Soloman Islands

Country Info

Location

Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, east of Papua New Guinea

Area

Total: 28,450 sq km
Land: 27,540 sq km
Water: 910 sq km

Population

595,613 (July 2009 est.)

Natural Resources

fish, forests, gold, bauxite, phosphates, lead, zinc, nickel

Land Use

Arable land: 0.62%
Permanent crops: 2.04%
Other: 97.34% (2005)

Agricultrial Products

cocoa beans, coconuts, palm kernels, rice, potatoes, vegetables, fruit; timber; cattle, pigs, fish

Industries

fish (tuna), mining, timber

The Soloman Islands occupy a strategic location on sea routes between the South Pacific Ocean, the Solomon Sea, and the Coral Sea.

The UK established a protectorate over the Solomon Islands in the 1890s. Some of the most bitter fighting of World War II occurred on this archipelago. Self-government was achieved in 1976 and independence two years later. Ethnic violence, government malfeasance, and endemic crime have undermined stability and civil society. In June 2003, then Prime Minister Sir Allan KEMAKEZA sought the assistance of Australia in reestablishing law and order; the following month, an Australian-led multinational force arrived to restore peace and disarm ethnic militias. The Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI) has generally been effective in restoring law and order and rebuilding government institutions.

The bulk of the population depends on agriculture, fishing, and forestry for at least part of its 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.