Solomon Islands

July 18, 2023

Recently, the leader of Solomon Islands on Monday hit back at criticism of his nation's deepening security ties with China, saying the United States and Australia had nothing to fear.

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.