Solomon islands.
The name of the country is associated with the legend of the land of Ophir, where the treasures of King Solomon are hidden.
Capital of the Solomon Islands. Honiara.
Area of Solomon Islands. 29,000 km2.
Population of Solomon Islands. 480 thousand people
Location of Solomon Islands. Solomon Islands - a state in the western part, east of New, located on the southeastern part of the islands of the same name.
Administrative divisions of the Solomon Islands. The state is divided into 7 provinces and 1 city.
Solomon Islands form of government. .
Head of State of Solomon Islands. The Queen, represented by the Governor General.
Supreme legislative body of the Solomon Islands. Unicameral National Parliament.
Supreme executive body of the Solomon Islands. Government.
Major cities in Solomon Islands. In addition to the capital, major cities No.
Official language of Solomon Islands. English.
Religion of Solomon Islands. 34% are Anglicans, 24% are Evangelicals, 19% are .
Ethnic composition Solomon Islands. 93% - Melanesians, 4% - , 1.5% - , 0.8% - , 0.3% - Chinese.
Currency of Solomon Islands. Solomon Islands dollar = 100 cents.
Solomon Islands. , very hot and humid. The temperature is practically constant throughout the year - + 24-27 ° C, precipitation is over 2300 mm per year. From April to November it is relatively dry and cool, due to the southeast trade winds blowing at this time. The hot and humid season lasts from January to April, when the northwest monsoons dominate. during this season it is usually 90%.
Flora of the Solomon Islands. Most of the islands are covered with evergreens. Palm trees and ficus trees grow here. In the driest places they are located; mangroves predominate along the banks.
Fauna of the Solomon Islands. Animal world Solomon Islands is represented by rats, bats, crocodiles, lizards, snakes, giant frogs; birds - wild pigeons, parrots, etc. Large swallowtail butterflies live in the forests.
and lakes of the Solomon Islands. There are no permanent rivers or lakes.
Sights of the Solomon Islands. Honiara has the Houses of Parliament, the National Museum and Cultural Centre, botanical gardens, the nearby Water Pump Village and a colourful, vibrant Chinatown.
Helpful information for tourists
The archipelago is almost untouched by tourism, few people visit this poor country, but they are attracted to the Solomon Islands by the genuine naturalness of everything that they see or visit. There is practically nothing artificial or created specifically to please tourists. Travelers looking for extraordinary natural settings will not be disappointed by any part of this small country - the islands have a well-deserved reputation as perhaps the best natural destination in the world for scuba diving, snorkeling and fishing. Tips are not accepted, but in case good service You can leave the staff 5% of the bill amount or an additional 1-2 dollars.
Black and red (the color of blood) colors are taboo on Laulasi and Bu-su, and visitors should take this into account when choosing clothing and jewelry for the trip.
Village life in the Solomon Islands is still surrounded by many taboos. It is impossible to explain the meaning of all of them, however, when visiting settlements You should be careful and limit your curiosity as much as possible. The term "taboo" means "sacred" ("holy") as well as "forbidden", so it's worth keeping that in mind. Property rights are very important here - the tree, fruit or flower by the side of the road most likely belongs to someone. For many islanders, their income depends on what they grow, so locals can expect hefty compensation if you pick fruit that was intended for sale. The clothing (or lack thereof) of islanders varies, but travelers must be fully clothed. In many areas it is considered “taboo” for a woman to stand above a man, and even more so a man, even a foreigner, should not deliberately occupy a place below a woman. It is also forbidden to swim under a canoe in which there are women - it will probably have to be destroyed later, and for many islanders the canoe is the only means of obtaining food. As in all cultures of the world, taboos play the role of moral precepts or codes and are designed to protect the community, so it is not customary to punish the uninitiated, which includes foreigners. But nevertheless, compliance with local customs is desirable.
SOLOMON ISLANDS
General information
Geographical position. Solomon Islands is a country located on 30 islands and many atolls in the south Pacific Ocean, east of New Guinea. The state includes almost the entire group of Solomon Islands, with the exception of the islands of Bougainville and Buka. The largest of them are Guadalcanal, New Georgia, Santa Isabel, Malaita, San Cristobal and Vella Lavella, as well as the Santa Cruz Islands.
Square. The territory of the Solomon Islands covers 27,556 square meters. km.
Main cities Administrative division. The capital of the Solomon Islands is Honiara (39 thousand people). Administrative division of the country: 7 provinces.
Political system
Solomon Islands is part of the Commonwealth. The head of state is the Queen of Great Britain, represented by the Governor General. The head of government is the prime minister. The legislative body is the National Parliament.
Relief. Solomon islands of volcanic origin. Active volcanoes: Balbi, Bagana. The country's highest point, Mount Popomanso (2,331 m), is located on the island of Guadalcanal.
Geological structure and minerals. The country's subsoil contains reserves of gold, lead, zinc, nickel, and phosphorites
Climate. The climate of the Solomon Islands is subequatorial and very humid. Average monthly temperatures range from +26°C to +28°C. Precipitation ranges from 2,500 to 7,500 mm per year. From May to October the southeast trade wind prevails, from December to March the northwest equatorial monsoon prevails.
Soils and vegetation. Most of the islands are covered with evergreen forests (palm trees, ficus trees), savannas are located in the driest places, and mangroves predominate along the shores.
Animal world. The fauna of the Solomon Islands is represented by rats, mice, crocodiles, lizards, snakes, and giant frogs.
Population and language
The population of the Solomon Islands is about 441 thousand people, the average population density is about 16 people per 1 sq. km. Ethnic groups: Melanesians - 93%, Polynesians - 4%, Micronesians - 1.5%, Europeans - 0.8%, Chinese - 0.3%. Languages: English (state), pidgin (local dialect based on in English), about 80 local dialects.
Religion
Anglicans - 34%, Evangelicals - 24%, Catholics - 19%, Pagans.
Brief historical essay
The first European to visit the islands and give them a name was spanish navigator Alvaro de Mendaña de Neira in 1568 Northern part archipelago was discovered in 1768 by Louis Antoine de Bougainville. In 1885, the islands came under German control, but in 1893, almost the entire archipelago, with the exception of Bougainville and Boukas, was transferred to Great Britain. After the First World War, Australia received the mandate to govern the islands of Bougainville and Buka, while the southern part remained a British protectorate. The Solomon Islands gained independence on July 7, 1978.
Brief Economic Sketch
The basis of the economy is agriculture. The main crop is the coconut palm; They also cultivate cocoa, bananas, spices, and rice. Fishing. Forestry. Export of fish, timber, copra, cocoa beans, palm oil.
Currency unit - dollar Solomon Islands.
The Solomon Islands have a high good rating from a diving perspective. Beautiful coral reefs and colorful fish inhabit the waters around the Solomon Islands. The underwater beauty of this island is a real treasure in the ocean. In addition, when diving in this place, you can find debris left over from the Second World War.
Solomon Islands are island state located in the South Pacific Ocean, east of Papua New Guinea. The Solomon Islands comprise 1,000 islands with a total area of 28,400 sq. km. The capital of the island of Honiara, this is the main thing tourist place in the Solomon Islands.
Sights of the Solomon Islands
1. Mataniko and Tenaru Falls
The city of Honiara, which is the capital of the Solomon Islands, is famous for its various attractions. Motaniko and Tenaru waterfalls are one of the best places in Honiara. A natural pool with clear water is good place for swimming. As you walk and explore this area, you will be able to enjoy the beauty of its landscape.
Another place that attracts tourists is the National Cultural Center and Museum. It is located in the center of the island's capital. Cultural Center and National Museum focuses on the traditional culture of the island.
Here you can find special sections dedicated to dance traditions, jewelry and the currency of the island. In addition, many are attracted by sections where traditional weapons used by local residents and various archaeological finds are presented.
2. Aola Bay Harbor
Aola Bay Harbor is one of the most important ports and sea gates of the Solomon Islands, which is also the first place from which exploration of the islands usually begins before moving on to other cities and regions.
3. Provinces of Rennell and Bellona
Rennell and Bellona are provinces of the Solomon Islands, which are two inhabited atolls, Rennell and Belona or Mu Nggava and Mu Ngiki respectively in Polynesian. In addition, they include an uninhabited Obligatory Reef. Rennell and Bellona are included in the UNESCO list, and the islands of Florida and Russell are known as the sites of many shipwrecks.
They are among the others famous places visited by locals and foreign tourists. This place offers many exciting and amazing places for visiting.
4. Santa Cruz Island
The most important attraction of St. Croix is the Vanuatu rainforests. They are part of the Australian ecological zone and a wide variety of tropical and subtropical moist deciduous trees can be found here. Therefore, you should not miss the opportunity to gain knowledge about various types trees growing in this amazing region.
Solomon islands
General information
The Solomon Islands are an archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean, 1,670 km long. Includes 992 islands (of which 347 are inhabited), 10 large volcanic and mountainous islands and 4 groups of small islands. Largest islands: Buka and Bougainville (part of the state of Papua New Guinea). The islands are located in an active seismic zone, earthquakes are frequent here, there are active volcanoes. Many islands are surrounded by coral reefs. Most of the Solomon Islands are volcanic peaks of an underwater ridge. Tor chains occupy almost their entire surface, only narrow lowlands stretch near the coast. Length coastline 5,313 km.
The country is characterized by a hot climate with a long wet season (up to 8-10 months a year). Average monthly temperatures are +26+28°C. Precipitation exceeds 2,000 mm per year. There are severe hurricanes during the winter months.
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 here was complemented by a diverse ethnic picture.
This island world was discovered for Europeans by the Spaniards Alvaro Mendaña de Neira (1541-95) and Pedro Sarmiento de Gamboa (1532-92). It was not accepted then to copy complex local names, so the islands were called Solomon, since it seemed to the Spaniards that this was the legendary country of Ophir, where the treasures of King Solomon were hidden.
Mendaña 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 the natives, who had not previously been aggressive. Mendaña soon died of nervous strain, and his wife became the leader 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), having gotten lost in the ocean, ended up in the Solomon Islands.
However, the first European inhabitants began to move to the islands only in the middle of the 19th century. The first settlers were missionaries. An unenviable fate awaited them: they were eaten by the islanders: here cannibalism was part of the rituals. Moreover, human skulls were important sacred symbols and served as money until the beginning of the 20th century!
Realizing that more determined people needed to penetrate the island, the Europeans changed their tactics. First, businessmen strengthened themselves here under the cover of soldiers, then in 1893 England declared its protectorate over the Solomon Islands, and only then it came to missionaries.
During World War II (1939-45), part of the islands was occupied by the Japanese and large and very stubborn battles took place here. The most famous is the Battle of Guadalcanal, which began on August 7, 1942 and lasted until February 9, 1943. During the battle on land, on water and in the air, the soldiers showed fierce persistence, resulting in heavy losses on both sides. Many ships were then sunk and ended up at the bottom of the Sealark Strait, which after these events became known as Iron Bottom (from English “Iron Bottom”). The ship graveyard remains there to this day and attracts divers from all over the world.
The US victory was of strategic importance. Although on some islands Japanese troops continued to fight even after the surrender of their country in 1945.
Post-war reality dictated changes around the world. In July 1978, the Solomon Islands gained independence from Great Britain, remaining a member of the British Commonwealth. This organization unites former colonies. The Queen of England is symbolically considered the head of the Commonwealth, but real power does not belong to her.
The young independent state has many problems. Natural elements haunt him. In April 2007, a tsunami up to three meters high hit the islands, causing destruction and loss of life. Ethnic conflicts occur between island residents. A low standard of living remains the norm for the majority of the population. The Solomon Islands problem requires truly Solomonic wisdom to solve difficult problems.
Sights of the Solomon Islands
Honiara- the capital of the islands is located on the northern shore of Guadalcanal, in a vast bay between the Cape Esperance and Lunga Point peninsulas, in the very place that de Mendaña called Puento Cruz in his time. Small and quite picturesque sea port Honiara traces its origins to a tiny fishing village, whose name Naho-ni-Ara can be translated as “the place where the east and southeast winds collide” (such “flowery” names are generally very typical of local dialects). 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 new capital archipelago (Tulagi was badly damaged during the fighting, and the place for it was not chosen in the best way). In 1952, Honiara officially became the capital of the Solomon Islands.
10 km from the capital lie the most beautiful "double-sided" Mataniko waterfalls. The waters of the river of the same name here fall from a high cliff directly into a cave filled with graceful stalactites and stalagmites, and then disappear somewhere in the bowels of the island. Around you can find many fairly large and, importantly, clean bodies of water suitable for swimming, and the cave itself is home to a large 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 rises 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 there are organized tours to places whose names speak for themselves - the shores of Iron Bottom Sound, Bloody Ridge, Alligator Creek and Red Beach, the Poha River Japanese Memorial and its Vilu Village Museum (also dedicated to the history of the battles for Guadalcanal), Lunga Point and Tetere Bay.
Constantly shrouded in clouds, volcanic Savo Island, lying in Iron Bottom Sound, is a paradise for divers and fans of other species active rest. The almost complete lack of infrastructure is compensated by the abundance of sunken ships (it was here that the famous Battle of Savo Island took place), the constantly smoking crater of the volcano and many practically boiling mineral springs, several ancient cult sites - megapodes, as well as a vibrant bird community and magnificent crystal clear waters.
On Florida island You can see the old headquarters of the British colonial administration with its hospital and headquarters, as well as old Port Parvis, which served first as a base for the British Navy and then for the Japanese Imperial Navy.
A islet of Anukha 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 Vangunu Island. This huge expanse of water, with a narrow strip of coral beaches along its entire perimeter and amazingly blue water, is a candidate for inclusion in the List World Heritage UNESCO. Literally thousands of islands line the Marovo Lagoon, from tiny coral reefs to massive volcanic cliffs up to 1,600 meters high, with many still showing signs of active volcanic activity but quite accessible to visit. Marovo Lagoon - the best place for relaxation by the sea, is a unique combination of scenic beauty of wildlife and rich traditions local residents(the shores of the lagoon are inhabited by two separate tribes - the Marovo and the Roviana). Noteworthy are the Matikuri Resort, Rogosakena Eco Resort and Uepi Island Resort, as well as the World Heritage Village site, 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 area, excellent conditions have been created for sea fishing(the lagoon is connected to the open sea by almost a hundred passages in the 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 country’s borders.
Rennell Island is considered the largest elevated atoll on the planet, but the main feature of its uniqueness is the elongated Lake Tengano- the largest freshwater lake in the South Pacific Ocean (now its area is about 15.5 thousand hectares), on which there was room for 200 islands, and for large bird colonies, and for many rare species flora, primarily orchids. It is not difficult to guess that during the era of the formation of the island, the lake was a vast lagoon, which, as the surrounding land rose above the water, gradually became desalinated, although the water still remains slightly brackish. Therefore, now here you can find completely unique species of once marine fish, transformed by nature itself into freshwater (the only analogue is Lake Titicaca in the South American Andes). Because of its unique natural conditions and specific ecology East End The islands, together with Lake Tengano, were declared a National Wildlife Park (area 37 thousand hectares), subsequently included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Solomon Islands cuisine
Local cooking is a mixture of European traditions, as well as the principles of Southeast Asian and Oceanian cuisine. The latter, by the way, is very simple and adapted to local conditions.
On the islands you will find Polynesian and Melanesian traditions. They are reflected in the widespread use of: yams, cassava sago (tapioca), taro, fish, charcoal-grilled meats, coconut.
All this is seasoned with a small amount of spices. All countries in the region use an earthen oven called "umu". In addition, there are options for preparing and decorating dishes that came from outside.
Alcoholic drinks can be purchased without problems. They are produced locally and also imported from Australia, China, Chile and New Zealand. Recommends trying local wine and beer.
Useful information for tourists about the Solomon Islands, cities and resorts of the country. As well as information about the population, currency of the Solomon Islands, cuisine, features of visa and customs restrictions of the Solomon Islands.
Geography of the Solomon Islands
The Solomon Islands are a country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, in Melanesia, occupying most of the archipelago of the same name, as well as some other island groups.
The Solomon Islands stretch in two chains from northwest to southeast for more than 1,400 km. Most of the islands of the archipelago are volcanic peaks of an underwater ridge. Mountain ranges occupy almost their entire surface, only narrow lowlands stretch along the coast. A fairly wide coastal lowland exists only on the northeastern coast of Guadalcanal. On the same island is highest point countries - Mount Makarakomburu (2447 m.). On the islands there are extinct and active volcanoes, hot springs, and earthquakes often occur. Many islands are framed by coral reefs; In addition to volcanic islands, there are coral atoll islands.
State
State structure
Solomon Islands is a parliamentary democracy with elements of a constitutional monarchy. The head of state is the monarch of Great Britain, represented by the governor general. Executive power belongs to the government, headed by the prime minister. The Prime Minister is elected by Parliament. Legislative power belongs to the unicameral National Parliament.
Language
Official language: English
In English, even though it is official language, only 1–2% of residents say. The language of interethnic communication is Melanesian pidgin English. The peoples of the islands speak a total of 120 languages.
Religion
45% of the population belongs to the Anglican Church, 18% to the Roman Catholic Church, 12% to the Methodist and Presbyterian Church. 9% are Baptists, 7% are Seventh-day Adventists, 5% are other Protestants. 4% of residents adhere to local traditional beliefs.
Currency
International name: SBD
The Solomon Islands dollar is equal to 100 cents. In circulation in the archipelago are banknotes in denominations of 2, 5, 10 and 50 dollars, as well as coins in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents and 1 dollar.
US and Australian dollars are often accepted for payment, especially in southern regions countries.
In cities, travel checks are quite easy to exchange and use, and it is easy to use credit cards, they are mainly served by the three large banks in the capital - ANZ, Westpac and NBSI. In the provinces, the use of credit cards and checks is difficult; cash is preferred.
Popular attractions
Tourism in Solomon Islands
Popular hotels
Tips
Tips are not accepted, but if the service is good, you can leave the staff 5% of the bill or an additional 1-2 dollars. According to Polynesian tradition, tips are a gift and must be given, so almost all establishments do not have them at all. A smile and a simple “thank you” are considered sufficient compensation for services rendered.
Office hours
Banks are usually open from Monday to Friday, from 08.30-9.00 to 15.00.
Medicine
All tap water in the country must be assessed as potentially hazardous to health.
Safety
Thefts and other violent acts against tourists are quite rare, but in areas large cluster people should be wary of pickpockets and well-organized fraudulent groups. It is under no circumstances recommended to exchange money on the street.
There are many dangerous animals on the islands - these include numerous local blood-sucking insects that are carriers of many diseases, various arthropods (primarily the Javan centipede and scorpions), some of the 20 species of reptiles, as well as numerous species poisonous fish and sea snakes.
Emergency numbers
Unified rescue service (fire service, police and ambulance) - 911.
