Solomon Islands, Island nation in Oceania
Description
This Pacific nation stretches across six main islands and many smaller islets scattered in the southwestern ocean. Volcanic summits rise from thick rainforest, with coral reefs edging coastal waters and a varied relief ranging from lowland plains to peaks over 2,300 meters high.
History
Austronesian seafarers reached the islands at least 3,000 years ago, building trade routes extending into Papua New Guinea. German and British authorities divided the territory in the late 19th century before Britain took control of southern regions, and Guadalcanal became a battlefield during 1942–1943, followed by parliamentary independence in 1978 under a constitutional monarchy.
Culture
Shell money still changes hands in some rural areas, serving ceremonial purposes at weddings and funerals alongside everyday transactions. Craftspeople carve canoes from native timber and weave mats for daily use or ritual occasions, with patterns marking their home island.
Practical
International flights land at Honiara airport on Guadalcanal, with domestic connections reaching smaller airstrips and ferry routes serving other islands. The climate brings rain throughout the year, with heavier monsoon downpours between November and April, and visitors should carry cash because ATMs are sparse beyond the capital.
Did you know?
The Marovo Lagoon stretches over 700 square kilometers and forms one of the largest enclosed saltwater lagoons on Earth, with a double barrier reef structure. Divers explore remains of more than 60 warships and aircraft from the Pacific War resting in waters off Guadalcanal and neighboring islands.
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The Solomon Islands in the South Pacific preserve numerous traces of World War II. In Honiara, the National Museum and Vilu War Museum document the Guadalcanal Campaign through collections of artillery pieces, aircraft wrecks, and military equipment. Offshore, sunken warships and planes have become...
East Rennell
348.6 km
Lawson Tama Stadium
315.4 kmMount Popomanaseu
303.7 km
Kukum Field
311.2 km
Guadalcanal American Memorial
316.9 km
Kolombangara
663.1 km
Nalongo and Nupani
320 kmRed House
316.9 kmTenaru Falls
310.4 km
Nusatupe
680.9 km
Cathedral Church of St Barnabas, Honiara
315.2 km
Holy Cross Cathedral, Honiara
316.3 km
Solomon Islands National Museum
317.3 kmMataniko Falls
315.9 km
Aabu
270.3 km
Te Nggano
348.6 km
Solomon Scout and Coastwatcher Memorial
317 km
Honiara Central Market
316.5 km
Vilu War Museum
336.4 kmTenaru Beach
303.2 kmBoliu Peak
750.4 kmSisiro Peak
763.9 kmOneporahu Beach
131.2 kmKumboro Peak
643.2 kmSharp Peak
453.4 kmMarumbo Beach
356.8 kmRere Beach
323.9 kmManihuu
172 km
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