The Solomon Islands [1] are a South Pacific archipelago east of Papua New Guinea. They occupy a strategic location on sea routes between the South Pacific Ocean, the Solomon Sea, and the Coral Sea.
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UnderstandHistoryThe Solomon Islands came under a British protectorate in the 1890s. The islands were the scene of many battles during World War II, including the important battle of Guadalcanal. Following independence in 1978, government corruption and ethnic tensions came to the fore. The Solomons have seen near anarchy in recent years, despite attempts to restore stability. Tensions between the Guadalcanalese islanders and the Malaitan ethnic group have frequently bubbled over to a state of civil war. GeographyTropical monsoon climate, with few extremes of temperature and weather. Mostly rugged mountains with some low coral atolls, with the highest point being Mount Makarakomburu, at 2,447 meters. Get inBy planeThere are 31 airports scattered among the islands, but only two with paved runways. By boatGet aroundBy carBy busTalkThe islands are home to more than 120 indigenous Melanesian languages, with most citizens speaking the local Melanesian pigin as a lingua franca. English is the official language, but spoken by only 1 or 2% of the population. BuyThe bulk of the population depends on agriculture, fishing, and forestry for at least part of their livelihood. Most manufactured goods and petroleum products must be imported. The islands are rich in undeveloped mineral resources such as lead, zinc, nickel, and gold. However, severe ethnic violence, the closing of key business enterprises, and an empty government treasury have led to serious economic disarray, indeed near collapse. Tanker deliveries of crucial fuel supplies (including those for electrical generation) have become sporadic due to the government's inability to pay and attacks against ships. Telecommunications are threatened by the nonpayment of bills and by the lack of technical and maintenance staff many of whom have left the country. EatDrinkSleepLearnWorkStay safeStay healthyMalaria is the biggest health issue in the Solomon Islands. Travelers to the area should take anti-malarial pills before, during and after their stay. RespectContact
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