Why in news?
- Prime Minister of Solomon Islands while in China signed nine agreements and memorandums, including a police cooperation plan.
- The new agreements come after the Solomon Islands signed a security pact with China last year, raising fears of a military build-up in the region
Key facts about Solomon Islands:
- It is an island countryconsisting of six major islands and over 900 smaller islands in Oceania.
- It is situated in the southwest Pacific Ocean, approximately 2,000 km to the northeast of Australia.
- Capital: Its capital, Honiara which is located on the largest island, Guadalcanal.
- The terrain is mountainous and heavily forested.
- More than 90% of the islanders are ethnic Melanesians.
- Once a British protectorate, the Solomon Islands achieved independence as a republic in 1978.
- Language:
- There are 63 distinct languages in the country, with numerous local dialects.
- English is the official language, but Pijin is the common language for the majority of people.
