What country are the Solomon Islands in? Information about the Solomon Islands

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SOLOMON ISLANDS, island nation in the southwest Pacific Ocean, in Melanesia, between 5 and 12°S. and 155 and 170°E It occupies most of the archipelago of the same name (except for the islands of Bougainville and Buka), the island groups of Santa Cruz, Swallow, Duff, as well as the islands of Rennell, Bellona and others. major islands countries - Guadalcanal, Santa Isabel. San Cristobal, Malaita and Choiseul. There are over 900 islands in the country. total length coastline 5313 km. The area of ​​the Solomon Islands is 28,450 sq. km.

Nature.

The Solomon Islands stretch in two chains from the northwest to the southeast for more than 1400 km. Most of the islands of the archipelago are volcanic peaks of an underwater ridge. Mountain ranges occupy almost their entire surface, only narrow lowlands stretch along the coast. A rather wide coastal lowland exists only on the northeastern coast of Guadalcanal. On the same island is the highest point in the country - Mount Makarakomburu (2447 m.). On the islands there are extinct and active volcanoes, hot springs, earthquakes often occur. Many islands are framed by coral reefs; in addition to volcanic islands, there are coral atoll islands.

The Santa Cruz island group includes seven volcanic islands: Ndeni, Utupua, Vanikoro, Tinakula, and others. They lie on an underwater mountain range and are surrounded by coral reefs. The Swallow group of islands is formed by 12 small islets - the remains of a raised atoll. Duff Islands - 10 volcanic islands. The peaks of underwater volcanoes are the eastern islands of Anuda, Miter and Tikopia. Sikaiana and Ontong Java (Lord Howe) are coral atolls, while Rennell and Bellona are raised coral islands.

The climate is equatorial-tropical, moderated by the influence of the ocean. From April to November, the weather is relatively dry and cool, with southeast trade winds blowing. From November to April, the hot and humid season lasts, northwest monsoons dominate, sometimes turning into hurricanes. The average monthly temperature in February is +27°С, in August +24°С. The amount of annual precipitation is 2500–3500 mm, and in the Honiara region - 2100 mm, in more humid areas 8000 mm.

On all the large islands there are many mountain rivers that fall steeply from the slopes. There are few lakes. The most common fertile red earth soils occur on river terraces and in river deltas. The mountains of the volcanic islands are covered with dense moist forests, in which valuable tropical tree species grow. Low-lying areas are used for growing coconut palms, sweet potatoes, taro, yams, rice, cocoa and other crops (1.5% of the area is cultivated). The lowlands are often swampy. The vegetation of the northeastern plains of Guadalcanal is represented by savannahs.

Minerals: gold placers, deposits of iron and ferronickel ores and magnesites, bauxites, reserves of phosphorites.

Population.

Population. The population in July 2003 was estimated at 509,190. 43% of the population is under the age of 15, 54% is between the ages of 15 and 64, and 3% is over 65. The average age is 18.2 years. The average life expectancy is 69.6 years for men, 74.7 years for women.

Population growth in 2003 was 2.83%. Birth rate - 32.45 per 1000 people, mortality - 4.12 per 1000 people, infant mortality - 22.88 per 1000 newborns.

The largest city is the capital of the country Honiara (44 thousand inhabitants). 30% of the population lives on the island of Malaita.

The absolute majority of the inhabitants of the islands are Melanesians (93%). 4% are Polynesians from outlying atolls; 1.5% are Micronesians; 0.8% - Europeans; 0.3% - Chinese; 0.4% - others.

The official language is English, but only 1-2% of the population speaks it. The language of interethnic communication is Melanesian Pidgin English. The peoples of the islands speak a total of 120 languages.

Religiously, 45% of the population belongs to the Anglican Church, 18% to the Roman Catholic, 12% to the Methodist and Presbyterian. 9% are Baptists, 7% are Seventh-day Adventists, 5% are other Protestants. 4% of residents adhere to local traditional beliefs.

State device.

Until July 7, 1978, they were the possession of Great Britain, since 1978 - an independent state, in the form of a parliamentary democracy. According to the 1978 constitution, the head of state is the monarch of Great Britain, who simultaneously bears the title of king (queen) of the Solomon Islands. Currently Queen Elizabeth II. On the islands, the monarch is represented by the Governor-General (a citizen of the Solomon Islands), appointed by him on the advice of Parliament for a term of at least 5 years. John Lapley has been Governor General since 1999.

Legislative power belongs to the unicameral National Parliament of 50 deputies elected for a term of 4 years in single-member districts by popular vote of citizens over 21 years of age.

Executive power is vested in the government headed by the prime minister. The prime minister is elected by parliament. It is usually the leader of the party or coalition that has the majority of seats in parliament. The prime minister forms the government. The Deputy Prime Minister and members of the Cabinet of Ministers are appointed by the Governor General on the advice of the Prime Minister from among the members of Parliament. Prime Minister since December 17, 2001 - Allan Kemakeza, leader of the People's Union Party.

The English legal system is preserved. Supreme Court consists of chief and junior judges. Territorial courts have been set up in the administrative units to deal primarily with land disputes. Appeals are heard by the Supreme Court. Traditional customary law is widely applied locally.

Administratively, the Solomon Islands are divided into 9 provinces and the capital territory. Provincial councils are elected by the population and have a fairly wide range of responsibilities: they are in charge of communications, health care, and education.

Political parties.

People's Union Party(PNS) is a political party of social democratic orientation. It was formed in 1980 as a result of the unification of the People's Progressive Party led by Solomon Mamaloni (head of government in 1974-1976), part of the United Party of the Solomon Islands, the Rural Union Party. In 1981-1984, the leader of the PNS, S. Mamaloni, headed the coalition government, in 1984-1989 the party was in opposition, but in 1989 it won the general election. S. Mamaloni served as prime minister in 1989-1993 and 1994-1997, but left the party in 1990. In 2000, the leader of the PNS, A. Kemakeza, became deputy prime minister of the government of national unity, created after bloody inter-ethnic clashes. In the general elections of 2001, the PNS acted under the slogans of declaring a federal republic, creating a special department under the prime minister to establish peace and revitalize the economy, introduce a code of conduct for political leaders, and automatically remove deputies who left the party from which he was elected. Having received about 40% of the votes and 16 seats in parliament out of 50, the PNS formed a coalition government with the support of some independent deputies (a total of 18 independents were elected to parliament). The party leader is Allan Kemakeza (Prime Minister since 2001). In the 2006 elections, the party received only 6.3% and lost the elections, as a result, Prime Minister Kemakeza resigned.

Solomon Islands Alliance for Change Coalition- was formed in 1997 as an alliance of a number of political parties led by the leader of the liberal party, Bartholomew Yulufaalu (including the National Labor Party, the United Party and independents). She won the 1997 general election, and B. Yulufaalu took the post of prime minister. The coalition declared its intention to establish a “genuine democracy” in the Solomon Islands, to carry out political and economic reforms with the support of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, as well as donor countries and organizations. Yulufaalu's government fell as a result of inter-ethnic clashes in 2000. In the elections of 2000, the Alliance promised to change the policy and constitution, restore a trusted police force, carry out economic reforms and reconstruction of the country, and implement monetary and tax policies that would promote the development of the private sector of the economy. The organization collected 40% of the vote and won 13 seats in parliament. Is in opposition. The leaders are Bartholomew Yulufaalu (Prime Minister 1997–2000) and Francis Billy Hilley (Prime Minister 1993–1994). In the December 5, 2001 elections, the Alliance won 5 out of 50 seats. In the April 5, 2006 elections, the Alliance won 12 seats.

Liberal Party was formed by Bartholomew Yulufaalu in 1988. He was its leader until his death in May 2007. In the April 5, 2006 elections, the party won 2 seats in parliament

People's Progressive Party(NPP) is one of the oldest parties in the Solomon Islands, founded in 1973 by S. Mamaloni. She was in power in 1974-1976, and in 1980 she merged with part of the United Party to form the People's Union Party. In 2000, the NPP was re-established under the leadership of the Prime Minister of the Transitional Government, Manasseh Sogaware (2000–2001). The party promised to keep peace in the islands, revive the economy, decentralize political power to the provinces, reform the education system, revitalize and maintain traditional cultural values, promote village development, and establish harmonious relations with other countries, including Australia and New Zealand. In the 2001 elections, the party collected 20% of the vote and won 2 seats in parliament. The leader of the NPP is Manasse Sogavare (Prime Minister in 2000-2001). In the December 5, 2001 elections, the party won 3 seats out of 50 in parliament.

Labor Party- formed in 1988 by trade union activists who sought to contribute to the development of parliamentary democracy. Labor has served in two coalition governments, including the Alliance for Change government from 1997–2000. In the 2001 elections, she put forward slogans for a transition to a federalist state system, an economic conference to develop plans for reorganizing the tax system, an immediate freeze on all debt relief in the country and a dialogue with donor countries regarding their participation in the restoration of the economy of the islands. The party won 1 seat in parliament. Leaders - Joses Tuanuku, Tony Kagovai.

United Democratic Party(UDP) - created in 1980 on the basis of part of the former United Party led by Peter Kenilorea (head of government in 1976-1981). The UDP was successful in the 1980 elections, and Kenilorea remained prime minister until 1981, and after the 1984 elections he headed a coalition government (until 1986). In the 2001 elections, she called for the restoration of peace, law and order, better governance, transparency in public spending and the establishment of a fair system of compensation for damage to property during ethnic clashes in 2000. Leader - John Maetia. In 2003, the UDP agreed with the PPP to merge. After a long decline, by the 2010 elections the party gained strength again. Its new leader, Joel Moffat Conophilia, proclaimed that God had punished the country for the fact that the Solomon Islands voted against the people of Israel at the UN. In 2003, the UDP agreed with the NPP on the creation of a single organization.

Democratic Party– founded in 2005 by lawyer Gabriel Suri. The main idea of ​​the new party is "ethical leadership", because leadership is based on a relationship with God and eternal values. John Kenyapsia was elected general secretary of the party. In the 2006 elections, the party won 3 seats. In May, the party joined the Sogaware broad coalition. But already in November 2007, the party stopped supporting Sogaware, on the contrary, the Democrats voted for a vote of no confidence, and Derek Sikua became the new prime minister. The Democrats entered the broad Sikua coalition, in which they played a key role. The party was an important factor in the implementation of reforms and the creation of an anti-corruption commission. During the election campaign for the 2010 parliamentary elections, the new leader of the party, Steve Avana, announced a course to improve living standards in rural areas and change the electoral system. The party won 13 seats, winning the most seats in parliament. However, he failed to become Prime Minister without obtaining the required number of votes. The party went into opposition, but some of its members began to work in the government.
In November 2011, Matthew Wale became the new leader of the party. By this time, the party, although it was in parliament, but almost three-quarters of the party members, including Steve Abana, went to work in the government.

National Party. In the April 5, 2006 elections, the party won 4 out of 50 parliamentary seats.

Rural Promotion Party of the Solomon Islands, successor to the Rural Union Party. In the April 5, 2006 elections, the party won 4 out of 50 parliamentary seats.

Association of Independent Members. In the April 5, 2006 elections, the party won 13 out of 50 parliamentary seats.

Armed forces, police.

There is no army on the islands. The forces of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force, headed by a police commissioner (police commissioners operated on the ground), disintegrated during interethnic clashes in 2000. Subsequently, the police forces were re-created. Organized National Intelligence and Surveillance Forces.

The Solomon Islands is a member of the UN and its specialized organizations, the Commonwealth and regional associations (the Pacific Forum, the Pacific Community, etc.). The country maintains close ties with other countries of the Melanesian group - Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu and Fiji, as well as with New Zealand, Australia, Great Britain, Japan, Taiwan and the countries of the European Union.

Economy.

Most of the population is employed in agriculture, fishing and forestry (75% in 2000). Only 5% of the able-bodied population is employed in industry, and 20% in the service sector. Most industrial goods and petroleum products are imported. The islands are rich in natural resources (lead, zinc, nickel, gold), but they are poorly exploited.

The GDP of the Solomon Islands in 2001 was estimated at 800 million US dollars, which corresponded to 1,700 dollars per capita. In 2001, the real decline in GDP was 10%. In 2000 share Agriculture in GDP was 42%, industry - 11%, services - 47%. The inflation rate in 2001 was 1.8%.

The main products of agriculture and forestry are cocoa beans, coconuts, palm kernels, copra, palm oil, rice, sweet potatoes, vegetables, fruits, timber. Cattle and pigs are raised. Bauxite deposits have been explored on some islands, gold and silver are mined in a small amount. They produce canned fish, furniture, clothes, souvenirs. Before ethnic clashes, tourism developed, tourists from Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and the USA visited the Solomon Islands.

The volume of exports in 2001 was estimated at 47 million US dollars. The main export items are timber, fish, copra, palm oil, cocoa beans. Top export partners in 2002: Japan (21%), China (19%), South Korea (16%), Philippines (9%), Thailand (8%) and Singapore (4%). Import volume in 2001 - 82 million USD, the main partners in 2002 were Australia (31%), Singapore (20%), New Zealand (5%), Fiji (5%), Papua New Guinea(4.5%). The main import items are food, fuel, cars and vehicles, consumer goods, chemicals.

The Solomon Islands depend on economic and financial assistance from abroad. As of 2001, they received $28 million, mainly from Japan, Australia, China and New Zealand. The amount of external debt in 2001 reached 137 million dollars. USA.

The monetary unit is the Solomon Islands dollar (5.1 Solomon Islands dollars was equal to 1 US dollar in 2000).

The islands do not railways. From 1360 km highways only 34 km. have a hard coating. More than half of the roads are owned by plantation owners. Communication between the islands is carried out on different types of ships (mainly boats) and with the help of aircraft. The main ports and harbors are Honiara, Aola Bay, Lofung, Noro, Viru Harbor, Yandina. The main airfields are Henderson and Kukum on the island of Guadalcanal and Munda on the island of New Georgia. There is also approx. 30 small airports.

The Solomon Islands government became insolvent in 2002. Following the intervention of the Solomon Islands Regional Assistance Mission in 2003, the government made changes to the budget. Domestic debt has been renegotiated and negotiations are underway to renegotiate external debt. The main financial aid comes from Australia, New Zealand, the EU, Japan and China.
Most of the population lives off the production of agricultural products, fisheries and forestry. But only 1% of the land is used for agriculture.

The main crops are copra, palm oil, cocoa and palm fruit.

Most industrial goods and petroleum products are imported. The islands are rich in such minerals as lead, zinc, nickel and gold, but the mining industry is undeveloped. Due to ethnic conflicts and growing tension in the country, the main enterprises were closed, the treasury was not filled, which led to an economic collapse. Gradually, with the arrival of peacekeeping forces with the restoration of order, the country is experiencing a relatively small economic recovery.

GDP per capita - 3,300 dollars. USA (as of 2011).

Society.

A significant part of the population of the Solomon Islands still lives in a traditional society, preserving tribal and communal structures. Folk songs, dances, music, folklore have been preserved. Wood carvers, potters, weavers, etc. are famous. The country has its own poets, collections of poems are published. A national museum was opened, a Museum Association was created, a library and botanical gardens were organized.

Since the late 1950s, colleges have been established. There are Teachers College for Boys (1959), the Catholic Teachers' Institute of Co-education in Vutulak (1961), the Technical Institute in Honiara (1969), the Trade School, the School of Nursing at the Central Hospital in Honiara, etc. In 1977, a branch of the South Pacific Ocean was opened in Honiara. university.

The number of telephone subscribers in 1997 was 8 thousand, there were 658 mobile phones. There were 3 radio stations, including the government broadcasting service. There were 57,000 radios and 3,000 televisions in the country. In 2002 there were 8400 Internet users.

The weeklies "Solomon Star", "Observer" and others are published. The government published the newspaper "Solomon News Drum".

Story.

Settlement of the islands.

The settlement of the Solomon Islands began no later than 1 thousand BC. The first to appear here were probably the Papuan tribes from New Guinea and the Bismarck archipelago; groups of Papuans still live on the islands of Vella Lavella, Rendova, Savo, Russell and New Georgia. Then the Melanesians moved to the islands; their pottery, found on the islands of Santa Ana and Swallow, has been dated to 140–670 AD. Later, Polynesians also appeared on some of the islands.

By the time the first Europeans appeared in the 16th century. about 200,000 people are believed to have lived on the islands. In the hinterland big islands people were engaged in agriculture, clearing the forest and growing yams. Fishing has been developed in coastal areas. Villages in the coastal strip consisted of several dozen houses, and in the hinterland - of two or three, in which the closest relatives and their families lived. The population united in unions, occupying an area of ​​​​several tens of square meters. km. every; the association was based on kinship and common language. The origin was determined in some places along the female line, in others - along the male line.

Economic ties were maintained between the unions, a regular exchange of goods was carried out, and shells were used as money. Markets were located on the coast of all the largest islands; the market at Auki on the northwest coast of Malaita was especially famous. By the 19th century stone tools were almost never used, they were supplanted by iron.

Fierce and violent skirmishes often broke out between the unions. At the head of the unions were leaders who in the coastal regions had significant administrative powers and handed them down by inheritance. They kept order, led the economic life, sacrifices and military operations, had the right to sentence their fellow tribesman to death. In some places, the chiefs used other members of the community to work in their garden, to build a house and canoes. In the hinterland, the rights of leaders were less, their power was not inherited.

The islanders believed in the spirits of their ancestors, who had a special power - "mana" and could inhabit objects or living beings.

The emergence of Europeans.

The first European to see the Solomon Islands (in 1568) was the Spanish navigator Alvaro Mendaña de Neira, who set off with two ships from Peru in search of rich lands in the Pacific Ocean. The Spaniards believed they had discovered legendary land Ophir, from where in ancient times the biblical king Solomon exported gold; therefore the archipelago was given the name of the Solomon Islands. In 1574, Mendanya received from the King of Spain the title of Marquis and the order to organize new expedition. He was supposed to find gold mines, build three cities on the islands and manage them. But only in 1595 Mendanya managed to set off on a new voyage on 4 ships, accompanied by 300 people. He failed to land as he had intended on Guadalcanal and established a colony on the Santa Cruz Islands, where he soon died of illness. Due to illness and constant skirmishes with the islanders, the Spanish settlers evacuated to the Philippines. In 1606, Pedro de Quiros, a member of the Mendaña expedition, tried to organize a new colony, which he called "New Jerusalem". But he did not manage to find any precious metals. Suffering from tropical fever, the Europeans withdrew after a month.

The Dutch expedition of Jacob Lehmer and Willem Schouten in 1616 failed to find the Solomon Islands. Passed by them in 1643 and another Dutch navigator Abel Tasman.

The second discovery of the islands took place already in the 18th century. In 1767, a British ship under the command of Captain Philip Carteret discovered the Santa Cruz Islands and other islands of the Solomon archipelago, once discovered by Mendanya. Believing that this was a previously unknown land, Carteret named them after Queen Charlotte. An attempt to land on the shore was repulsed by the warlike islanders. Almost at the same time, in 1768, the French navigator Louis-Antoine de Bougainville discovered the islands of Buka, Bougainville and Choiseul. A great contribution to the study of the Solomon Islands was made by the French captain Jean-Francois-Marie de Surville. In 1769, he traveled almost the entire chain of islands up to the southeastern tip of the archipelago, described the coasts of the islands of Choiseul, Santa Isabel, Malaita and San Cristobal, and discovered a number of new ones. Surville's expedition was accompanied by armed skirmishes with the islanders.

In subsequent years, the following sailed in the waters of the archipelago: a ship under the command of the Spaniard Francisco Antonio Maurel (1780), the American ship "Alliance" (1787), the French expedition of Jean-Francois La Perouse (1788) and the English expedition of John Shortland (1788). After this, visits by European courts became frequent: at the end of the 18th and the first half of the 19th centuries. there were British warships and merchant ships of the British East India Company, trading and research ships of France, American merchants trading with China, whalers, sandalwood traders, sea animal hunters.

European missionaries settled in the Solomon Islands later than in other archipelagos of Oceania, due to the hostility of the local population. In 1845, a mission led by the Catholic Bishop Jean Epalier landed on the island of Santa Isabel, but in a skirmish with the islanders, the bishop was mortally wounded. Attempts to open missions in other parts of the island also ended in failure, with four more missionaries killed. The survivors left Santa Isabel in 1848. Since the early 1830s, plans for the conversion of the inhabitants of the Solomon Islands to Christianity were put forward by the Anglicans. Bishop of New Zealand A. Selvin and D. Patterson in the 1850s-1850s tried to launch missionary activities on the islands, but also did not succeed. Patterson was killed by the islanders on Nukapu in 1871. In 1875-1885 Alfred Penny was a missionary on Santa Cruz. In 1898 Bishop Vidor created a Catholic mission in Rua Sura in the northeast of Guadalcanal; a year later, another Catholic mission appeared on this island. In 1902, a Methodist mission was opened in Rovian, led by George Brown. The Methodists soon gained a dominant position in the western part of the archipelago. Evangelicals appeared in the Solomon Islands in 1904, and Seventh-day Adventists in 1914.

From 1870, European slave traders and recruiters began to deliver the inhabitants of the Solomon Islands to work on plantations in Fiji, and from 1871 - in the Australian colony of Queensland. In Fiji, they were used on cotton plantations, and then, as in Australia, on sugar cane. They were also sold to New Caledonia and Samoa. The islanders put up armed resistance. Slave traders mercilessly killed those who resisted or those who tried to escape, staged bloody punitive expeditions and burned villages. The British authorities issued orders that ordered the recruitment of islanders on plantations only with the help of government agents, but this did not change the situation, since the agents were closely connected with the planters and shipowners. After 1890, the Solomon Islands became the main supplier of forced laborers to Fiji and Queensland. They had to work in extremely difficult conditions, and the mortality rate was very high. According to some reports, during the period 1863–1914, merchants transported about 40,000 inhabitants of the Solomon Islands to European plantations in Australia and Oceania. According to others, by 1904, when the cessation of recruitment to Queensland was officially announced, at least 19 thousand people were taken there, of which only 14 thousand survived and returned to their homeland. Recruitment in Fiji continued officially until 1911, and of the 10,000 who were taken home, less than half returned home.

In 1885, Germany, which began to seize the island of New Guinea, turned its gaze to the Solomon Islands. An agreement was reached between Germany and Great Britain on the division of spheres of influence in the archipelago. The islands of Choiseul, Santa Isabel and Bougainville were recognized as German sphere, Guadalcanal, Savo, Malaita and San Cristobal as British. In 1893, taking advantage of the bloody clashes between the islanders and recruiters, Great Britain proceeded to directly seize the Solomon Islands.

In June 1893, British Captain Gibson established British protectorate over the southern group of islands, including Guadalcanal, Savo, Malaita, San Cristobal and New Georgia. In June 1897, Captain Pollard annexed the islands of Rennell, Bellona and Sikaina Atoll. In August 1898, the islands of Santa Cruz and Tikopia became part of the protectorate, and in October, the islands of Duff, Anita and Fatutana. Finally, under the Anglo-German treaty of 1899, Great Britain received the rest of the islands of the archipelago - Santa Isabel, Choiseul, Shortland and the Ontong Java Atoll. Only Bougainville and Buka went to German New Guinea. By the time the British protectorate was established, about 50 European merchants and planters had already settled on the islands. Merchants bought goods from the population and delivered them by sea to Australia.

British protectorate.

Power in the protectorate was exercised by British resident commissioners, whose residence was in Tulagi. The first of these, C. M. Woodford (1896–1918), arrived in June 1896. Administratively, the Resident Commissioner was subordinate to the British High Commissioner for the Western Pacific, whose residence was in Fiji. There were no legislatures in the Solomon Islands; laws were issued on behalf of the king by the high commissioner. In 1921, an Advisory Council was created under the Resident Commissioner, which, in addition to it, included up to 7 members, including 3 officials. The local administration was represented by two commissars and four district commissars subordinate to them.

The colonial administration received very small amounts for the management of the protectorate, which were not enough for the development of health care and education. Various epidemics and other diseases (tuberculosis, malaria, etc.) were widespread. There was only one government hospital, opened on Tulagi in 1910. The rest of the medical institutions and all the schools were in the hands of the missionaries. Intertribal clashes did not subside, and there were not enough funds to organize a serious police force.

From the beginning of the 20th century large European plantations began to be created on the islands, which produced, first of all, copra. In 1905, Levers Pacific Plantation began buying up land for coconut plantations, and by 1940 it owned over 8,000 hectares. earth. The local population was very reluctant to agree to work for them, and the farms experienced a constant shortage of labor. In 1928, according to official figures, more than 6 thousand people worked on the plantations, in 1934 - only 3.5 thousand. From 1931 until the Second World War, copra production in the archipelago experienced a deep crisis caused by a sharp drop in copra prices. Trade since the beginning of the 20th century. was in the hands of the Australian trading companies Burns Philp, Malaita Company, as well as the company that absorbed the latter in the 1930s, W.R. Carpenter.

The islanders have repeatedly opposed the taxes levied by the British authorities. Often there were clashes. So, in 1927 in Malaita locals killed district commissioner W. R. Bell and the policemen accompanying him. To suppress the rebellion, the Resident Commissioner sent a detachment of European volunteers, supported by a British cruiser sent from Sydney. Almost 200 people were arrested - the entire male population of the rebellious village. 25 people died during the investigation, 6 were sentenced to death, and 18 to various prison terms. In the mid-1930s, the inhabitants of Gizo Island refused to pay personal tax, and the authorities arrested 40 people.

Between the two world wars, the islands began to hear the first calls for increased participation of the population in governance. Anglican priest Richard Follows in 1939 urged the inhabitants of the islands of Santa Isabel, Savo and Nggela to demand the creation of an advisory council with representatives of the indigenous inhabitants. On the island of Santa Isabel, the "chair and ruler" movement (these objects served as symbols of power) arose in support of this demand, but it was suppressed, and Follows was expelled from the Solomon Islands.

By the start of World War II, only a small military force was stationed in the Solomon Islands: a group of Australian riflemen guarding the seaplane base near Tulagi, and defensive units of officers and 120 volunteers. These units were clearly not enough to hold back the advance of the Japanese army.

In March 1942, Japanese forces began a systematic bombardment of the Solomon Islands; The resident commissioner fled to Malaita, and the workers employed on the European plantations were sent home. The population happily destroyed the documents of the protectorate administration and smashed its buildings.

In April 1942, Shortland was captured, and on May 3, Japanese naval forces under the command of Admiral Goto approached Tulagi and landed an assault force that captured the island. The Japanese units managed to take western part archipelago, the islands of Guadalcanal, Nggelu and Santa Isabel, as well as establish a post on the northwestern tip of Malaita. They immediately set about building military installations, primarily airfields. The airfield for 60 aircraft in the north of the island of Guadalcanal was supposed to become, according to their plans, a strategic base for bombing large areas located south and west of the islands.

However, in August 1942 on Guadalcanal, Tulagi and neighboring islands US troops landed. The American forces were joined by New Zealanders, Australians and other allies.

Despite the crushing attacks of the Japanese forces and heavy losses, the allies managed to gain a foothold in the territory they occupied. In December 1942, the number of American troops on Guadalcanal reached 50 thousand, and Japanese - 25 thousand. Local residents helped the American units, acting as scouts, guides, rescuing pilots and sailors, and even creating small partisan detachments. At the end of December 1942, the Japanese command decided to leave Guadalcanal and fortify itself on the islands of the New Georgia group. In February 1943, the remnants of the Japanese units left the island.

After that, the fighting moved to the central part. In February 1943, the Americans occupied the Russell Islands, building a radar station, a torpedo boat base, and an airfield there. In April, they managed to repel the largest Japanese air attack since Pearl Harbor in 1941, and in June-July, along with Fijian and Tongan commandos, landed on New Georgia. Within a month, 30,000 Allied forces broke the fierce resistance of 38,000 Japanese. In August - September, Arundel Island was cleared of Japanese troops. From July to October 1943, fierce naval battles took place in the inter-island water space. In early October 1943, the last Japanese units left Kolombangar Island, and then Vella Lavella. By December 1943 the battle for the Solomon Islands was over.

Even during the fighting, an anti-British movement of the indigenous population, called the "Marching Rule", or "Maasina Ruru" (from English words"rul" - board and "marching" - goes, going, going, or from local word"masinga" - brotherhood). Closely communicating with the American troops, receiving high pay for their maintenance work and observing huge warehouses of various goods, the islanders hoped that the Americans would bring them prosperity and free them from British rule. But in 1944, the Americans told one of the leaders of the Nori movement that after the end of hostilities they would leave, returning power to the British. However, many inhabitants of the islands believed that they would return and bring abundance with them (on this basis, the “cargo” cult developed on many islands in Oceania).

Already in 1944, actions of disobedience to the British authorities began. In the same area in Malaita where the uprising of 1927 took place, the inhabitants refused to recognize the authority of the headman appointed by the resident commissioner. In 1945–1946, the Marching Rule movement spread to the islands of Guadalcanal, Malaita, Olava, San Cristobal, and later to Florida. Its leaders removed the colonial elders and appointed their own. The indigenous people left the villages and settled in the new "towns" they created, which were essentially fortified camps. They had meeting houses for discussing common problems and warehouses for goods that the islanders believed were to be delivered by American ships. The leader of the movement on Guadalcanal, Jacob Vouza, declared himself paramount chief of the island; residents refused to pay taxes, attacked representatives of the colonial authorities, set up roadblocks.

The rise of the movement took place in difficult post-war conditions. The Solomon Islands were heavily affected by the fighting. Many buildings and houses were destroyed, coconut plantations were abandoned, planters and traders left the islands. Recovery was slow. Administrative center was moved from the devastated Tulagi to Honiara on the island of Guadalcanal, where the American command post was located during the fighting.

Initially, the British authorities tried to negotiate with the Marching Rule participants, then moved on to reprisals. Voza was arrested and sent to Fiji, the islanders were ordered to demolish the fortifications. The police, supported by warships, destroyed the main traffic centers. In September 1947 the leaders of the Marching Rule were put on trial in Honiara, charged with terrorism and robbery, and sentenced to hard labor for a term of one to six years. In 1949, about 2,000 islanders were sentenced to prison terms for refusing to destroy the fortifications they had erected. The protest movement reorganized into the "Federal Council". Despite the repressions and arrests of leaders, it lasted until the mid-1950s.

The British authorities undertook a series of administrative reforms. In 1948, they divided the protectorate first into two parts - North and South, and then into four districts headed by district commissars. The districts, in turn, were divided into sub-districts, which were controlled by foremen appointed by the resident commissioner. Under the resident commissioner and foremen, there were appointed advisory councils. In 1952, the residence of the British High Commissioner for the Western Pacific was moved from Fiji to Honiara, and on January 1, 1953, the post of Resident Commissioner of the Solomon Islands was abolished, and the administration of the islands passed to the High Commissioner. An important step was the formation in 1956 of the local council of Malaita with the aim of strengthening the participation of the population in matters of local government. By 1964, local councils were established in almost all districts.

The economy of the islands developed. In 1959, copra production finally surpassed pre-war levels for the first time. In the 1960s and 1970s, it slowly grew, with the proportion of islanders exceeding that of European planters. Since the second half of the 1950s, cocoa has been cultivated in the archipelago.

The movement against the colonial authorities did not stop. In 1957, the local prophet Moro on Guadalcanal began to preach the inevitability of a return to pre-colonial times and the restoration of a traditional way of life. Moro and a number of his associates were arrested, but his popularity grew rapidly, and after his release, the movement spread along the entire coast of the island, and by 1964 covered half of Guadalcanal. Moreau's supporters demanded complete independence. They raised money and set up their own plantations. In 1965 Moreau offered the British High Commissioner £2,000 in exchange for Guadalcanal's independence. The proposal was rejected, but the British authorities did not dare to resort to harsh repression.

On October 18, 1960, they enacted a new constitution. Instead of the Advisory Council under the High Commissioner, the Executive and Legislative Councils were created. Their members were also appointed, but they now included islanders (6 out of 21 members of the Legislative and 2 out of 8 members of the Executive Councils). In 1961–1962 it was reorganized judicial system protectorate: instead of the High Commissioner's Court, the Supreme Court of the Western Pacific was created, consisting of a chief justice in Honiara and two judges (on the islands of Gilbert and Ellis and New Hebrides). Magistrates' courts were established throughout the protectorate.

A new constitution for the islands was adopted in 1964 and put into effect on February 1, 1965. The natives now made up 8 of the 21 members of the Legislative Council and 3 of the 10 members of the Executive Council. At the same time, 8 members of the Legislative Council were elected. In Honiara, the elections were direct. In other districts - indirect. 2 elected organized the first political party - the Democratic, but already in 1967 it collapsed. In 1967, a new constitution expanded the number of elected members of the Legislative Council to include indigenous representatives. In 1968, two deputies formed the United National Party of the Solomon Islands, but it also disintegrated shortly after the elections.

The constitution, put into force by the British authorities on April 10, 1970, replaced the Legislative and Executive Councils with a new body, the Government Council, all of whose members were elected. The High Commissioner was obliged to consult with the Government Council on state and political issues, but this did not hinder his actions in solving problems related to defense, foreign relations, internal security, police management, and appointments to the civil service. In December 1970, the council voted to grant independence to the Solomon Islands in 1975. A Special Committee on Constitutional Development was formed. In 1972, his proposals for a government responsible to an elected legislature were accepted by the Government Council. In 1973 elections were held for a new council. New parties emerged - the United Party of the Solomon Islands (OPSO) led by Benedikt Kinika and the People's Progressive Party (PPP) Solomon Mamaloni.

In 1974, in accordance with the new constitution, the Government Council was transformed into the Legislative Assembly. S. Mamaloni, the leader of the NPP, became the chief minister. In 1975, he resigned due to a scandal over an agreement he signed with an American company to issue commemorative coins, but was again re-elected and led a delegation that went to London to negotiate the granting of independence to the country.

In January 1976, the Solomon Islands were declared a self-governing state. In July 1976 parliamentary elections were held. The OPSO and the NPP by this time had actually disintegrated due to internal disagreements, and their members acted as independents. 8 seats went to the new National Democratic Party (NDP) led by Bartholomew Yulufaalu, which was supported by the trade unions. In July 1976, the Legislative Assembly elected Peter Kenilorea, a former OPSO leader, as Chief Minister. In 1977, negotiations were held in London on granting independence. The Constitutional Conference decided that on July 7, 1978, the Solomon Islands would become an independent state.

Independent state.

After the declaration of independence, the government of Kenilorea remained in power, who took over as prime minister. From the very beginning, he had to face economic problems, a lack of funds for socio-economic development and threats of secession of the Western Isles. The latter was averted after $7,000 was paid to the Western Solomon Islands Council in 1979. Before the 1980 elections there was a regrouping of political forces. The NPP and most of the OPSO merged into the People's Union Party (PNS), headed by Mamaloni. Prime Minister Kenilorea, along with his supporters, created a new OPSO, or United Democratic Party. After the elections, Kenilorea headed the new government from representatives of his party and independent deputies, the PNS and the NDP were in opposition. However, already in August 1981 the ruling coalition fell apart, as the independents refused to support Kenilorea. Mamaloni returned to power, including representatives of the PNS, the NDP and independents in his cabinet. During his reign (1981–1984), the country experienced signs of economic growth. PDP leader Yulufaalu, who took over as finance minister, undertook a number of important financial and tax reforms. So, in 1983, he managed to strengthen the Solomon Islands dollar, equating it with the Australian dollar. The government expanded local government by passing the Provincial Government Act in 1981. However, his credibility was undermined by a conflict with the chief of Folofu, who did not allow elections to be held in his area, and a strike organized by the employees' union in September 1984 demanding higher wages. During the 1984 elections, the PNS managed to slightly increase the number of its seats in parliament, but the overall balance of power changed not in its favor.

In November 1984, Kenilorea formed a new government with the participation of his United Party, independents and the new Ano Segufenula party. His cabinet paid $1,000 in compensation to Chief Folof, but after settling the conflict, it ran into other problems. The Minister of Agriculture has been charged in connection with the scandal over the sale of administrative buildings, which caused a new nationwide strike of civil servants. The government was forced to conduct an investigation, and the minister was removed. In addition, in 1986, Cyclone Namu hit the islands, one of the strongest in the history of the archipelago. It claimed 90 lives, caused millions of dollars in property damage, and significantly undermined the government's prestige. Finally, the prime minister himself was accused of having spent the aid received from France on the restoration of his native village on the island of Malaita. As a result, Kenilorea was forced in December 1986 to cede the post of head of government to his deputy Ezekiel Alebua.

In the general elections of 1989, the opposition PNS won a complete victory, winning 21 out of 38 seats. The opposition included the United Party, the Liberal Party (former NDP) and the Nationalist Front for Progress (NFP). "Ano Segufenula" did not receive a single seat and soon disbanded. Mamaloni formed a new one-party cabinet. However, he didn't last long. Disagreements between the prime minister and the chairman of the Kausimae party escalated in the ruling PNS. In mid-1990, conflict and an open split ensued. Mamaloni removed 5 ministers and announced his withdrawal from the GNA. He created a new "government of national unity and reconciliation", including in it 5 representatives of the opposition, including Kenilorea, who left the ranks of the United Party, Sam Alasia, who was previously elected on the lists of the NFP, and others. Later, the supporters of the government officially took shape in a political organization - " Group for National Unity and Reconciliation (GNEP).

In 1993, the GNEP won 21 seats out of 47 in parliament, but the rest of the parties united in the "National Coalition Partnership" (NCP) and removed it from power. Francis Billy Hilley was elected prime minister.

The NKP government (1993–1994) introduced a number of reforms (including the creation of a constituency development fund), but was unable to stay in power for long. As early as mid-1994, the Minister of Finance was forced to resign due to allegations of corruption, and the Minister of the Interior was accused of illegally issuing a casino license in Honiara. In October 1994, the NKP began to disintegrate. Billy Hilly formed a new minority government, but it fell within two weeks. On November 7, 1994, Mamaloni, the leader of the GNEP, returned to the post of head of the cabinet, transformed into the Progressive Party of National Unity and Reconciliation of the Solomon Islands (PPNEP).

Mamaloni promised that his government would try to make the most of Natural resources countries to increase income, create jobs and provide services to the population. In an effort to conserve resources, the cabinet tried to halt predatory logging and refused to issue new fishing licenses to companies. Measures were taken to develop tourism, a new air terminal in Honiara was opened with the help of Japan, and road construction was expanded. The priority project was the launch of a gold mine in Gold Ridge. The government also signed leases with landowners and the Australian mining company Ross Mining.

In December 1996, Parliament passed the Provincial Government Act, which abolished the system of provincial governments introduced in 1981 and replaced them with regional assemblies. The premier of the province of Guadalcanal obtained from the judicial authorities the annulment of the act, the government filed an appeal.

In early February 1997, differences intensified in the ruling PPNEP. Mamaloni ousted Deputy Prime Minister Danny Philip and replaced him with Francis Samala, leader of the formerly opposition National Action Party.

The general elections of 1997 again led to a change of power. PPNEP won 24 seats in parliament out of 50, and the coalition of opposition parties, the Alliance for Change, won 26. economic reforms with the support of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, as well as donor countries and organizations. The economic turmoil in Asia led to a sharp decline in the forest industry, as well as an overall reduction in production by 10% in 1998. The government implemented wage cuts for civil servants and cuts in budget spending. The economic situation in the Solomon Islands improved somewhat in 1999 due to a significant increase in world gold prices and the expansion of gold production in the country. But soon the authorities had to face the most severe crisis in the history of the existence of an independent state.

Interethnic conflict and reconstruction.

In early 1999, the long-awaited conflict between the Gwale people on the island of Guadalcanal and settlers from the neighboring island of Malaita led to armed clashes. The emerging "Revolutionary Army of Guadalcanal" began attacking Malaitas in rural areas, forcing them to leave the island. The fighters, mostly young men armed with homemade weapons, originated from the south coast of Guadalcanal, where traditional customs were strong. They later renamed their organization the Isatabu Freedom Movement (the ancient Aboriginal name for Guadalcanal). About 20 thousand Malaitans found refuge in Honiara, many returned to their native island. On the contrary, the Gwale fled from Honiara; the city became a Malaitan enclave. The Malaita Eagle Force (CMO) began to form. The Solomon Islands government turned to the Commonwealth for help, and former Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka was appointed to mediate. On June 28, 1999, after a series of meetings, a peace agreement was signed in Honiara.

However, the problems were not resolved, and in June 2000 fighting between the parties resumed. The Malaitans took over the police arsenal at Auki on their home island, allied with opposition elements in the police force and took control of Honiara, where they occupied another arsenal of modern weapons in Rova.

June 5, 2000 SMO seized the Parliament of the country. They accused the Yulufaalu government of failing to protect the lives and property of the Malaitans. The prime minister was captured and forced to resign. In the days that followed, fighting broke out in the capital between the CFR and the Isatabu Freedom Movement. On June 15, the CFR handed over control of Honiara to the police. On June 30, Parliament elected the leader of the People's Progressive Party, Manasseh Sogavare, as the new head of government, who until 1999 served as finance minister, but came into conflict with Yulufaalu. Sogaware formed the "Coalition for National Unity, Reconciliation and Peace" cabinet, putting forward a program to resolve ethnic conflicts, rebuild the economy and more evenly distribute the income from the development of the country.

But Sogaware could not handle the problems of the country. His government has been repeatedly accused of corruption, failure to maintain the economy and restore order. At least 100 people have been killed since the clashes began in 1999, approx. 30 thousand people (mainly Malaitans) were forced to leave their homes, and the economy of Guadalcanal was destroyed.

Growing pressure from society, business and the international community prompted the CFR, the Isatabu Freedom Movement and the government to sign a new peace agreement on October 15, 2000 in the Australian city of Townsville. Its observance was to be monitored by a group of international observers consisting of 35 Australians, 14 New Zealanders and 4 police officers from the Cook Islands, Vanuatu and Tonga. The agreement provided for the dissolution of the armed formations, a general amnesty for all warring parties, the reform of the police and the inclusion of officers who joined the CFR and the Isatabu Freedom Movement. In the course of the implementation of the agreement, in the 20 months up to June 25, 2002, more than 2,000 weapons were handed over to international observers. But the most powerful weapon was never handed over, and some of the former militia fighters got out of control of the commanders and joined criminal groups.

The inter-ethnic conflict and its consequences had a disastrous effect on the economy of the islands. Exports, estimated in 1991 at 150 million dollars, fell in 2001 to 55 million, government revenues fell by more than half. The Gold Ridge gold mine, which provided a significant portion of export earnings in 1999 and early 2000, was destroyed in June 2000 and closed. Government attempts to replenish the treasury with taxes in 2001 failed, and the provision of assistance from abroad almost ceased. The government went on to stop public investment and sent employees on unpaid leave. A heavy burden on finances was the payment of compensation to refugees and participants in the conflict.

During the confrontation, a significant part of the industry was put out of action, including the production of palm oil, mining, and also partially - forestry. Essential services in the capital were under threat due to frequent power outages, interruptions in the supply of water and fuel. After Telikom's solar panels were looted, telecommunications services in Malaita stopped working. By some estimates, the conflict weakened the economy of the Solomon Islands by 40%.

Solomon Islands in the 21st century

During the period of the Sogaware government, there were scandals and internal contradictions. In 2001, a week before the dissolution of parliament, Allan Kemakeza, the leader of the People's Union Party (PNS), was removed from his post as deputy prime minister, accused of misusing funds to pay compensation to people who lost their property during the conflict.

In the December 2001 elections, the GNA was successful, and Kemakeza became prime minister. His party entered into a coalition with some independent MPs led by former finance minister Snyder Reaney, who has now received the post of deputy prime minister and minister of national planning.

The country continues to experience economic difficulties. During the first quarter of 2002, copra production fell by 77% compared to the same period in 2001, cocoa production by 55% and timber production by 13%. The catch of fish increased by 2 times, but was mostly consumed in the domestic market. According to the authorities, the process of economic recovery will require at least 10 years. The first signs of a revival have appeared, but many mines, fishing and agricultural enterprises are still closed.

In December 2002, the government signed an agreement with the international organization Royal Assembly of Nations and Kingdoms to provide the Solomon Islands with $2.6 billion. "Bougainville Revolutionary Army" from Papua New Guinea.

The authorities of the Solomon Islands are still in a difficult position. Former participants and victims of the armed conflict are dissatisfied with the pace and amount of compensation, and in December 2002 the secretary of the Ministry of Finance, New Zealander Lloyd Powell was forced to flee the country, fleeing the threats of former fighters of the armed formations. There are divisions within the ruling party. In February 2003, a number of its members criticized Prime Minister Kemakeza's visit to South Korea and planned to replace him with Treasury Secretary Michael Maina.

As part of the fight against financial abuse, the government took action in May 2003 against the "Family Charity Fund", whose leaders issued threats against commercial banks. In protest against these threats, the banks closed for one day and resumed their work only after the arrest of the fund's leaders.

The Kemakeza government is counting on the help of other states, primarily Japan, to restore the economy. In 2003, the Prime Minister held talks in Tokyo for Japanese assistance in establishing public services, establishing commercial rice cultivation in Malaita and Choiseul, developing an international airport at Henderson, and supplying copra to Japan.

During 2002 and 2003 clashes and conflicts intensified, and in June 2003 the prime minister asked for help from abroad. Peacekeeping forces from Australia and other countries of the Pacific region arrived in the country under the auspices of the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands. The military contingent ensured the restoration of law and order and the disarmament of militants on Guadalcanal. 4,000 people were arrested: members of the government, police leadership, group leaders, including one of the most prominent leaders of the Guadalcanal Revolutionary Army, Harold Keke. The Malaita Eagles criminal group laid down its arms. Peace began to gradually restore in the country, and the military presence of peacekeepers was reduced.

In December 2004, an Australian police officer was killed by a local resident. The peacekeepers returned, but, nevertheless, even after the incident, the presence of the military was reduced.

Although the People's Union Party was defeated in the 2006 parliamentary elections, Deputy Prime Minister Snyder Reaney managed to win the support of independent members of parliament, and he was elected prime minister and formed a government. However, he was soon accused of accepting bribes from Chinese businessmen and bribing MPs. Chinese businessmen were accused of trying to influence the political situation in the country. This led to new riots, in particular, pogroms of the Chinese diaspora. In this regard, the forces of the mission were again increased.

In May 2006, Rini was forced to resign or face a vote of no confidence. Manasseh Sogavare was nominated for the post of prime minister. He received the majority of votes in the parliamentary vote on May 4, 2006 and again became the country's prime minister.

During this period, mainly civilian specialists remained in the country who advised the government on economic and financial issues, which caused sharp criticism from Sogaware, who accused the Regional Mission of interfering in domestic politics.

On December 13, 2007, Sogaware was removed from office in a vote of no confidence. Several ministers from his government went into opposition.

On December 30, 2007, the parliament elected a new prime minister. They became the former Minister of Education, opposition candidate Derek Sikua. The new prime minister supported the mission, and with his arrival the situation regarding peacekeepers has changed.

He remained in office until 25 August 2010. Elections were held in August 2010 and Danny Philip became the new prime minister. In November 2011, he resigned due to the fact that he was also going to announce a vote of no confidence.

On April 2, 2007, a tsunami hit the country, which was caused by a strong earthquake of magnitude 8. As a result, more than 50 people died and thousands of people were left homeless.

The political parties in the Solomon Islands are rather weak, they form unstable coalitions, and in this regard, the parties are often declared a vote of no confidence, including prime ministers.

Problems in the economic and political development of the country, the inability of governments to resolve internal conflicts leads to the fact that the viability of the state is greatly reduced, and in fact such a state can be called a "failed state".

Literature:

Oceania. Directory. M., 1982
Rubtsov B.B. Oceania. M., 1991



The Solomon Islands is an amazing, alluring island country, located far to the west of magical Oceania. From the east and north, it is washed by the stormy waves of the formidable ocean, mistakenly called the Pacific from the west and south - by the gentle, most beautiful Coral Sea. The archipelago includes 992 islands, a third of which are inhabited. Most big Island(more than 5,000 square kilometers) is called as marvelous as it looks - Guadalcanal.

Many islands are mountainous, that is, covered with mountains that stretch their peaks to the sky and are found on the islands all the time. The island of Guadalcanal is home to the most high mountain Makarakomburu, more than 2 kilometers high. Oceania often experiences sudden earthquakes; and active volcanoes are active and glowing with heat, throwing ash and red-hot lava into the sky.

The climate in Oceania is equatorial, which means very hot. It is especially hot there in winter, and people mostly prefer to go almost naked and eat ice cream washed down with chilled coconut milk.
In January-April, ferocious cyclones can sweep through the islands of Oceania, sowing horror and panic into trembling human hearts.

Map of the Solomon Islands

Large, mountainous islands have fast but short rivers, waterfalls, and even geothermal springs.
Almost the entire territory of the islands is covered with dense and humid mighty equatorial forests, consisting mainly of kauri pines. On the sea coasts, there are mainly mangrove forests and deep swamps full of swarming creatures. Almost 5,000 species of a wide variety of plants grow on the Solomon Islands, among which there are many different types of orchids. Batting dogs, amazing tree rats, terrible snakes, green lizards and toothy crocodiles live in the oceanic forests, as well as almost 200 different species of birds. There are giant butterflies. Dolphins and menacing sharks frolic in the coastal waters, green turtles swim leisurely and giant eels squirm, marlin darts, tuna fusses, a mighty barracuda sits in ambush.

The population of Oceania is not numerous - only 509 thousand people.

The capital of the Solomon Islands is Honiara. This is a seaport, and an excellent international airport, there are all government agencies, and a developed tourist infrastructure.

The Solomon Islands is a state located in Melanesia, in the southwestern part of the Pacific Ocean. It consists of 992 islands.

In 1568, the Spanish traveler A. Mendanya de Neira discovered these islands. The navigator managed to exchange a lot of gold from the locals. And he gave the name of the Solomon Islands in honor of magical land Ofir where, according to legend, King Solomon hid his treasures.

For the next two centuries, Europeans did not visit here. Only in 1767 the islands were discovered again by the Englishman F. Carteret.

Since the 1860s Europeans began to actively develop the territory of the Solomon Islands. The natives quickly realized the danger posed by white man and killed every European who set foot on their land. That is why the Solomon Islands at that time had a reputation as the most hostile islands in the Pacific Ocean.

In 1893 the islands came under British rule. And since the beginning of the 20th century, the British created the first plantations of coconut palms here.

During the Second World War, part of the islands was captured by the Japanese. For a long time, bloody battles were fought here, many warships sank.

The Solomon Islands gained independence only in 1978.

The ethnic composition of the population of the islands is heterogeneous. The majority are Melanesians (over 90%), followed by Polynesians (3%), Micronesians (1.2%), Europeans and Chinese.

Holidays in the Solomon Islands are suitable primarily for those who want to enjoy the unspoiled nature of this region, as well as extreme sports, lovers of diving, snorkeling and fishing.

Capital	Honiara
Population	478,000 people
Population density	17 people/km²
	English
Religion	Christianity (97%)
Form of government	a constitutional monarchy
	Solomon Islands dollar
Timezone
International dialing code
Domain zone
Electricity

Climate and weather

The climate of the Solomon Islands is subequatorial, very humid and hot. The thermometer does not fall below +21 °C in winter, while in summer the temperature often exceeds +30 °C. Winter here is April-November. This is the dry season, which is characterized by cool (+23…+27 °C) weather. The time from December to March is called wet season. The air temperature reaches its maximum, and the humidity rises to 90%. The amount of precipitation varies depending on the region of the archipelago.

IN summer time hurricane-force winds are possible, but here they are not as destructive as east of the Solomon Islands.

The most favorable time for traveling to the Solomon Islands is June - December. At this time, there is no sweltering heat, in addition, various festivals and festivities are held in June-August.

Nature

About 80% of the territory of the islands is covered with dense equatorial forests (ficuses, palm trees); dry places are characterized by savannahs; mangrove forests and swamps grow on the coasts.

The flora of the Solomon Islands is represented by more than 4,500 species of plants, among which there are more than 200 species of orchids alone. Often you can find sumai, nalato, hibiscus.

The fauna of the islands is also diverse: crocodiles, snakes, lizards, rats, the bats, parrots, wild pigeons and others. You can often see rare giant butterflies here. Green turtles, tuna, dolphins, barracuda, sharks and many more species of fish live in coastal waters.

The Solomon Islands are also rich in minerals: silver, gold, copper, nickel.

in the east O. Rennell created with the support of UNESCO national park wildlife.

The Solomon Islands are of volcanic origin. Peak is the highest point in the country Popomanaceu (about Guadalcanal). Its height reaches 2335 meters.

Attractions

The Solomon Islands attract tourists, first of all, with their naturalness, the lack of desire to create something especially for tourists. It offers relaxation in natural natural conditions, and this is why the islands are valuable for the traveler.

Traveling around the islands usually starts from the capital of the state - Honiari. Here is a place called Point Cruz. According to legend, the Spaniard landed here for the first time. Mendana and erected a cross in honor of the discovery of the island.

It will also be interesting to visit National Museum, Parliament, Botanical Gardens, colorful Chinatown.

Just a few kilometers from the capital are famous waterfalls Mataniko. Water falls into a cave filled with stalagmites and stalactites, after which it disappears into the bowels of the island.

An unforgettable trip to the lagoon Marovo. Here is the best tourist village in the country - World Heritage. The state, trying to preserve the unique flora and fauna of this place, has limited logging. The main income of local residents comes from tourism.

Village Nusambaruku (Fr. Gizo) is an example of a traditional isolated village. It consists of several buildings, which are located high on stilts. The village can only be reached by boat or by a narrow dam.

Islands Anarvon are located 280 km from the capital. This is a group of 100 islands, none of which is permanently inhabited, and many of them protrude only 20-30 cm above the sea, but this place is known for being home to the rarest sea turtles. A natural reserve was organized here: several dozen specially trained people monitor the safety of the lives of turtles and accompany tourists.

The Western Province is famous for the beauty and richness of the underwater world. Extreme lovers flock here aquatic species sports. Here are the most comfortable resorts.

The pearl of the Western Province can rightly be called the lagoon Marovo. This is the largest salt lagoon in the world (150 by 96 kilometers). Thousands of islands and coral reefs surround the lagoon.

Almost the entire southern part O. Rennell occupies the lake Tengano. It is the largest freshwater lake in the Pacific region. The lake and surrounding areas form a National Wildlife Park, which is included in the list world heritage UNESCO.

Nutrition

The cuisine of the Solomon Islands is a mixture culinary traditions Southeast Asia, Europe and Oceania. It is characterized by the use of yams and taro leaves, tapioca (obtained from the roots of the cassava plant), coconut. Chefs at local restaurants mix the ingredients randomly and often get new and unique dishes.

Often food is cooked in special earthen ovens called umu. Meat and fish are usually baked on coals with a small addition of spices.

In addition to Melanesian and Polynesian, European and Asian dishes are perfectly prepared here. Moreover, they are no different from similar dishes prepared in Beijing or London.

Honiara has several European, Chinese and even Japanese restaurants. All of them are popular with tourists and locals.

The choice of drinks here is huge: local alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, as well as wines and beers imported from Chile, China, New Zealand.

Accommodation

Tourism infrastructure is poorly developed in the Solomon Islands. Comfortable living is provided only on the largest islands of the archipelago: Guadalcanal, Hueli, Mangalonga, Gizo.

Hotels on these islands are something like resort complexes where tennis courts, swimming pools, playgrounds are located. It can be a few colorful eco-huts or bungalows.

Prices vary between $30-150 per day.

Before checking in, be sure to check the availability of mosquito nets in the room: local insects can be dangerous.

IN Honiara, right on the beach, is the most modern and prestigious hotel in the country - heritage park. To fully enjoy the nature of the Pacific coast, you can rent an apartment at the hotel. Great Double Room will cost you $300 per day.

Outside the capital and others major cities It is possible to stay right in the houses of local residents. In this case, payment is agreed in advance (focus on the amount of about $ 12-20 per day). Often, food is paid for housing.

Entertainment and recreation

The underwater world of the Solomon Islands literally attracts extreme people from all over the world. Sunken ships and planes Coral reefs, the variety of underwater inhabitants allow you to fully enjoy diving and snorkeling.

Good area for snorkeling O. Guadalcanal. About 50 huge warships are buried in the local waters. In most cases, they are located at a depth to which scuba diving is prohibited. However, the transparency of the water and the features of the bottom topography allow you to see the details without deep diving.

Island Savo called a paradise for divers. Having a volcanic origin, the island is constantly shrouded in clouds. There are no comfortable conditions for tourists here, but all this is more than offset by the abundance of sunken ships, a lot of hot mineral springs, crystal clear water.

The most picturesque reefs can be seen near the lagoon Marovo, near the islands Tavanipulu And Arnavon.

Diving in the Solomon Islands is not cheap. For one dive you will have to pay from $ 50-70.

Another way to spend time on the islands is fishing. The local waters are known for the diversity of fish and marine animals. Some travel agencies organize whole fish tours for Lola Island, into the lagoons Marovo And Won-Won.

Those wishing to get acquainted with the strange and charming rites of the locals simply need to visit the city Auki(100 km from Honiara). Here you will witness the most dangerous ritual "shark challenge". Local sorcerers somehow manage to put the shark to sleep right in the water, and then manually raise it to the surface.

Center cultural life states - Honiara. On the second Friday of June, the Queen's Birthday is celebrated here. The celebration is accompanied by a police parade, dances and sports competitions. On July 7, the whole country celebrates Independence Day.

If you find yourself in the Solomon Islands in mid-December, you can take part in the Western Seas Festival. At this time, there are numerous competitions of fishermen, canoe races and other competitions.

There are many good hiking trails in the Solomon Islands. Trekking enthusiasts will be pleased with the hiking routes organized from Honiara to the waterfalls Mataniko, from Gizo before Titian.

Purchases

Large shops and supermarkets are concentrated in the capital of the Solomon Islands. The prices of imported goods are very high.

When buying food, carefully monitor the shelf life: often the goods take a long time to sail from Singapore, China and other countries and deteriorate on the way.

Prices in the stores of the islands are not regulated by the state, so do not be surprised if the cost of the same goods in neighboring stores will differ significantly.

Be sure to visit the colorful markets of the country. Here you can buy all kinds of vegetables and tropical fruits, fresh fish, shells, handicrafts. Markets are open throughout the week. Remember that bargaining is not welcome here.

As a souvenir from the Solomon Islands, you can bring handmade wooden figurines that symbolize peace and tranquility.

Ritual wooden balls are very popular among tourists. According to legend, they can be used to summon the spirit of a deceased ancestor and ask for advice.

The local hand-painted wooden masks are also unusual. They, according to beliefs, give strength and dexterity to their owner, protect from evil spirits.

A good gift would be brooches, key chains, beads, bracelets made of shells, corals.

For some goods (especially handmade goods) two different prices are assigned: the first is for local residents, the second is for tourists.

Transport

international Airport Henderson Field is located 11 km from the capital and is named after a US major who died in the battle of Midway. For the runway, which later became the airport, there were heated battles between the Japanese and the Americans. The airport is small, but it has everything you need: taxi, car rental, ATM and exchange office. There are also about 30 small airports on the territory of the islands that serve local flights.

Only 2% of all roads in the Solomon Islands are paved. Most of the roads are owned by private plantation owners.

The most common transport that allows you to move from island to island is a ferry, or, as the locals call it, a water taxi. You will get a lot of impressions from a sea voyage. In most cases sea ​​transport does not obey any schedule, the fare is quite low.

The most convenient way to get around in Honiara is by taxi. You can "vote" on the street or call it in advance. Taxi fare is $1.5 per kilometer.

There are few buses in the capital, the most common mode of transport here is minibuses, the ticket price is $ 0.4.

You can also rent a car. But drivers should be especially careful: the roads outside of Honiara are in a terrible state.

Connection

In the Solomon Islands, cell phone standard GSM 900. The level of communication is not very high yet. The only mobile operator Solomon Telecom provides good reception only in the area of ​​Honiara, Auki, Gizo. In other areas, coverage is partial.

While on the islands, you can either buy a SIM card from a local operator or rent a phone.

There are about 300 pay phones in the country, and almost all of them are concentrated in Honiara, near banks, large shops and hotels. To use the payphone, you need to buy a prepaid card. It is sold in shops, kiosks, communication stores.

If you need to make an international call, it is better to use the services Solomon Telecom. The company's offices operate around the clock and are located in the capital, in many provincial centers, in all major hotels.

Internet connection is available in Honiara and in some provinces. There is a whole network of Internet cafes in the capital. The Wi-Fi network has just begun its development. Trial points are open only in Honiara and Gizo.

Safety

Residents of the Solomon Islands are quite friendly to tourists. Theft is rare here, but in crowded places beware of pickpockets. Do not leave valuables and documents unattended, do not visit isolated areas alone.

It is recommended to visit the picturesque local settlements only with experienced guides who will tell you about certain features of local traditions. To avoid omissions and resentment on the part of the natives, it is necessary to obtain consent before visiting their home.

For Melanesians, property rights are very important. A tree, flower or fruit in the vicinity of a settlement may well belong to one of the residents. Therefore, in order not to provoke a conflict, do not tear anything without permission.

Be careful with your clothes: swimwear and shorts are only allowed on the beach, in other cases you need to hide your body as much as possible.

Local water can be hazardous to health, so only drink boiled or bottled water. Milk, meat, fish can be eaten only after heat treatment. Wash vegetables thoroughly, peel fruits.

Danger lurks and animal world islands. Scorpions, Javanese centipedes, blood-sucking insects, poisonous fish and snakes, some reptiles, forest ants can pose a threat not only to health, but also to life. To avoid meeting with them, move around the territory of the islands (especially the jungle) only accompanied by an experienced guide.

Business climate

The economy of the Solomon Islands has recently been rapidly developing and offers good business opportunities in areas such as mining, tourism infrastructure, agricultural industry, fishing, forestry.

Resident companies (shareholders who have the right to vote and are residents of the islands) pay a 30% income tax from any source, regardless of their location. Non-resident companies are subject to 35% tax on income received in the territory of the islands.

Real estate

exotic nature, good climate, low prices explain the demand for real estate in the Solomon Islands. Here you will not see high-rise apartment buildings. Most of the local population still lives in rural-type houses. Only in the capital there are chic modern buildings.

The legislation allows the purchase of real estate by foreigners. But this requires documents confirming the legality of the transaction.

Buying property in the Solomon Islands is quite problematic. The fact is that 95% of all the land of the islands belongs to indigenous peoples. For a foreign investor to buy a house, for example, it is necessary to conduct lengthy negotiations with members of various clans in order to find the owner of the land and negotiate a deal. Usually such negotiations take a lot of time and there are no guarantees that everything will be resolved in your favor. Community lands are rarely sold. But there is an opportunity to rent them for up to 75 years.

In the Solomon Islands, as in most other countries of Polynesia and Melanesia, it is not customary to leave a tip. According to local tradition, tips are perceived as a gift and imply a gift in return. Smiling and saying “thank you”, you fully thank for the services rendered.

Currency can be exchanged at a bank, in large shops and restaurants, some hotels, special exchange offices. There are also exchange machines in the capital, which are located mainly near bank offices. In the province, it is easiest to exchange currency at branches National Bank of the Solomon Islands. They are located in shops and post offices.

You can pay in Honiara credit card, in the province - only in cash.

Often, especially in the southern regions of the islands, US and Australian dollars are accepted for payment.

Jewelry and gold must be declared upon entry.

The export and import of items of historical value is prohibited: products made from coral, skins of tropical animals, bird feathers, sea turtle shell.

When going on a trip, make sure that your first aid kit has everything necessary medicines. In the Solomon Islands, it may be difficult to acquire them.

Visa information

In the southwest of the Pacific Ocean there is an extraordinary archipelago, consisting of almost 1000 islands of various sizes. The Solomon Islands belong to Melanesia. Their history dates back to the middle of the last millennium. The Spanish navigator A. Mendanya De Neira found the islands in 1568. It was here that the Spaniard managed to get a large amount of jewelry from the local inhabitants. The traveler gave the archipelago its name, thanks to the mysterious country called Orif. It was there, according to the navigator, that King Solomon hid his treasures.

After the traveler, these islands were forgotten, and only two centuries later, the Englishman F. Carteret discovered them again. It happened in 1767. But the Solomon Islands began to gain special popularity after another hundred years. Moreover, they were not the best known. The fact is that the Europeans began to explore the islands, but for the local Aboriginal tribes, white people were a danger, so they killed them. At that time, the islands were considered the most dangerous in the Pacific Ocean.

At the end of the 19th century, the islands came under British rule. The British almost immediately began to create plantations of coconut palms here. And during the Second World War, the Japanese began to rule part of the archipelago. In those days, there were fierce battles that claimed the lives of a large number of people. Many ships sank in local waters. 1978 was a turning point for the Solomon Islands. It was then that they gained independence.

Climate

Subequatorial climate prevails on the islands. The weather is often hot and humid. The air temperature in summer often exceeds 30⁰ C. Winter temperatures, on average, stay at around 20⁰ C.

In summer it is quite rainy and windy. Often in these places there are hurricanes, but they are not as strong as in the east Pacific. The driest months for the islands are December - March.

Tourists prefer to visit the islands from early August to late November. During these months the weather is moderate, there are no heavy rains and it is not so hot. By the way, August is significant in that this month the islands are full of multiple holidays and festivals.

Flora and fauna

Most of the territory is covered with dense equatorial forests. In dry areas, savannahs mainly grow, but the coasts have multiple mango forests, as well as swamps. At all, vegetable world The islands are quite varied. There are more than 4500 varieties of plants here. Here you can meet numerous species of archaea and rare plants called sumai, nalato and many others.

The fauna of the Solomon Islands is also diverse. Here you can observe crocodiles, lizards, rats, snakes, etc. Among the birds here, the most common varieties of parrots and wild pigeons. The fauna of these places is also famous for the rare giant butterflies.

The underwater world on the islands is beautiful and dangerous. Under the cover of water, you can meet both friendly dolphins and turtles, as well as sharks, as well as barracudas.

If we take the Solomon Islands as deposits, then the minerals here are copper, silver, gold and nickel. In general, a treasure trove of our days. In addition, the history of the origin of the islands was not without volcanoes. On one of the islands is the most high point- Popomanaseu peak. It reaches over 2300 meters. Location - Guadalcanale Island.

Attractions

It is noteworthy that the Solomon Islands have a beautiful virgin nature, which today not every island can boast of. Trying to leave nature untouched, almost nothing is built here for tourist recreation.

The capital of the state of Honiara is usually the starting point of every traveler. Here you can take a look at the historical place for the Solomon Islands called Point Cruz. According to history, it was here that the discoverer of these islands, A. Mendanya, landed. There is a large cross erected in his honor.

In addition, the most visited places in the city are the Parliament, the National Museum, Chinatown, and the Botanical Garden. Also not far from the islands are the famous Mataniko waterfalls. The water here falls right into the cave. The spectacle is breathtaking.

In the Marovo lagoon is one of the main attractions of the country - World Heritage. This is perhaps the most unusual village where tourists regularly stay. There is another one on the territory of the islands interesting village called Nusambaruku. Here are the traditional buildings for this area. The village is isolated and can only be reached by boat, sailing along a narrow dam.

The famous Anarvon Islands are also popular among tourists. This is a whole group of islands. There are about 100 of them in total and they are uninhabited. They became famous thanks to the rare turtles inhabited here.

Housing

In the Solomon Islands, the infrastructure is rather poorly developed. Tourists are rarely accepted here. The most developed cities in this regard are the large islands of Gizo, Ueli, Guadalcanal, and Mangalonga. Hotels and inns on these islands are quite luxurious, they include a swimming pool, tennis courts, etc. Housing prices here do not exceed $ 150 per day, but you can find much cheaper.

There are no hotels on the rarely visited islands, but you can also find accommodation here. Local residents often rent apartments or rooms. The cost per room per day on average 15 - 20 dollars.

Holidays in the Solomon Islands

The area in this archipelago is quite interesting and beautiful. Many tourists come here to enjoy sea ​​water these islands. Here you can meet sunken ships, crashed planes, and the beauty of coral reefs attracts you.

by the most popular island for diving is Guadalcanal. At the bottom there are more than 50 ships. Some of them are located at a depth to which it is forbidden to descend, but this does not stop many extreme sportsmen. Diving in the Solomon Islands is so popular that it can be safely attributed to the most expensive local types of recreation. This pleasure costs an average of 60 dollars here.

Fishing is another popular pastime on the islands. A wide variety of fish inhabit the archipelago, which contributes to the appearance of numerous fishermen, both among tourists and among local residents. Many travel agencies have in their program small, so-called fish tours, where everyone can try themselves as a fisherman.

Holidays

The Solomon Islands also attract tourists with their festivals, of which there are quite a few. Every year on the second Friday of June, Queen's Day is celebrated in the state. On this holiday, police parades are held on the streets of cities, accompanied by dances. Numerous sports competitions are also held on this day.

The most famous holiday in the state is Independence Day. It is celebrated every year on July 7th.

December was marked on the islands by the Festival of the Western Seas. These days there are competitions among fishermen, as well as canoe races.

Safety

People in this unusual state are very friendly and welcoming, however, as in any other country, pickpocketing is not uncommon here. They are especially frequent in places where a large number of people accumulate.

Local settlements have their own customs and traditions, so you should know at least the most famous of them. The fact is that the inhabitants here are touchy and can misunderstand any, even the most harmless, gesture.

It should be noted that diseases such as typhus, malaria, hepatitis B, etc. are common in the Solomon Islands. Before going for a walk, it is worth getting vaccinated.

As you know, the most dangerous animals live in local forests, which can threaten not only health, but also life. Therefore, you should not go into the forests alone. It is best to do this only with experienced guides.

Water in the Solomon Islands is also dangerous. It is not worth eating. Fruits and vegetables should also be washed thoroughly. Be sure to cook meat and fish. Thus, harmful substances will evaporate, after which they can be consumed.

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The Solomon Islands are an archipelago largely unaffected by tourism. Quite a small number of people visit this poor country. But, despite this, they attract with the genuine naturalness of everything that you have to either see or visit.

Back in the 16th century, these islands were discovered by the Spaniard A. Medanya. It was the Spaniards who were of the opinion and suggested that in ancient times this archipelago belonged to Solomon, the biblical king. Hence the origin of the name. Already in the 20th century, Great Britain established its power over the islands. But soon the Solomon Islands received internal self-government, and then independence.

This area attracts by the fact that it has practically nothing that would be created artificially in order to please tourists. Therefore, it will be very comfortable and interesting here, first of all, for those travelers who are looking for natural extraordinary

After all, every part of this small country will not disappoint its guests, as it has rightfully earned a reputation as the best place in the world, where, as if, nature itself has created all the conditions for fishing, snorkeling and diving. Here the water and air are particularly clean. And the flora and fauna will surprise any tourist with its diversity and beauty.

The Solomon Islands are enough in which to have their own taboos. And all visitors should know about them. So, on the islands of Bu-su and Laulasi, the taboos are red and black, since they are considered the colors of blood here. They should be avoided when choosing jewelry or clothing for a trip.

Certain taboos are still surrounded by the life of villages on the islands. It is impossible to explain the meaning of all. But when visiting any local settlements, you must be careful and limit your curiosity to the maximum. Since the term "taboo" here is given the meaning not only of prohibition, but also of sacredness or holiness. And this should not be forgotten.

In addition, property rights are also very important here. Therefore, it is most likely that a flower, fruit or tree by the roadside belongs to someone. Since many islanders live by selling what they grow, when you pick a fruit, be prepared to leave the owner a decent compensation.

A guest on the islands must be fully dressed. While the clothes of local residents may be different, or absent altogether. A woman should not be or stand above a man. It is also forbidden to swim under canoes where women are. After all, after that it is subject to destruction. And for many residents it is the only way to get food.

The Solomon Islands have preserved a tradition in which, as in all world cultures, taboos are called upon to protect their society, playing the role of certain codes or moral prescriptions. Following them, it is not customary to punish uninitiated people. Although foreigners fall into this category, it is nevertheless advisable to observe local customs.

For those who love a varied and eventful holiday, the Solomon Islands will be an ideal option. Mainly because their entire territory consists of nine provinces, each of which has something to show even the most jaded visitor.

What are those provinces where the locals, despite the rapid development of civilization in general and the predominance of European elements in clothing in particular, continue to wear short skirts and

Not all resort islands, like the Solomons, have retained to a large extent their primitive cultural appearance. In all the villages, traditional houses predominate here. They are rectangular light huts with wicker walls on pillars and made of palm leaves.

Although buildings of the European type are found here, but only in large settlements. Traditionalism is also quite closely intertwined with modernity. The local population preserves applied arts, original dances and songs, folklore relatively well, however, modern culture is still being introduced.