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The Solomon Islands are a nation in the South Pacific
Ocean, east of Papua New Guinea and is part of the British Commonwealth. It consists of more than 990 islands, which
together cover a land mass of 28,000 square kilometres.
History
Main article: History of the Solomon
Islands
The United Kingdom established a protectorate over Solomon Islands in the 1890s. Some of the bitterest fighting of World War II occurred on these islands. Self-government was achieved in 1976 and independence was granted on July 7, 1978. Current issues include corruption, land realtions, government deficits, deforestation, and malaria control.
Continuing civil unrest led to an almost complete breakdown in normal activity: civil servants remained unpaid for months at a
time, and cabinet meetings had to be held in secret to prevent local warlords from
interfering. The security forces were unable to reassert control, largely because many police and security personnel are
associated with one or another of the rival gangs.
In July 2003 the Governor
General of the Solomon Islands issued an official request for international help, which was subsequently endorsed by the
government. A sizable international security contingent of 2,200 police and troops, led by Australia and New Zealand, and with representatives from
about 20 other Pacific nations began arriving the next month under Operation Helpem
Fren.
Politics
Main article: Politics of the
Solomon Islands
The Solomon Islands is a parliamentary democracy
within the Commonwealth of Nations, with a unicameral
Parliament and a ministerial system of government. The British monarch is head
of state and is represented by a governor general, chosen by the Parliament for a 5-year term. The national Parliament has 50
members, elected for 4-year terms. However, Parliament may be dissolved by majority vote of its members before the completion of
its term. Parliamentary representation is based on single-member constituencies. Suffrage is universal for citizens over age 18.
The prime minister, elected by Parliament, chooses the other members of
the cabinet. Each ministry is headed by a cabinet member, who is assisted by a permanent secretary, a career public servant, who
directs the staff of the ministry.
Solomon Islands governments are characterized by weak political parties and highly unstable parliamentary coalitions. They are
subject to frequent votes of no confidence, and government leadership changes frequently as a result. Cabinet changes are
common.
Provinces
Main article: Provinces of the Solomon Islands
The Solomon Islands are divided into 9 provinces and 1 capital territory*:
Geography
Main article: Geography of the
Solomon Islands
The Solomons Island are a wide island nation that lies East of Papua
New Guinea and consists of many islands: Choiseul, the Shortland Islands, the New Georgia Islands, Santa Isabel, the Russel
Islands, the Florida Islands, Malaita,
Guadalcanal, Sikaiana, Maramasike, Ulawa, Uki, San Cristobal, Santa Ana, Rennell,
Bellona and the Santa Cruz Islands. The distance between the
most western and most eastern islands is about 1500 km. Especially the Santa Cruz Islands, North of Vanuatu, (of which Tikopia is part) are isolated at more than 200 km from the other islands. Volcanoes with varying degrees of activity are situated on some of the larger islands, while many of the smaller
islands are simply tiny atolls covered in sand and palm trees.
Ecology
The Solomon Islands are part of two distinct terrestrial
ecoregions. Most of the islands are part of the Solomon Islands rain forests ecoregion, which also includes the islands of Bougainville and Buka, which are part of Papua New Guinea. The Santa Cruz
Islands, which are west of the main group of the Solomons, are part of the Vanuatu rain forests ecoregion, together with the neighboring archipelago of Vanuatu. Both ecoregions are part of the Australasia ecozone, which also includes neighboring New Caledonia, the Bismarck
Archipelago, and New Guinea, as well as Australia and New Zealand.
Economy
Main article: Economy of the Solomon
Islands
The bulk of the population depend on agriculture, fishing, and forestry for at least part of their livelihood. Most
manufactured goods and petroleum products must be imported. The islands are rich in undeveloped mineral resources such as lead, zinc,
nickel, and gold. Economic troubles in Southeast
Asia led to a steep downturn in the timber industry, and economic output declined by about 10% in 1998. The government instituted
public service pay cuts and other retrenchments. The economy partially recovered in 1999 on the strength of rising international
gold prices and the first full year of the Gold Ridge mining operation. However, the
closure of the country's major palm oil plantation in mid-year cast a shadow over
future prospects.
Culture
Main article: Culture of the Solomon Islands
See also: Music of the Solomon
Islands
Religion
The religion of the Solomon Islands is about 96% Christian (Anglican 45%,
Roman Catholic 18%, United 12%, Baptist 10%, Seventh Day Adventist 7%, Other Christian 4%) and about 4% indigenous religious
beliefs.
Miscellaneous topics
- Communications in the
Solomon Islands
- Demographics of the Solomon
Islands
- Foreign relations
of the Solomon Islands
- List of Solomon Islands-related topics
- List of
Solomon Islanders
- Military of the Solomon
Islands
- Solomons Baptist Association
- Transportation in the
Solomon Islands
- Public holidays in the Solomon Islands
External links
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