Key Facts about Solomon Islands

About Solomon Islands:

• The Solomon Islands are two parallel chains of volcanic islands and small coral atolls in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. 
• It consists of nearly 1,000 islands (6 large main islands and over 900 smaller islands), of which 147 are inhabited.
• The nearest neighbours are Vanuatu to the southeast and Papua New Guinea to the west.
• The archipelago covers an area of 461,000 sq.km., of which 28,446 sq. km. is landmass.
• The country is mainly mountainous and covered in forests, although it has some extensive plains. 
• Once a British protectorate, the Solomon Islands achieved independence as a republic in 1978.
• Capital: The capital, Honiara, is located on Guadalcanal, the largest island.
• Ethnic groups: Melanesian 93%, Polynesian 4%, Micronesian 1.5%, other 1.5%.
• Languages: English (official); about 120 vernaculars, including Solomon Islands pidgin.
• Government:
  • It is a parliamentary democracy within the Commonwealth, with a unicameral Parliament and a ministerial system of government. 
  • The British monarch is represented by a governor-general, chosen by the Parliament for a 5-year term.