population of the peripheral islands or living in the villages. Dancing, songs and stories depicting the past are common and make up the basis of all holidays on the islands. The islanders usually arrange holidays about the war, successful hunting, some events of the natural world around or the world of perfume, harvesting grain crops or successful fishing, so a series of festivities on the islands stretches almost continuously. In addition, some islanders believe in various forms of magic. The most common belief that after the death of the spirit of man lives for some time in sharks, birds or reptiles. This animal becomes sacred for some time and is prohibited by eating. And about the reverence of this taboo, it is also extremely necessary to arrange a holiday! Seven of the nine regions of the country are carried out, in addition, the annual holidays on the birthday of the Queen and the Day of Independence (in June and July, respectively) - this best timeTo see traditional dancing.

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ATTRACTIONS Like the next Vanuatu, this land is still almost isolated from the surrounding world, is an example of amazing natural contrasts and endless opportunities for various adventures, where almost impassable jungle, high mountain peaks, mighty volcanoes, countless atolls, pure mountain rivers with waterfalls and blue lagoon. It is believed that no other Pacific archipelago has a more diverse nature with such a complex combination of geology and climatic conditions. The archipelago will practically not affect tourism, because on Earth a little wishes to visit this poor and isolated country. But many entails the genuine naturalness of all that will bring to see or visit. There is no practically nothing artificial or specially created to tourists, and the nature of the islands, without too much exaggeration called the extraordinary, creates a reputation, possibly one of the last plates of the planet, as if specifically designed for extreme species recreation. Here are truly unique conditions for diving, snorkeling, studying the history of the Second World War, ethnography, sailing and sports fishing. Guadalkanal Guadalkanal Island, or Guadalcanal, is the largest land plot in the Solomon Islands group (area of \u200b\u200b5302 square meters. Km). Higher from the depths of the ocean, like some kind of prehistoric lamb, mountainous and inhumatical island, almost all are busy with the slopes and peaks of ancient volcanoes (Mount Gallego, or Mount Galje, Popomanaso, Makarakurubura, Tattus, Caiui - all of them have a height of 2 km or more) and covered with dense cover of tropical vegetation. Its mountainous relief does not leave people for the housing of other places, except for a very narrow coastal strip surrounding the entire island, only in the north, in the Gendar Field area (Henderson) and Honiara moving into a small plain. South Coast Rocky and wears the semi-official name of the Weser-Coast ("Weather Coast"), since the life of people here is entirely dependent on the state of the weather. The swampy shores and the hot and wet climate make it difficult to life on Guadalcanal, however, about 40% of the country's population lives here, the capital of the archipelago and its main administrative institutions are located. Honiara The capital of the islands is located on the northern coast of Guadalkanal, in the extensive bay between the peninsula Cape Esperance and Lunga Point, in the very place that De Mendan has called Puento Cruz. The small and enough picturesque seaport of Honiara leads its origin from the tiny fishing village, whose name is Nho-Ni-Ara can be translated as "a place where East and South-Eastern Wind faces" (for local defects are very characterized by similar "flowery" names) . The city is very young - most of his modern buildings were built immediately after the end of World War II, when it took place to find a place for the new capital of the archipelago (Tuulaagi suffered a lot during the fighting, and not the most successful place for him was chosen). In 1952, Honiara officially became the capital of Solomon Islands. Honiara is perhaps the only more or less large settlement of the archipelago - except for fifty thousand local people, focused on the square hardly 1.5 square meters. km, here are constantly going on for shopping, work and recreation Residents of other islands. Almost all his life boils along the Cucumber Highway Highway connecting the region of Gende Field in the East to White River in the West. Along this highway and the main street of the city - Mendan-Avenue continuing (Mendan - so the islands, the name of their islands is pronounced) with almost all the main objects of the capital infrastructure - the National Hospital, a complex of portal structures, the market and recently affected by the chinese quarter riots. The building of the National Parliament, open in 1993, is sharply allocated among the buildings around him with his conical form, and it is he who is considered to be the center of Honiara. Restored old government house today is given under the complex of the National Museum with an extensive collection on the history and culture of the country, and his park serves popular Moz Conduct afternoon rest. Opposite the original building of the Hotel Mendan (Solomon Kitano Mendana Hotel) is towers, and there is a tourist office of the country between him and the yacht club. Nearby are the National Archive and the Public Library for the Office of the Department public works. The large modern building of the Central Bank of Solomon Islands has an original historical exposition telling how it is not difficult to guess, about the features of the local monetary system, the money traditional for the countries of the region is exhibited in the form of beams of red feathers or shells of Kauri, as well as a small exposition of the works of local wood cutters . Bully below Mendan-Avenue, between the office of the Solomon Islands broadcasting corporation (SIBC) and the Rove prison, the Honiara Bedanic Gardens begin, famous for their collection of local plants (the gardens area is quite small, and the collection looks like a modest one, however, to assess its importance. , It is enough to imagine what time it would be worth seeing all these orchids and lianas in natural local conditions). Here, on Mendan Avenue, in a small park, located almost opposite the building of the Central Bank, there is a melanezia cultural village with its typical local buildings from palm leaves and wicker mats. This colorful mini-museum specializes in demonstrations of traditions, rites and crafts of various areas of Solomon Islands. Around the capital To the east of Honiara is a complex of church school BeticaWidely well-known handicrafts (clay dishes, metal and wood work, most of them can be bought right in place) and a small museum of relics of the Second World War. Nearby is a village Tenar, near which the sixtyth meters of the eponymous waterfall is noisy. 7 km east of the capital stretched the village Mavasser, considered the center of Moro's movement. Here, a small museum is deserved here, designed to preserve the historical and spiritual values \u200b\u200bof the traditional local life. Even east, between Guadalkanal and the tiny island of Tavanipupua, water spread Marau Sound With their huge coral reefs, which are replete with various maritime animals. 10 km from the capital lie beautiful "double-sided" Waterfalls Matanico. The waters of the river of the same name are drunk here with a high cliff right in the cave filled with elegant stalactites and stalagmites, and then disappear somewhere in the depths of the island. There are many large enough around and, which is important, clean water bodies suitable for swimming, and in the cave itself there is an extensive population of swallows and bats. During the Second World War, this cave served as shelter for the last soldiers of the Japanese garrison of Guadalcanal, and its neighborhood became the arena of fierce fights (according to different estimates from 400 to 600, the soldiers of the imperial army found their death in the cave itself, resisting literally to the last cartridge). The fields of combat times of the Second World War are generally among the main attractions of Guadalkanal as a whole and the surroundings of Honiara in particular. It was in these places that the most fierce contractions were boiled between the Japanese garrison of the island and surpassed them in numbers of several dozen times the US marines. Genderson Field International Airport itself (Henderson-Field, named after Major's Marine Corps of the United States who died during the Battle of Midoue) leads its origin from the runway, which the Japanese began to build, and the Americans have completed. It was for this block of sushi that stubborn battles unfolded, during which both parties suffered the most tangible losses (according to different estimates from 24 to 38 thousand people only on land). Therefore, it is not surprising that traces of that war are still in abundance around the capital and airport, and the nearby waters are literally beaten by fragments of various military equipment. I wonder that one of the straits leading to Guadalcanal, still wears the official name of Iron Bott ("Iron bottom"), and for its cleaning of ships and aircraft, the government of Solomon Islands was even going to present an account of the United States and Japan until It rates that profits that tourists can be learned from visiting these places, as well as fans of military history and divers from these countries. On the Skyline Ridge Ridge and Mount Mount Austin rises a US Memorial Park with a detailed description of the battle for the island, as well as the Japanese world memorial with its four white monoliths. There are organized tours to places, whose names themselves speak for themselves for themselves - to the shore of Iron-Bottom-Sound, for the Bludi-Ridge Ridge, Alligator Creek and Red Beach, to the Japanese Memorial in the Poha River and his village museum of Vila (also dedicated to the history of fights for Guadalkanal), Cape Lunga Point and to the Bay Teter. The southern coast (Weser-Coast) is quite deserted and nonexime. From all of its attractions, only Tulaagi's town can be noted (not to be confused with the old capital of the archipelago on the island of Florida) with its crafts and good conditions for sea fishingAs well as the village of Komuululu - another Moro Moro Center with colorful local architecture and a tiny museum. And deep in the heart of the tropical forest of Guadalcanal, on the slopes of the Mountain chain of Lhamas (Lamas), the luxurious waterfalls of the whip (the vision) are noisy, affordable, unfortunately, only helicopter. Central Region. The area occupies about 1000 square meters. The center of the central region lies around Guadalkanla and includes Savo Islands, Russeks, Nghel and Florida Group. Once served as the archipelago center (on the island of Florida is the old capital of Solomon Islands - the town of Tulagi), after the second world, she practically lost its importance, since many infrastructure facilities were destroyed during battles, and those that were built by flashing armies were explicitly wore a temporary character and Quickly came into disrepair. Therefore, most modern attractions of the region are associated either with traces of those fights, or with sea and good local shores. Permanent clouds volcanic island Savo.lying in the Iron Bottom Sound Strait is a paradise for divers and fans of other species active rest. Almost complete absence of infrastructure is compensated by the abundance of sunken vessels (it was here that the famous battle of Savo island), constantly smoking a volcanic crater and many practically boiling mineral springs, several ancient cultite segmentation sites, as well as a living bird community and magnificent crystal waters. On the island of Florida, you can explore the old headquarters of the British colonial administration with its hospital and headquarters, as well as the Old Port Parvis, which served first by the British Navy base, and then the Japanese imperial fleet. And Anuha island is widely known for its white sandy shores. Region Malaita Eastern province, called the name by the name of the largest island of the group, is the second largest and most densely populated from the Solomon Islands, although many of its inhabitants live in major cities, like Honiara or Gizo, and in the villages and villages lost in the jungle and islands. The major islands of Malaita are inhabited by Melazaneians (about 96 thousand people), and the Polynesian tribes (about 2 thousand people) live on the Atollah of Onongg-Jawa (Lord Hau). It was these islands that made the maximum contribution to the reputation of Solomon as non-microgenic islands, and by virtue of the same reason, the ancient folk traditions and rituals were preserved as much as possible. The distinctive feature of the island of Malait is a huge number of artificial islands, which since ancient times was built by local residents directly on the atolls or rocky islands of Lagun. The lack of land suitable for processing is simply for housing, forced Malayants from the century to the century to pour artificial shores from crushed coral or rubble between the piles driven into the bottom, which the sea turned very quickly into a rather durable monolith. Nowadays on these man-made islandsAbout 12 thousand islanders from 15 tribal groups are concentrated in the Langu-Langa Lang and Lau lagoon, and Malaita lives one of the last relict tribes of the planet - the Cavio group (QUAIO). It was in these places that the ancient cult of worship of sharks was preserved, in which, according to local beliefs, the souls of the ancestors are filmed. For sharks, local residents are reversible and many of these oldest cartilage fish serve to the Tenic signs of tribes and childbirth. The sharks worship in many areas of Solomon Islands, but there is no longer more rituals and festivities dedicated to this sea predator than on the Islands of Laulaci and Bow in Langa Langa Lagun, which lie 16 km from the capital of Malait Island. From Auki can be reached by the boat to the artificial islands of the Lagoon and here to witness an ancient rite of the practice of the "call challenge" or a rather dangerous way to catch it when the diver, armed with only a rag and a spear (or a knife), enters the confrontation one to one with this formidable Sea predator. Although more often, tourists show no less shocking spectacle to communicate with shark. Many locals tame a shark from the smallest sharks and ending with the largest and most terrible of them. The practice of "Call Akula" is an ancient art of lining a predator, and somehow local sorcerers manage to put the shark right in the water and then raise them by hand to the surface !! A knock on the stones in certain places under water lures sharks to a depth of 30 cm, where a little boy (necessarily !!) gives a predator capable of snacking him in half, a piece of pork, thanks to her for a visit. Shark continues to swim around the lagoon, as if taking the gift. This ritual, as extremely dangerous, was banned in the 1970s, but some parts of this amazing custom are still practiced in many places. Since the meat of black pigs is used, then black and red (blood color) color - taboo on Laulaci and Bow (and on many other area islands too), and visitors should take it into account when choosing clothes and jewelry for the trip. Small town Ayuki. (The population of about 4 thousand people) since 1920 is the capital of Malait region. Until the 20s of the 20th century, the city had an impressive defensive wall throughout the perimeter, capable of holding the attacks of hostile locals or even well-armed Europeans for quite a long time, which predetermined his choice as the capital. Today's Auki is perhaps the most photographic city of the country and can boast enough decent for these places the choice of shops, hotels and restaurants, plus good, even by local standards, kitchen. From here you can get to the village of Lilisan in Langa-Lang Lagun (it is believed that the inhabitants of this particular settlement invented the technology of manufacturing pile buildings and artificial islands), beautiful beaches The lagoon itself, in the picturesque cultural villages of Alita, Anoano, Ayofia, Auma, Maeäen, Manafe and Ugra (a preliminary agreement on the visit is required), as well as the Cultural Village of Bouus already mentioned, which, except for rituals with sharks, is able to offer a lot of other interesting rites. . Western Oblast The Western province is considered a recognized country leader on the beauty of its shores and the wealth of the underwater world. The largest among the provinces of the archipelago, it takes 8573 square kilometers (Vella-Lovely Islands, New Georgia and about fifty small islets and reefs), and only 19% of the population live here. Often called in conversations just West ("West"), it attracts a lot of extreme lovers and water species Rest, it is also, perhaps, the country's most developed area of \u200b\u200bthe country area is built here about 16 quite modern resorts, clearly-focused on diving, including one of the best Uepi Island Resort in the famous Marso Lagoon. The largest salted lagoon in the world (its size is about 150 by 96 km), Marsolocated on the island of New Georgia to the north of Wangun Island (in fact, it is a shed between the two of these islands, transformed by the growth of coral reefs in the intermittent Sushi Ring surrounding the central lagoon). This is a huge water space with a narrow strip of coral beaches around the perimeter and amazingly blue water is a candidate for entering the UNESCO World Heritage List. Literally thousands of islands frame the lagoon Marovo, from tiny coral reefs to massive volcanic rocks up to 1600 meters high, and many of them still show signs of active volcanic activity, but are quite accessible to visiting. Laguna Marovo is the best place to relax by the sea, is a unique combination of the scenic beauty of wildlife and the rich traditions of local residents (the shores of the lagoon inhabit two separate tribes - Marovo and Roviana). The resorts of Matikuri Resort, Rogosakena Eco Resort and Uepi Island Resort are deserved, as well as a plot of traditional Warld Heritj's village, which is considered the best tourist village in the country. It is limited to the workpiece of the forest to preserve the unique composition of the flora and fauna inherent in this area, excellent conditions for marine fishing have been created (Laguna is associated with an open sea of \u200b\u200balmost hundreds of passages in reefs, therefore 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 country. The second in size of the city of Archipelago - Gizo is located on the island of the same name (approximately 370 km from Honiara), on the shore of the Western Won Lagoon, and is considered the capital of the Western region and one of the most popular resort areas of the country. Its snow-white isolated shores and beaches, numerous coral islands and atolls, literally growing from the depths of the ocean, traditional villages And excellent conditions for marine fishing, snorkeling and diving created him a lot of fame among fans of active recreation. At the same time, the island itself is not much different in terms of its development from the fact that they saw the fighting parties during the time of the battle for Guadalkanal. In Gizo, you can rent a private boat and explore the magnificent coral reefs of the lagoon of Won-Won or New Georgia, to make a dive to numerous ships and aircraft who died in these waters during the last war, rise to Kolombangang Volcano (1770 m), as well as see Megapod "The ancient shrine of local tribes, a crocodile farm, a pile village of Nusambaruka or to visit the holiday of dance in Mbangopigo. Favorite, although a sufficiently undisguised point of attraction for most tourists is the island of Plam Pudding, or Kennedy Island, who received his fame after the sorting of the PT-109 torpedo boat in August 1943, who commanded the future US President John F. Kennedy, and His team flew exactly on this tiny slush bar (now in his honor there are annual swimmers competitions on the JFK prize). You can also make an excursion to the small fishing village of Malaita, the population from other regions of Oceania is an excellent opportunity to observe various cultures, peacefully coexistent for many centuries for many centuries just a minute walk from each other. However, you can get to most local villages here only by boat or by narrow, often almost impassable roads under the crowns of thick forest. Schuazel region Schuazel Island, or Laura, only recently (1995) stood out of the composition Western province in separate administrative region. His population is also inhomogeneously, as in other places of the country, - about 16 thousand Melanesians live in the western half of the main island, and in the east and north they live with Gilbert Islands (about 2 thousand people). Most of the coast of Shoazyloil is an extremely narrow strip, limited to the sushi by mountain ridges and jungle, and from the sea - large shallow swamps and literally wall of the moisture of moisture vegetation. Therefore, it is quite difficult to explore it, and all excursions are conducted either in the shoisel bay, the river Sui with its waterfalls and the tiny capital of Kumbakal, near the coast more favorable for movement, or by sea - in the form of a weekly cruise along the shores of the island with visits to local villages and diving Under water (however, in addition to good reefs, there is nothing remarkable - the fighting Second World War was significantly southeast of this region). Isabel region The Spanish researcher Alvaro de Mendana da Neira opened Santa Isabel Isaabel Island in February 1568 and stepped ashore in the Bay, wearing the name of Estrela Bay in our days. Almost 75% of the local population, for the most part - Melanesians belonging to six tribal groups live the southeastern part of the island. The longest island of the archipelago, Santa Isabel is still quite low-prospecting, which is a lot of almost complete lack of roads (the only site that deserves the name of the road stretches from the capital of Bouala Island to the village of Kaevang on the southern coast), so all the movements between settlements of the island We are underway. Here is the center of sightseeing activities, the most popular object of which is the island Arnavon (Amavon), also known as the "Telep Island", since it is here that the natural zone of breeding bissors is located here - the rarest sea turtles. None of almost one hundred islands and reef groups ArnavonStretching between Santa Isabel and Rob-Roy Island is not constantly inhabited, many only for a couple of dozen centimeters rise above sea level, so this area can be proud of also unsurpassed fishing. In 1991, the Marine Natural Reserve Arnavon was created here, whose zone stretches from the coast of Santa Isabel to Shoazelyl. When visiting the territory of the park, visitors accompanies the whole staff of specially trained guides from among the residents of local villages (2 people from each community), following the behavior of tourists and controlling the life of the turtles, - the local population is so raseny and has not yet fully recovered after many years of extermination of these Unique animals that such personnel behavior is simply necessary. The pile village of Kia in the north of the island is also noteworthy, all the movement on which is conducted on canoe, and South-West Island San Jug (San Horg, is known in local mythology as the habitat of the spirits of the dead - here they really have different strange phenomena). Most local villages have good mini-hotels with excellent local standards and service level, and the main souvenir of these places is a tapping cortex fabric (paper mulberry), painted in a blue color of local orchides. Makira region Southeast region Solomon includes Makira Islands (San Cristobal), Ulava, Uki-Ni-Masi, Ovaraha (Santa Ana), Karovka (Santa Catalina) and still with a dozen small blocks of the Earth, stretched toward Vanuatu . The compact island group (all of the islands are located about 35-38 km away from each other, with the exception of the Ulava, which is 75 km south of San Cristobal) covers an area of \u200b\u200babout 3188 square meters. km and populated 30 thousand people (two thirds of them live on the northern coast of San Cristobal). Highlands (up to 1040 m on San Cristobal) and strongly wetlands literally dissected by rivers and streams (almost every 2-5 km in the sea, any watercourse is poured), belonging to the "raw" in the country. Since the islands for a long time were isolated from the world around, there are many relic forms of plants and animals, the same applies to people - the Bauro tribal group is considered scientists with one of the most isolated and conservative ethnic groups in the region. The main fame of the islands brought local masters of folk dances - in almost every village there are own troupes, well-known far beyond the limits of Solomon Islands. The most colorful dance performances with almost complete preservation of ancient traditions can be seen in Star Harbor, in the village Natahanger, on the Islands of Ovaraha (Santa Ana), Karovka (Santa Catalina), three-sister and ulava. Here you can also purchase products of national applied classes. And in the abundant caves and extremely hard-to-reach mountainous regions of San Cristobal, as local residents consider, the "Pacific Ocean gnomes" are still inhabited by "Kakameor" races, which is attributed to any mythical properties. Temperature area Formerly called the eastern external islands, the area of \u200b\u200bthe temperature covers an area of \u200b\u200b926 square meters. km (islands) and 150 thousand square meters. KM Ocean in the most eastern part of Solomon Islands. This extensive archipelago from wide scattered islands is separated from the main group of the country Torreswith depths up to 600 m. Three groups of volcanic islands (Santa Cruz, Tinakula and Whitapua) are surrounded by low coral atollams of nearby Reef Island Islands and located on the eastern east isolated duffy and ana island volcanoes. This area is actually intact with modern civilization, and the inhabitants of its islanders differ in their origin from the residents of the remaining Solomon Islands. The only sights here are the active volcanoes of the island. Tinacula, colorful rites of local tribes (it is characteristic that the bunches of red feathers of tropical birds are still used as a monetary unit - one of the most unusual currencies on the planet), the village of Bola on Santa Cruz with its unusual population, in whose veins the Spanish blood flows Sailors from the ships Alvaro de Mendenha (it was here that the navigator himself and 47 members of his crew), as well as beautiful bay Gracios. Region Rennel and Bellona (Renbell) The most southern island group, dedicated to an independent area in 1995, Rennell and Bellona lies south of Guadalcanal and south-west of Makira. These remote atolls were discovered by the captain of the merchant Matthew Boyd in 1793. Now this area occupies area 671 square meters. CM and inhabited only 2.5 thousand people, is one of the natural nature reserves of nature and Polynesian traditions. The capital of the region is Tigoa's town lies on Rennell Island, or Mou-Nghava, as it is called Islanders themselves, and Bellona, \u200b\u200bor Mu-Ngiki, is widely known as the land of beautiful carpenters and wood cutters. Island Rennell It is considered the largest sublime atoll on the planet (86x15 km), but the main line of its uniqueness is almost the entire southern part of the elongated lake Tengano. - The largest freshwater lake in the southern part of the 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 flora species, primarily orchids. It is not difficult to guess that in the era of the formation of the island of the lake was an extensive lagoon, which, as it raises the surrounding sushi over the water, gradually crushed, although the water still remains slightly straly. Therefore, now here you can find completely unique views of the once sea fish, the very nature of the transformed into freshwater (the only analogue is a lake Titicaca in South American Andes). Because of its unique natural conditions and specific ecology eastern The islands together with the Lake Todgano was declared by the National Park of Wildlife (an area of \u200b\u200b37 thousand hectares) included later on the World Heritage List of UNESCO Wildlife. Noticeably smaller and quiet Bellona (Mu-Ngiki) lies northwest Rennella and has rich phosphate deposits, as well as many residential caves of the earliest inhabitants of the region - the legendary people of Chiti. Here you can see the specific people's kind of struggle - Hetakai, which exists on the islands at least in the last 600 years.

Official name - Solomon Islands.

Located in the southwestern part of the Pacific. Area 28 450 km2, population is 509 thousand people. (2003). State language - English. Capital - Honiara (55 thousand people, 2003). State holiday - Independence Day July 7 (1978). The monetary unit is the dollar of the Solomon Islands.

UN Member (since 1978), IMF (1979), WTO (from 1994), Pacific Islands Forum (previously Uutf).

Located between 5 ° 10 and 12 ° 45 southern latitude and 155 ° 30 and 170 ° 30 Eastern longitude at the Solomon Solomon archipelago (excluding the islands of Bougainville and Beech, which are part of Papua New Guinea), the island group of Santa Cruz, other groups and Individual islands (only 922 islands). The largest: Guadalkanal (5.6 thousand km2), Makira (San Cristobal) and Santa Isabel (4.7 thousand km2). The length of the archipelago is approx. 1500 km. The length of the coastline is 5313 km.

To the northwest and west of the archipelago there is Papua New Guinea, to the southeast - Vanuatu.

Sights of Solomon Islands

As part of Solomon Islands - volcanic, high (mainly), and coral, low, islands. In the high islands there are extinct and existing volcanoes, hot springs, frequent earthquakes. Mountain chains occupy almost all of their surface (the highest point - Makarakombura, 2294 m, Guadalkanal). Between the mountains - deep narrow valleys. Along the coast stretch narrow lowlands. Many volcanic islands Surrounded by coral reefs. On large islands, many mountain rivers suitable for the construction of hydroelectric power plants. Lakes are a bit, but Lake Tinggoa (Rennell Coral Island) is the largest in Oceania. High islands Covered with dense forests of valuable tropical rocks. Animal world is notgeful: Oposatum, Forest Mouse, Big Suslik (found only here). Crocodiles are found in mangrove swamps. St. 150 species of birds (especially many parrots). In the surrounding waters, a lot of fish, sea turtles, snakes, mollusks.

Minerals: in the 200th economic zone (1.63 million km2) is one of the world's largest concentrations. There are leads of lead, zinc, nickel and gold.

The climate is tropical. Hot and wet season: November-March (shower, hurricanes). The average annual temperature is + 23-27 ° C. The average annual precipitation is 2000-3000 mm (in some places - up to 8000 mm).

Population growth rates - up to 3% per year. Population composition: Melanesians (93%), Polynesians (4%), Micronesians (1.5%), there are Europeans (0.8%), Chinese (0.3%), etc. The main language of inter-ethnic communication - PIDAIN (Anglo-Melanesian version). English speaks no more than 2% of the inhabitants. The indigenous population uses about 120 languages \u200b\u200band dialects. Very strong communal, clan and family ties are preserved. 90% of the inhabitants live in small villages and is engaged in natural or semi-natural agriculture. Promptically 65% \u200b\u200bof the adult population. Life expectancy of men - 70, women - 75 years. Child mortality of 23 people. on 1000 newborns.

Christians prevailed among believers, mostly Protestants (78%), incl. British - 45%. Catholics - 18%, adherents of traditional beliefs - 4%.

The first of Europeans on the archipelago visited Spaniard A. De Mendanya (1568). Assuming that I found fabulous country Biblical king Solomon, he called the Solomon Solomon Archipelago. Only after 200 years their research was engaged in other European navigators. Bloody collisions between the slave traders and the indigenous people served as a reason for the UK to establish in 1893-1900 the protectorate over the archipelago and the nearby islands (part of them in 1900 she was given by Germany). The unrest of the indigenous population continued until the 2nd World War, when Solomon Islands were occupied by the Japanese. In 1942 - 43 Islands - the place of fierce battles (especially Guadalkanal) of the American troops and their allies with Japanese troops. After the war under pressure from the struggle of indigenous people, the development of self-government began. In 1974, the first elections were held in the Legislative Assembly of Solomon Islands. In 1976, they received the status of internal self-government, and in 1978 - independence. Due to periodic outbreaks of inter-ethnic clashes, the internal political situation remains extremely unstable. So, in con. 1998 Others broke out on the island of Guadalkanal, caused by the discontent of local residents (Isatab) by the flow of immigrants from other archipelago islands (primarily from the neighboring, most populated, Malait Island) and the land-related land, the increase in crime, etc. More than 20 thousand Malaitians were expelled from Guadalkanla. In response, the militarized detachments of Malaittsev in June 2000, force forced the then Prime Minister to resign and captured control over the capital. Despite the fact that Kon. 2000 has been achieved a peaceful agreement, and in December 2001 new elections were held, lawlessness continued in the country. New government authorities have repeatedly called for the introduction of UN peacekeeping forces into the territory of the country or the Pacific Islands Forum. Finally, on July 24, 2003, the advanced detachment of the Australian troops as part of the United forum forum was landed (they also included parts of Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Tonga, Samoa and New Zealand) to recover the law and order on the archipelago.

Solomon Islands - parliamentary democracy as part of the Commonwealth of Nations (former British). The head of state is the British Queen (at the same time Queen of Solomon Islands). She appoints the Governor-General on the recommendation of the local parliament, 50 deputies of which are elected by a general vote for 4 years (the following elections in 2005). The executive power is the Prime Minister (A. Kemakez), approved by Parliament with his deputy and ministers (all members of parliament).

Administratively country is divided into 9 districts (provinces) and Honiara.

Major Political Parties: Party of the People's Alliance (Leader A. Kemakez, 16 seats in parliament), Union of Solomon Islands for Coalition of Change (13), Progressive People's Party (2), Labor Party Solomon Islands (1), etc.

There are no regular armed forces, there is only police and intelligence.

Solomon island of diplomatic relations with the Russian Federation have no.

GDP per capita 1.7 thousand US dollars (by purchasing currency purchasing ability, 2001). Intrapolitic chaos of recent years has hit the economy. If in 1984-93, the average annual growth rates of GDP accounted for 3.5%, and in 1994-96 - even 7.7%, then for 1997-2002, the volume of GDP decreased by almost 20%. St. 70% of the economically active population leads semi-natural agriculture. Cocoa beans, coconut palm, rice, potatoes, vegetables and fruits, and the like are grown. The population enters pigs and poultry, and cattle is grown on farms. In the commodity sector of the economy, agricultural and forestry and fisheries account for 24% of employed, on industry - 13%, on the scope of services (trade, finance, state apparatus, etc.) - more than 60%.

There are enterprises for the production of canned fish, clothing, furniture, souvenirs, woodworking.

Of the more than 1360 km highway only 34 km with a solid coating, and 800 km - roads within private plantations. Between the islands, coastal ships are running. The main seaport is Honiara. There are several ports and harbors. Of 32 airfields 2 have runway strips with solid coating. International Airport - in the area of \u200b\u200bHoniara. Internet users - 8.4 thousand people. (2002).

Potential tourism capabilities are used weakly, only 10-11 thousand intuurists are in a year. In addition to the undevelopability of the transport and other infrastructure, the main obstacle to the expansion of the flow of tourists is an unstable domestic political position.

The export is a copra, palm oil, fish, wood, cocoa. Food and fuel, finished products, machinery and equipment are imported. Foreign Economic Partners: Japan, Australia, South Korea, country South-East Asia etc.

Foreign financial assistance (Japan, Australia, New Zealand, PRC) plays a big role.

School education is still optional. Of the more than 500 secondary schools - only 21. The Higher Education College is preparing teachers, accountants, paramedics, fisheries specialists. But actually higher education residents get to Fiji, in Papua New Guinea, Australia and New Zealand. In Honiara is the Institute of Marine Resources of South Fuel University (Fiji).

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

In 1568, the Spanish traveler A. Mendania de Neira discovered these islands. The navigator managed to remove many gold from the locals. And he gave the name to Solomon Islands in honor of the Magic Country Officer, where, according to legend, King Solomon hid his treasures.

The next two centuries Europeans did not visit here. Only in 1767, the islands were open to the secondary Englishman F. Carteriet.

From the 1860s. Europeans began to actively master the territory of Solomon Islands. The aborigines quickly understood the danger emanating from the White Man, and killed every European, stepping on their land. That is why Solomon Islands at that time had a reputation of the islands hostile on the territory of the Pacific Ocean.

In 1893, the islands fell under the authority of the UK. And from the beginning of the XX century, the British created here the first plantations of coconut palm trees.

During World War II, part of the islands captured the Japanese. For a long time there were bloody battles here, a lot of warships sank.

The independence of Solomon Islands received only in 1978.

The ethnic composition of the population of islands is heterogeneous. Most of the melainsians (more than 90%), then Polynesians (3%), Micronesians (1.2%), Europeans and the Chinese.

Rest at Solomon Islands is primarily for those who want to enjoy the intact nature of this region, as well as extremals, diving lovers, snorkeling and fishing.

Climate and weather

The climate of the Solomon Islands is a subequatorial, very wet and hot. The thermometer bar is not lowered in winter below +21 ° C, the temperature often exceeds +30 ° C. Winter is coming here for April - November. This is a dry season for which the cool (+ 23 ... + 27 ° C) weather. Time from December to March is called a wet season. The air temperature reaches its maximum, and the humidity rises to 90%. The amount of precipitation varies depending on the region of the archipelago.

In the summer, hurricane winds are possible, but here they are not so devastating, as east of the Solomon Islands.

The most favorable time for traveling to Solomon Islands - June - December. At this time there is no exhausting heat, and in June-August, various festivals and festivities are held.

Nature

About 80% of the islands are covered with dense equatorial forests (ficuses, palm trees); For dry places are characteristic of savanna; Mangrove forests and swamps grow on the coasts.

The plant world of Solomon Islands is represented by more than 4,500 species of plants, among which only orchids are more than 200 species. Often you can meet a souse, settled, hibiscus.

Fauna Islands is also diverse: crocodiles, snakes, lizards, rats, bats, parrots, wild pigeons and others. Often here you can see rare giant butterflies. In coastal waters, green turtles, tuna, dolphins, barracuda, sharks and many more fish species.

Solomon islands are rich and minerals: silver, gold, copper, nickel.

In the east about. Rennell Supported by UNESCO created National Park wildlife.

Solomon Islands have volcanic origin. Samoa high point Countries are peak Popomanseu (about. Guadalkanal). Its height reaches 2335 meters.

sights

Solomon Islands attract tourists, first of all, their naturalness, lack of desire to create something specifically for tourists. Here they offer rest in natural weather conditions, and this is the valued islands for the traveler.

Journey through the islands usually begins with the capital of the state - Honiara. Here is a place called Point Cruz. According to the legend, the Spaniard landed for the first time Mendanaand I installed the cross in honor of the opening 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 the cave filled with stalagmites and stalactites, after which is hidden in the depths of the island.

An unforgettable trip to the lagoon Marso. Here is the best tourist village village - WORLD HERITYJ. The state, trying to preserve the unique flora and fauna of this place, limited the harvesting of the forest. Main income Local residents are obtained at the expense of tourism.

Village Nusambaruka (about. Gizo)- Example of a traditional isolated village. It consists of several buildings that are located high on the piles. You can only get to the village only on a boat or a narrow dam.

Islands Anarvon There are 280 km from the capital. This is a group of 100 islands, none of which is constantly inhabited, and many of them perform over the sea only by 20-30 cm, but this is a reason for the fact that it is home to the rarest sea turtles. A natural reserve was organized here: several dozen specially trained people follow the safety of lives of turtles and accompany tourists.

Western province is famous for the beauty and wealth of the underwater world. Fans of extreme and water sports are rushing here. Here are the most comfortable resorts.

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

Almost all southern part about. Rennell Based on the lake Tengano.. It is the largest freshwater lake of the Pacific region. The lake and adjacent territories form a wildlife national park, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Food

Solomon Islands kitchen is a mixture of culinary traditions of Southeast Asia, Europe and Oceania. It is characterized by the use of Yamsa and the flavors of the coloration, tapioca (obtained from the roots of the plant of manica), coconut. Cooks of local restaurants mix components in random order and often get new unique dishes.

Often, food is prepared in special earthy furnaces, which are called the mind. Meat and fish are usually baked on coals with a small addition of spices.

In addition to Melanesian and Polynesian, European and Asian dishes are perfectly prepared here. And they do not differ at all from such dishes cooked in Beijing or London.

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

The choice of drinks here is a huge: local alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as imported from Chile, China, New Zealand wine and beer.

Accommodation

On Solomon Islands, tourist infrastructure is poorly developed. Comfortable accommodation is provided only on the largest islands of the archipelago: Guadalkanal, Holes, Mangrong, Gizo.

Hotels on these islands are something like resort complexeswhere tennis courts are placed, swimming pools, playgrounds. It may be a few colorful eco-huts or bungalows.

Prices vary in the range of $ 30-150 per day.

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

AT Honiare, right on the beach, located the most modern and prestigious country hotel - 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 an opportunity to stop right in the homes of local residents. In this case, the payment is negotiated in advance (orient the amount of about $ 12-20 per day). Often, the housing is paid food.

Entertainment and recreation

The underwater world of Solomon Islands literally manites extremals from around the world. Sunken ships and aircraft, coral reefs, the diversity of underwater inhabitants make it possible to fully enjoy diving and snorkeling.

For underwater swimming is good area about. Guadalkanal. About 50 huge warships are buried in the local waters. In most cases, they are located at such a depth that is forbidden to dive with scuba. However, the transparency of the water and the features of the Relief of the bottom allow you to see the details without a deep immersion.

Island Savo. Called the paradise for divers. Having volcanic origin is the island is constantly laid by clouds. There are no comfortable conditions for tourists, but all this with more than compensated by an abundance of sunken ships, a variety of hot mineral sources, crystal clear water.

The most picturesque reefs can be seen from the lagoon. Marso, nearby Islands Tavanipulaand Arnavon.

Diving on Solomon Islands will not call cheap pleasure. For one dive will have to pay from $ 50-70.

Another way to play the islands is fishing. The local water is known for the variety of species of fish and marine animals. Some travel agencies organize whole Fish tours on Lola Island, in lagoon Marso and Vona-Vona.

Those who wish to get acquainted with strange and charming rites of local residents just need to visit the neighborhood of the city Ayuki. (100 km from Honiara). Here you will witness the most dangerous ritual "Challenge Shark". Local sorcerers somehow manage to put the shark right in the water, and then manually lift it onto the surface.

The center of 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, dance and sports competitions. On July 7, the whole country notes Independence Day.

If you find yourself at the Solomon Islands in mid-December, you can take part in the festival of the Western seas. At this time, numerous fishermen competitions, canoeing races and other competitions.

On the Solomon Islands there are many good pedestrian trails. Trekking lovers will be satisfied with the routes of hiking excursions organized from Honiara to waterfalls Matanico, OT. Gizo before Titian.

Purchases

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

When buying food, carefully follow the storage time: often the product is swimming for a long time from Singapore, China and other countries and flows on the way.

Prices in the stores 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 sorts of vegetables and tropical fruits, fresh fish, sinks, craft products. Markets work throughout the week. Remember that bargaining here is not welcome.

As a souvenir from Solomon Islands, you can bring wooden statuettes of handmade, which symbolize peace and pacification.

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

Unusual also local wooden masks painted manually. They, according to believe, attach strength and agility to hold their owner, protect against evil spirits.

A good gift will become broots, key chains, beads, bracelets from seashells, corals.

Some products (especially for handmade goods) are appointed two different prices: the first - for locals, the second - for tourists.

Transport

international Airport Henderson Field is located 11 km from the capital and named after the Major of the United States who died in the battle at Miduee.. For the runway, which became a consequence of the airport, was hot fighting between the Japanese and Americans. The airport is small, but there is everything you need: taxis, car rental, ATM and exchange office. There are also about 30 small airports in the islands that serves local flights.

Only 2% of all roads on the Solomon Islands have a solid coating. Most of the road belongs to owners of private plantations.

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

In Honiara, moving the most convenient for a taxi. You can "vote" on the street or cause it in advance. Taxi cost - $ 1.5 per kilometer.

Buses in the capital a little, more common mode of transport here are minibuses, the price of a ticket - $ 0.4.

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

Communication

On Solomon Islands Cellular Standard GSM 900.. The level of communication is not very high. Single cellular operator Solomon Telekom. Provides a good acceptance only in the Honiara area, Auki, Gizo. In other areas, the coating is partial.

Being on the islands, you can either buy a local operator sim card, or take a phone for rent.

There are about 300 telephones 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 prepayment card. It is sold in stores, kiosks, communication salons.

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

Internet communication is available in Honiare and in some provinces. In the capital, the whole network of Internet cafes is functioning. Wi-Fi network only started its development. Test points are open only in Honiare and Gizo.

Security

Residents of Solomon Islands are quite friendly to tourists. Theft is a rare phenomenon here, but in places of large cluster of people, beware of pockets. Do not leave valuable things and documents unattended, do not attend alone isolated areas.

Picturesque local settlements are advised to visit only with experienced guides who will tell you about certain features of local traditions. To avoid praying and offended by Aboriginal, it is necessary to obtain consent before visiting their dwellings.

For Melanesian very important property rights. A tree, a flower or fruit in the vicinity of the settlement may well belong to one of the inhabitants. Therefore, so as not to provoke a conflict, do not flit anything without permission.

Carefully treat clothes: 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 dangerous for health, so eat only boiled or bottled water. Milk, meat, fish can only be heated after thermal processing. Wash vegetables thoroughly, clean the fruit from the peel.

Danger pay in itself and animal world Islands. Scorpions, Javanese Multicacies, Blood-Support Insects, Poisonous Fish and Snakes, Some Reptiles, Forest Ants can pose a threat not only to health, but also lives. To avoid meeting with them, move around the territory of the islands (especially for the jungle) only accompanied by an experienced conductor.

Business climate

The Solomon Islands economy recently develops rapidly and offers good business opportunities in areas such as mining, tourist infrastructure, agricultural industry, fishing, forestry.

Resident companies (shareholders who have the right to vote and are residents of the islands) pay 30% income tax from any sources, regardless of their location. Non-resident companies are subject to 35% of the income tax received in the territory of the islands.

The property

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

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

Buy real estate in the Solomon Islands is quite problematic. The fact is that 95% of the entire land of the islands belongs to indigenous peoples. A foreign investor for buying a house, for example, it is necessary to conduct long negotiations with members of various clans to find the owner of the Earth and agree on the transaction. Usually, such negotiations occupy a lot of time and there are no guarantees that everything will be resolved in your favor. Community lands are sold extremely rarely. But there is an opportunity to rent them for up to 75 years.

At Solomon Islands, as in most other Pienesey and Melanesia countries, it is not customary to leave Tips. According to the local tradition, tips are perceived as a gift and imply a response gift. Smiling and saying "Thank you", you will fully pay for the services rendered.

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

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

Often, especially in the southern regions of the islands, US dollars and Australia are received.

Jewelry and gold at the entrance should declare.

It is forbidden to remove and import objects representing the historical value: coral products, tropical animal skins, bird feathers, sea turtle shell.

Going on a journey, make sure that you have all the necessary medicines in your first aid kit. At Solomon Islands there may be difficulties with their acquisition.

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