Country Profile: Solomon Islands
The Solomon Islands is an archipelago located in Oceania, east of Papua New Guinea, characterized by rugged mountainous terrain and tropical monsoon climate. With a population of approximately 726,799, the nation is primarily Melanesian, with significant cultural diversity as evidenced by over 120 indigenous languages spoken. Economically, it is classified as a lower middle-income nation, reliant on agriculture and natural resources, including fisheries and mineral extraction, while governance is structured as a parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy.
Geography
The Solomon Islands comprises a group of islands in the South Pacific, featuring a total area of approximately 28,896 sq km with a rugged mountainous terrain and a coastline extending 5,313 km. It benefits from strategic maritime location on sea routes between the South Pacific Ocean and neighboring seas. The islands are prone to natural hazards like tropical cyclones and earthquakes due to their geologically active setting.
- Location: Oceania, east of Papua New Guinea
- Area: 28,896 sq km
- Climate: Tropical monsoon with few extreme weather events
- Natural resources: Fish, forests, gold, bauxite
- Coastline: 5,313 km
People and Society
As of 2024, the population is estimated at 726,799, predominantly Melanesian (95.3%). The country exhibits a youthful demographic, with a median age of 25.2 years and a high birth rate of 22 births/1,000 population. English is the official language, though Melanesian pidgin serves as the lingua franca. The population is primarily Protestant, reflecting significant religious diversity.
- Population: 726,799 (2024 est.)
- Urbanization: 26% of total population (2023)
- Life expectancy: 77.2 years (2024 est.)
- Languages: Over 120 indigenous languages
- Religions: 73.4% Protestant
Economy
The Solomon Islands operates a lower middle-income economy, heavily dependent on natural resources and agriculture, which accounts for 33.8% of GDP. In recent years, external economic relationships, particularly with China, have grown. The economy faced challenges due to civil unrest but has shown a real GDP growth rate of 2.5% projected for 2024.
- GDP (PPP): $2.07 billion (2024 est.)
- Agricultural products: Oil palm, coconuts, sweet potatoes
- Unemployment rate: 1.5% (2024 est.)
- Public debt: 15.4% of GDP (2022 est.)
- Exports: $642.877 million (2024 est.)
Government
The governance structure of the Solomon Islands is a parliamentary democracy within a constitutional monarchy. The nation gained independence from the UK on 7 July 1978. The current prime minister is Jeremiah Manele, with King Charles III as the head of state represented by a Governor General. The political landscape is characterized by fluid coalitions among various parties.
- Government type: Parliamentary democracy
- Independence: 7 July 1978
- Capital: Honiara
- Election: National Parliament has 50 seats (full renewal every 4 years)
- Next election: April 2028
Military and Security
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) is the main security agency, with Australia as the primary external security partner following a treaty signed in 2017. This partnership was activated in response to civil unrest in 2021. In 2022, a police agreement was signed with China to enhance security cooperation.
- Security treaty with Australia: Signed in 2017
- Active military support: First activated in November 2021
- Police agreement with China: Signed in 2022
- Internally displaced persons: Estimated 1,638 (2023 est.)
Energy
Electricity access in the Solomon Islands stands at 76% of the total population, with most generation relying on fossil fuels. The nation is gradually integrating renewable energy sources, but a significant portion of its electricity still comes from traditional sources.
- Electricity access: 76% of the population (2022 est.)
- Installed capacity: 37,000 kW (2023 est.)
- Energy consumption per capita: 5.655 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Environment
The Solomon Islands faces environmental challenges such as deforestation, soil erosion, and damage to coral reefs, which impact its rich biodiversity. The country is a participant in multiple international environmental agreements to combat climate change and protect its natural heritage.
- Environmental issues: Deforestation, coral reef damage
- Total renewable water resources: 44.7 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
- CO2 emissions: 318,000 metric tonnes (2023 est.)
Transportation
The Solomon Islands has a modest transportation network including air travel and maritime transport. There are 36 airports and a small merchant marine fleet with 25 vessels. Key ports include Honiara and Gizo Harbor.
- Airports: 36 (2025)
- Merchant marine: 25 vessels (2023)
- Key ports: Honiara, Gizo Harbor
Communications
Telecommunications infrastructure in the Solomon Islands is developing, with a mobile cellular subscription rate of 67% per 100 inhabitants. Internet access covers about 43% of the population, primarily through mobile networks.
- Mobile cellular subscriptions: 474,000 (2021)
- Internet users: 43% of the population (2023 est.)
- Telephones - fixed lines: 7,000 (2021 est.)
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 726,799 | 2024 estimate |
| Area | 28,896 sq km | Total land area |
| GDP (PPP) | $2.07 billion | 2024 estimate |
| Unemployment rate | 1.5% | 2024 estimate |
| Birth rate | 22 births/1,000 | 2024 estimate |
| Life expectancy | 77.2 years | 2024 estimate |
| Electricity access | 76% | 2022 estimate |
| Total renewable water resources | 44.7 billion m³ | 2022 estimate |
| CO2 emissions | 318,000 metric tons | 2023 estimate |
| Total energy consumption per capita | 5.655 million Btu/person | 2023 estimate |
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