Solomon Islands population. Solomon Islands: general information
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SOLOMON ISLANDS, an island state in the southwestern 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, etc. The largest islands of the country are Guadalcanal and Santa Isabel. San Cristobal, Malaita and Choiseul. There are more than 900 islands in the country. The total length of the coastline is 5313 km. The area of the Solomon Islands is 28,450 square meters. km.
Nature.
The Solomon Islands stretch in two chains from northwest to southeast for more than 1,400 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 fairly wide coastal lowland exists only on the northeastern coast of Guadalcanal. On the same island is the highest point of the country - Mount Makarakomburu (2447 m.). On the islands there are extinct and active volcanoes, hot springs, and 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, etc. They lie on an underwater mountain ridge and are surrounded by coral reefs. The Swallow Islands group is formed by 12 small islets - the remains of an uplifted atoll. Duff Islands – 10 volcanic islands. The peaks of the underwater volcanoes are the eastern islands of Anuda, Miter and Tikopia. Sikaiana and Ontong Java (Lord Howe) are coral atolls, while Rennel 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 south-east trade winds blowing. From November to April the hot and humid season lasts, dominated by the north-west monsoons, sometimes turning into hurricanes. The average monthly temperature in February is +27°C, in August +24°C. The amount of annual precipitation is 2500–3500 mm, with 2100 mm in the Honiara region and 8000 mm in more humid areas.
On all large islands there are many mountain rivers that fall steeply from the slopes. There are few lakes. The most common fertile red soils are found on river terraces and river deltas. The mountains of the volcanic islands are covered with dense rain forests, in which valuable tropical tree species grow. Lowland areas are used for the cultivation of coconut palms, sweet potatoes, taro, yams, rice, cocoa and other crops (1.5% of the area is cultivated). Lowlands are often swampy. The vegetation of the northeastern plains of Guadalcanal is represented by savannas.
Minerals: gold placers, deposits of iron and ferronickel ores and magnesites, bauxites, phosphorite reserves.
Population.
Population. Population in July 2003 was estimated to be 509,190. 43% of the population is under 15 years of age, 54% is between 15 and 64 years of age, and 3% is over 65 years of age. The average age is 18.2 years. 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 live on the island of Malaita.
The vast majority of the islands' inhabitants are Melanesians (93%). 4% are Polynesians from remote atolls; 1.5% - Micronesians; 0.8% – Europeans; 0.3% – Chinese; 0.4% – others.
The official language is English, but only 1–2% of residents speak 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 Church, 12% to the Methodist and Presbyterian Church. 9% are Baptists, 7% are Seventh-day Adventists, 5% are other Protestants. 4% of residents adhere to local traditional beliefs.
State structure.
Until July 7, 1978, they were a possession of Great Britain; since 1978, they were an independent state with a parliamentary democracy in form of structure. 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 period of at least 5 years. Since 1999, John Lapley has been Governor General.
Legislative power belongs to the unicameral National Parliament of 50 deputies elected for a term of 4 years in single-mandate constituencies by popular vote of citizens over 21 years of age.
Executive power belongs to the government, headed by the prime minister. The Prime Minister is elected by Parliament. This usually becomes 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 approved 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 maintained. The Supreme Court consists of chief and junior judges. Territorial courts have been established in administrative units to deal primarily with land disputes. Appeals are heard by the Supreme Court. Traditional customary law is widely used locally.
Administratively, the Solomon Islands are divided into 9 provinces and a capital territory. Provincial councils are elected by the population and have a fairly wide range of responsibilities: they are in charge of communications, healthcare, and education.
Political parties.
People's Union Party(PNS) is a political party of social democratic orientation. 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 Solomon Islands Party, 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 elections. S. Mamaloni served as prime minister in 1989–1993 and 1994–1997, but left the party in 1990. In 2000, GNA leader A. Kemakeza became deputy prime minister of the government of national unity, created after bloody inter-ethnic clashes. In the 2001 general elections, the PNS campaigned under the slogans of declaring a federal republic, creating a special department under the Prime Minister to establish peace and revive the economy, introducing a code of conduct for political leaders and automatically removing 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 leader of the party is Allan Kemakeza (Prime Minister since 2001). In the 2006 elections, the party received only 6.3% and lost the elections, as a result of which Prime Minister Kemakeza resigned.
Solomon Islands Alliance for Change Coalition– 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 Party, the Labor Party, the United Party and the Independents). She won the 1997 general elections, and B. Yulufaalu took over as prime minister. The coalition declared its intention to establish “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 ethnic violence in 2000. In the 2000 elections, the Alliance promised to implement policy and constitutional changes, restore a credible 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 votes and won 13 seats in parliament. Is in opposition. Leaders: Bartholomew Yulufaalu (Prime Minister 1997–2000) and Francis Billy Hilley (Prime Minister 1993–1994). In the elections of December 5, 2001, the alliance received 5 seats out of 50. In the elections of April 5, 2006, the Alliance received 12 seats.
Liberal Party was formed by Bartholomew Yulufaalu in 1988. He was its leader until his death in May 2007. In the elections on April 5, 2006, the party received 2 seats in parliament
People's Progressive Party(NPP) is one of the oldest parties in the Solomon Islands, created in 1973 by S. Mamaloni. It was in power from 1974–1976, and in 1980 it merged with part of the United Party into the People's Union Party. In 2000, the NPP was restored under the leadership of the Prime Minister of the transitional government, Manasseh Sogavare (2000–2001). The party promised to maintain peace in the islands, revive the economy, decentralize political power to the provinces, reform the education system, revitalize and maintain traditional cultural values, promote rural development and establish harmonious relations with other countries, including Australia and New Zealand. In the 2001 elections, the party collected 20% of the votes and won 2 seats in parliament. The leader of the NPP is Manasseh Sogavare (Prime Minister in 2000–2001). In the elections of December 5, 2001, the party won 3 out of 50 seats in parliament.
Labor Party– formed in 1988 by activists of the trade union movement who sought to contribute to the development of parliamentary democracy. Labor has participated 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 government system, holding an economic conference to develop plans for reorganizing the tax system, immediately freezing all debt relief in the country and conducting a dialogue with donor countries regarding their participation in the economic recovery of the islands. The party received 1 seat in parliament. Leaders: Joseph Tuanuku, Tony Kagovai.
United Democratic Party(UDP) - created in 1980 on the basis of part of the former United Party led by Peter Kenilore (head of government in 1976-1981). The UDP achieved success in the 1980 elections, and Kenilorea remained as prime minister until 1981, and after the 1984 elections led a coalition government (until 1986). In the 2001 elections, it called for the restoration of peace, law and order, improved governance, transparency in public spending and the establishment of a fair system of compensation for property damage caused during ethnic clashes in 2000. Leader - John Maetia. In 2003, the UDP agreed with the PPP to merge. After a long decline, the party regained strength by the 2010 elections. Its new leader, Joel Moffat Konophilia, declared that God had punished the country because the Solomon Islands voted against the people of Israel at the UN. In 2003, the UDP agreed with the NPP to create 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 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 Sogavare's broad coalition. But already in November 2007, the party stopped supporting Sogavare; on the contrary, the Democrats voted for a vote of no confidence, and Derek Siqua became the new prime minister. The Democrats were part of the broad Siqua 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 pre-election campaign for the 2010 parliamentary elections, the new party leader Steve Avana announced a course to improve the standard of living in rural areas and change the electoral system. The party won 13 seats, winning the largest number of seats in parliament. However, he failed to become prime minister without receiving the required number of votes. The party went into opposition, but some of its members began working in the government.
In November 2011, Matthew Whale became the new party leader. By this time, although the party was in parliament, almost three-quarters of the party members, including Steve Abana, went to work in the government.
National Party. In the elections of April 5, 2006, the party received 4 seats in parliament out of 50.
Solomon Islands Rural Promotion Party, successor to the Rural Union Party. In the elections of April 5, 2006, the party received 4 seats in parliament out of 50.
Association of Independent Members. In the elections of April 5, 2006, the party won 13 seats in parliament out of 50.
Armed forces, police.
There is no army on the islands. The Royal Solomon Islands Police forces, led by a police commissioner (police commissariats operated locally), disintegrated during inter-ethnic clashes in 2000. Subsequently, the police force was created anew. The National Intelligence and Surveillance Forces were established.
The Solomon Islands is a member of the UN and its specialized organizations, the Commonwealth and regional associations (Pacific Forum, 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 working 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 developed..
The Solomon Islands' GDP in 2001 was estimated at $800 million, which corresponded to $1,700 per capita. In 2001, the real decline in GDP was 10%. In 2000, the share of agriculture in GDP was 42%, industry - 11%, and services - 47%. The inflation rate in 2001 was 1.8%.
The main products of agriculture and forestry are cocoa beans, coconuts, palm grains, copra, palm oil, rice, sweet potatoes, vegetables, fruits, and wood. Cattle and pigs are raised. Bauxite deposits have been explored on some islands, and gold and silver are mined in small quantities. They produce canned fish, furniture, clothing, and souvenirs. Before ethnic clashes, tourism developed; the Solomon Islands were visited by tourists from Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and the USA.
Export volume in 2001 was estimated at US$47 million. The main export items are timber, fish, copra, palm oil, cocoa beans. Main export partners in 2002: Japan (21%), China (19%), South Korea (16%), Philippines (9%), Thailand (8%) and Singapore (4%). The volume of imports in 2001 was $82 million, 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, machinery and vehicles, consumer goods, and chemicals.
The Solomon Islands is dependent 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 were equal to 1 US dollar in 2000).
There are no railways on the islands. Of the 1360 km of roads, only 34 km. have a hard coating. More than half of the roads belong to plantation owners. Communication between the islands is carried out on different types of vessels (mainly boats) and by aviation. The main ports and harbors are Honiara, Aola Bay, Lofung, Noro, Viru Harbour, Yandina. The main airfields are Henderson and Kukum on Guadalcanal Island and Munda on New Georgia Island. 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. The domestic debt has been renegotiated and negotiations are underway to renegotiate the external debt. The main financial assistance comes from Australia, New Zealand, the EU, Japan and China.
Most of the population lives from agricultural, fishing and forestry products. But only 1% of the land is used for agriculture.
The main crops are copra, palm oil, cocoa and palm berries.
Most industrial goods and petroleum products are imported. The islands are rich in minerals such as lead, zinc, nickel and gold, but the mining industry is undeveloped. Due to ethnic conflicts and rising tensions in the country, major enterprises were closed and the treasury was not filled, which led to economic collapse. Gradually, with the arrival of peacekeeping forces and the restoration of order, the country experienced a relatively small economic recovery.
GDP per capita – $3,300. USA (as of 2011).
Society.
A significant part of the Solomon Islands population still lives in a traditional society, maintaining clan and community structures. Folk songs, dances, music, and folklore have been preserved. Wood carvers, potters, weavers, etc. are famous. The country has its own poets, and collections of poems are published. A national museum was opened, a Museum Association was created, a library and botanical gardens were organized.
Colleges began to be established in the late 1950s. There is a Teachers' College for young men (1959), a Catholic Teachers' Institute of co-educational education in Vutulak (1961), a Technical Institute in Honiara (1969), a Trade School, a School of Nursing at the Central Hospital in Honiara, etc. In 1977, a branch of the South Pacific 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 thousand radios and 3 thousand televisions in the country. In 2002 there were 8400 Internet users.
Weeklies “Solomon Star”, “Observer”, etc. are published. The government published the newspaper “Solomon News Drama”.
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. Melanesians then moved to the islands; their pottery found on Santa Ana and Swallow Islands 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. It is believed that about 200 thousand people lived on the islands. In the interior of the large islands, people practiced agriculture, clearing forest and growing yams. Fishing was developed in coastal areas. Villages in the coastal zone 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 into unions that occupied an area of several tens of square meters. km. every; The unification was based on kinship and common language. Origin was determined in some places by the female line, in others by the male line.
Economic ties were maintained between the unions, and goods were regularly exchanged, and shells were used as money. Markets were located on the coast of all the largest islands; The market at Auqui on the northwest coast of Malaita was especially famous. By the 19th century Stone tools were almost no longer used; they were replaced by iron.
Fierce and violent clashes often broke out between the alliances. The unions were headed by chiefs who, in coastal areas, had significant administrative powers and passed them on by inheritance. They kept order, supervised economic life, sacrifices and military operations, and had the right to sentence a fellow tribesman to death. In some places, the chiefs used other members of the community to work in their gardens, to build houses and canoes. In the interior regions, the rights of the 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 out with two ships from Peru in search of rich lands in the Pacific Ocean. The Spaniards believed that they had discovered the legendary land of Ophir, from where the biblical king Solomon exported gold in ancient times; therefore, the archipelago was given the name Solomon Islands. In 1574, Mendaña received the title of Marquis from the King of Spain and the order to organize a new expedition. He was to find gold mines, build three cities on the islands and rule 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 the island of Guadalcanal and founded a colony on the Santa Cruz Islands, where he soon died of illness. Due to disease and continuous skirmishes with the islanders, Spanish settlers were evacuated to the Philippines. A member of the Mendaña expedition, Pedro de Quiros in 1606 tried to organize a new colony, which he called “New Jerusalem”. But he also failed to discover any precious metals. Suffering from tropical fever, the Europeans retreated after a month.
The Dutch expedition of Jacob Lemaire and Willem Schouten in 1616 failed to find the Solomon Islands. Another Dutch navigator, Abel Tasman, also passed by them in 1643.
The secondary discovery of the islands occurred 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 Mendaña. 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. The French captain Jean-François-Marie de Surville made a great contribution to the study of the Solomon Islands. In 1769, he walked 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 clashes 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-François La Perouse (1788) and the English expedition of John Shortland (1788). After this, visits by European ships became frequent: in the late 18th and first half of the 19th centuries. British warships and merchant ships of the British East India Company, French merchant and research ships, American merchants trading with China, whalers, sandalwood traders, and sea animal hunters visited here.
European missionaries settled in the Solomon Islands later than in other Oceanian archipelagos due to the hostility of the local population. In 1845, a mission led by Catholic Bishop Jean Epallier 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 failed, with four more missionaries killed. The survivors left Santa Isabel in 1848. From the early 1830s, plans to convert the Solomon Islanders to Christianity were put forward by the Anglicans. Bishop A. Selwyn and D. Patterson of New Zealand tried to launch missionary activities on the islands in the 1850s, but they also did not achieve success. Patterson was killed by islanders on Nukapu in 1871. Alfred Penny conducted missionary work on St. Croix from 1875–1885. 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 led by George Brown opened in Roviana. The Methodists soon took a dominant position in the western part of the archipelago. In 1904, evangelists appeared in the Solomon Islands, and in 1914, Seventh-day Adventists.
From 1870, European slave traders and recruiters began bringing Solomon Islanders to work on plantations in Fiji, and from 1871 on 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. The slave traders mercilessly killed those who resisted or those who tried to escape, organized bloody punitive expeditions and burned villages. The British authorities issued orders that the recruitment of islanders on plantations should only be carried out 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 thousand 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 officially continued until 1911, and of the 10 thousand taken home, less than half returned.
In 1885, Germany, which began conquests on the island of New Guinea, turned its attention to the Solomon Islands. An agreement was reached between Germany and Great Britain on the division of spheres of influence in the archipelago. The German sphere recognized the islands of Choiseul, Santa Isabel and Bougainville, the British - Guadalcanal, Savo, Malaita and San Cristobal. In 1893, taking advantage of bloody clashes between islanders and recruiters, Great Britain proceeded to directly seize the Solomon Islands.
In June 1893, British Captain Gibson established a 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 Rennel, 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, according to the Anglo-German Treaty of 1899, Great Britain received the remaining islands of the archipelago - Santa Isabel, Choiseul, Shortland and Ontong Java Atoll. Only Bougainville and Buka went to German New Guinea. By the time the British protectorate was established, about 50 European traders and planters had already settled on the islands. Traders 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. The Solomon Islands did not have their own legislative bodies; 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 him, included up to 7 members, including 3 officials. The local administration was represented by two commissioners and four district commissioners subordinate to them.
The colonial administration received very small sums for managing the protectorate, which were not enough for the development of healthcare and education. Various epidemics and other diseases (tuberculosis, malaria, etc.) were widespread. There was only one government hospital, opened on Tulagi in 1910. The remaining medical institutions and all schools were in the hands of missionaries. Intertribal clashes did not subside, and there were not enough funds to organize serious police forces.
Since the beginning of the 20th century. Large European plantations began to be created on the islands, which produced, first of all, copra. In 1905, the Levers Pacific Plantation Company began buying land for coconut palm plantations, and by 1940 it owned more than 8 thousand hectares. land. The local population was very reluctant to agree to work for them, and the farms experienced a constant shortage of workers. In 1928, according to official data, 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 W.R. Carpenter, which absorbed the latter in the 1930s.
The islanders repeatedly opposed taxes levied by the British authorities. Clashes often occurred. So, in 1927, in Malaita, local residents killed the district commissioner W.R. Bell and the policemen accompanying him. To suppress the riot, the Resident Commissioner sent a detachment of European volunteers with the support of 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 were given various prison terms. In the mid-1930s, residents of Gizo Island refused to pay their personal tax, and authorities arrested 40 people.
During the period between the two world wars, the first calls for greater community participation in governance began to be heard on the islands. Anglican priest Richard Follows in 1939 called on the inhabitants of the islands of Santa Isabel, Savo and Nggela to demand the creation of an advisory council with the participation of representatives of the indigenous inhabitants. On the island of Santa Isabel, the "chair and ruler" movement arose in support of this demand (these objects served as symbols of power), but it was suppressed, and Follows was expelled from the Solomon Islands.
By the outbreak of World War II, only a small military force was stationed in the Solomon Islands: a group of Australian riflemen guarding a seaplane base near Tulagi, and a defensive force 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 systematic bombing of the Solomon Islands; the resident commissioner fled to Malaita, and sent the workers employed on European plantations to their homes. The population happily destroyed the documents of the protectorate administration and destroyed 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 troops that captured the island. Japanese units managed to occupy the western part of the archipelago, the islands of Guadalcanal, Nggela and Santa Isabel, and also established a post on the northwestern tip of Malaita. They immediately began building military facilities, primarily airfields. An 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 to the south and west of the islands.
However, in August 1942, US troops landed on Guadalcanal, Tulagi and neighboring islands. The American forces were joined by New Zealanders, Australians and other allies.
Despite crushing attacks by 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 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 strengthen the islands of the New Georgia group. In February 1943, the remnants of Japanese units left the island.
After this, the fighting moved to the central part. In February 1943, the Americans occupied the Russell Islands, erecting 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, together with Fijian and Tongan commandos, landed on New Georgia in June-July. 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 waters. At the beginning of October 1943, the last Japanese units left the island of Kolombangara, and then Vella Lavella. By December 1943, the battle for the Solomon Islands was over.
Even during the period of fighting, an anti-British movement of the indigenous population developed, called “Marching rul”, or “Maasina Ruru” (from the English words “rul” - rule and “marching” - going, going, going, or from the local word “masinga” - Brotherhood). Communicating closely with 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 island residents believed that they would return and bring abundance with them (on this basis, the “cargo” cult developed on many islands of Oceania).
Already in 1944, actions of disobedience to British authorities began. In the same area in Malaita where the 1927 uprising took place, residents 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, Ulava, San Cristobal, and later to Florida. Its leaders removed colonial elders and appointed their own. The indigenous inhabitants 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 would be delivered by American ships. The leader of the movement on Guadalcanal, Jacob Vousa, declared himself paramount leader of the island; residents refused to pay taxes, attacked representatives of the colonial authorities, and set up roadblocks.
The rise of the movement took place in difficult post-war conditions. The Solomon Islands suffered greatly from the fighting. Many buildings and houses were destroyed, coconut plantations were abandoned, planters and traders left the islands. Recovery was slow. The 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 repression. Vose was arrested and exiled to Fiji, and the islanders were ordered to demolish the fortifications. The police, supported by warships, destroyed the main centers of movement. In September 1947, Marching Rule leaders were put on trial in Honiara, charged with terrorism and robbery, and sentenced to between one and six years' hard labor. In 1949, about 2 thousand islanders were sentenced to prison for refusing to destroy the fortifications they had built. The protest movement reorganized into the "Federal Council". Despite repressions and arrests of leaders, it existed 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 regions led by district commissioners. The districts, in turn, were divided into subdistricts, which were governed by elders appointed by the resident commissioner. Under the resident commissioner and elders 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 management of the islands passed to the High Commissioner. An important step was the formation of the Malaita Local Council in 1956 in order to strengthen the participation of the population in matters of local government. By 1964 local councils had been created in almost all districts.
The economy of the islands developed. In 1959, copra production finally exceeded pre-war levels for the first time. It grew slowly in the 1960s and 1970s, with the share of islanders exceeding that of European planters. Since the second half of the 1950s, cocoa began to be cultivated on 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 the traditional way of life. Moreau and a number of his associates were arrested, but his popularity quickly grew, and after his release the movement spread along the entire coast of the island, and by 1964 it covered half of Guadalcanal. Moreau's supporters demanded complete independence. They collected money and created their own plantation farms. In 1965, Moreau offered the British High Commissioner 2 thousand pounds sterling in exchange for granting independence to Guadalcanal. The proposal was rejected, but the British authorities no longer risked resorting to harsh repression.
On October 18, 1960, they introduced 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 now they included islanders (6 of 21 members of the Legislative Council and 2 of 8 members of the Executive Council). In 1961–1962 the Protectorate judicial system was reorganized: instead of the High Commissioner's Court, a Western Pacific Supreme Court was created, consisting of a Chief Justice in Honiara and two judges (in the Gilbert and Ellice Islands and in the New Hebrides). Magistrates' courts were established throughout the protectorate.
A new constitution for the islands was adopted in 1964 and came into force on February 1, 1965. Indigenous people 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 people organized the first political party - the Democratic Party, but already in 1967 it collapsed. In 1967, a new constitution expanded the number of elected members of the Legislative Council to include representatives of the indigenous population. In 1968, two deputies formed the United National Party of Solomon Islands, but it also disbanded shortly after the elections.
The Constitution, introduced by the British authorities on April 10, 1970, replaced the Legislative and Executive Councils with a new body, the Council of Government, 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 constrain 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 Select Committee on Constitutional Development was formed. In 1972, his proposals for the creation of a government responsible to an elected legislature were adopted by the Government Council. In 1973, elections for a new council were held. New parties emerged - the United Solomon Islands Party (USP) led by Benedict Kinika and the People's Progressive Party (PPP) of Solomon Mamaloni.
In 1974, in accordance with the new constitution, the Government Council was transformed into the Legislative Assembly. NPP leader S. Mamaloni 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 re-elected again and led a delegation to London to negotiate independence for the country.
In January 1976, the Solomon Islands were declared a self-governing state. Parliamentary elections were held in July 1976. The OPSO and the NPP had actually disintegrated by this time 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 trade unions. In July 1976, the Legislative Assembly elected Peter Kenilorea, a former OPSO figure, as chief minister. In 1977, negotiations for independence took place in London. 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, and took over as prime minister. From the very beginning he had to deal with economic problems, lack of funds for socio-economic development and threats of secession from the Western Isles. The latter was prevented after the Western Solomon Islands Council was paid $7,000 in 1979. Before the 1980 elections, a regrouping of political forces took place. The NPP and most of the OPSO united to form the People's Union Party (PNA), led by Mamaloni. Prime Minister Kenilorea, along with his supporters, created the new UPSO, or United Democratic Party. After the elections, Kenilorea headed a new government of representatives of his party and independent deputies; the PNS and the NDP were in opposition. However, already in August 1981, the ruling coalition collapsed because the independents refused to support Kenilorea. Mamaloni returned to power, including representatives of the PNS, NDP and independents in his cabinet. During his reign (1981–1984), the country experienced signs of economic growth. NDP leader Yulufaalu, who took over as finance minister, undertook a number of important financial and tax reforms. Thus, in 1983 he managed to strengthen the Solomon Islands dollar, making it equal to 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 Chief 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 forces changed not in its favor.
In November 1984, Kenilorea formed a new government with the participation of his United Party, the Independents and the new Ano Segufenula party. His office paid compensation of $1,000 to Chief Folofu, but after resolving the dispute, it faced other problems. The agriculture minister has come under fire in connection with a scandal surrounding the sale of government buildings, sparking a new nationwide strike by civil servants. The government was forced to conduct an investigation, and the minister was removed. In addition, in 1986, Cyclone Namu, one of the strongest in the history of the archipelago, hit the islands. 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 wasting the aid he received from France on the restoration of his native village on the island of Malaita. As a result, Kenilorea was forced to cede the post of head of government to his deputy Ezekiel Alebua in December 1986.
In the 1989 general elections, the opposition PNS won a complete victory, winning 21 of 38 seats. The opposition included the United Party, the Liberal Party (formerly the 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 did not last long. In the ruling PNS, disagreements between the prime minister and party chairman Kaushimae have intensified. Conflict and open split followed in mid-1990. Mamaloni dismissed 5 ministers and announced his resignation from the GNA. He created a new “government of national unity and reconciliation”, including 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, supporters of the government officially formed into a political organization - “ Group for National Unity and Reconciliation (GNEP).
In 1993, the GNEP won 21 seats in parliament out of 47, but the remaining parties united into the National Coalition Partnership (NCP) and removed it from power. Francis Billy Hilly was elected Prime Minister of the country.
The NCP government (1993–1994) introduced a number of reforms (including the creation of a constituency development fund), but was not able to remain in power for long. Already in mid-1994, the Minister of Finance was forced to resign due to allegations of corruption, and the Minister of Internal Affairs 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, transformed into the Progressive Party of National Unity and Reconciliation of the Solomon Islands (PPNEP), returned to the post of head of the cabinet.
Mamaloni promised that his government would try to make the most of the country's natural resources to increase income, create jobs and provide services to the population. In order to conserve resources, the cabinet tried to stop predatory logging and refused to issue new fishing licenses to companies. Measures were taken to develop tourism, a new air terminal was opened in Honiara with Japanese help, and road construction expanded. The priority project was the launch of a gold mine in Gold Ridge. The government also signed a lease agreement with the landowners and 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 got the judicial authorities to repeal the act; the government filed an appeal.
At the beginning of February 1997, disagreements intensified within the ruling PPNEP. Mamaloni ousted deputy prime minister Danny Philip and replaced him with former opposition National Action Party leader Francis Samala.
The 1997 general elections again led to a change of government. PPNEP received 24 seats in parliament out of 50, and the coalition of opposition parties, the Alliance for Change, received 26. The leader of the Alliance, Bartholomew Yulufaalu, head of the Liberal Party, headed the country’s new government, which declared its intention to establish “genuine democracy” in the country, 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. Economic turmoil in Asia led to a sharp decline in the forest industry, as well as an overall decline in production of 10% in 1998. The government implemented wage cuts for government employees and budget cuts. 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 mining in the country. But soon the authorities had to face the most difficult crisis in the entire history of the independent state.
Interethnic conflict and reconstruction.
In early 1999, a long-simmering conflict between the Gwale people on Guadalcanal Island and settlers from the neighboring Malaita Island led to armed clashes. The emerging Guadalcanal Revolutionary Army began attacking Malaita people in rural areas, forcing them to leave the island. The fighters, mostly young men armed with homemade weapons, came from the southern coast of Guadalcanal, where traditional customs were strong. They later renamed their organization the Isatabu Freedom Movement (an ancient aboriginal name for Guadalcanal). About 20 thousand Malayans found refuge in Honiara, many returned to their home island. On the contrary, the Gwale fled from Honiara; the city became a Malaite enclave. The Malaita Eagle Force (MEF) began to form. The Solomon Islands government sought Commonwealth assistance and former Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka was appointed as mediator. 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 possession of the police arsenal at Auki on their home island, entered into an alliance with opposition elements in the police force, and established control over Honiara, where they occupied another arsenal of modern weapons at Rowa.
On June 5, 2000, the SFR seized the country's Parliament. They accused the Yulufaalu government of failing to protect the lives and property of the Malai people. The prime minister was captured and forced to resign. In the following days, 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 served as Minister of Finance until 1999, but came into conflict with Yulufaalu. Sogavare formed the cabinet of the Coalition for National Unity, Reconciliation and Peace, putting forward a program to resolve ethnic conflicts, restore the economy and more equally distribute the benefits of the country's development.
But Sogavare could not cope with the country's problems. His government has been repeatedly accused of corruption, failure to support the economy and restore order. Since the beginning of the clashes in 1999, at least 100 people have been killed, approx. 30 thousand people (mainly Malayans) were forced to leave their homes, and the Guadalcanal economy 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 in the Australian city of Townsville on October 15, 2000. Its compliance 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 armed groups, a general amnesty for all warring parties, police reform and the inclusion of officers who joined the SFR and the Isatabu Freedom Movement. During the implementation of the agreement, more than 2 thousand weapons were handed over to international observers in the 20 months before June 25, 2002. But the most powerful weapons were never surrendered, and some of the former militia fighters escaped the control of their commanders and joined criminal groups.
The interethnic conflict and its consequences had a catastrophic impact on the islands' economy. Exports, estimated at $150 million in 1991, fell to $55 million in 2001, and government revenues fell by more than half. The Gold Ridge gold mine, which provided a significant portion of export revenue in 1999 and early 2000, was destroyed in June 2000 and closed. Government attempts to replenish the treasury through taxes failed in 2001, and foreign aid almost ceased. The government decided to stop public investment and sent employees on unpaid leave. Paying compensation to refugees and participants in the conflict placed a heavy burden on finances.
During the confrontation, a significant part of the industry was disabled, including the production of palm oil, mining, and partly forestry. Basic services in the capital were under threat due to frequent power outages and interruptions in water and fuel supplies. After Telikom's solar panels were looted, telecommunications services in Malaita stopped working. By some estimates, the conflict has weakened the Solomon Islands economy by 40%.
Solomon Islands in the 21st century
During the Sogavare government there were scandals and internal contradictions. In 2001, a week before the dissolution of Parliament, the leader of the People's Union Party (PNU), Allan Kemakeza, was removed from his post as deputy prime minister, accused of misusing funds to pay compensation to people who lost property during the conflict.
In the December 2001 elections, the GNA achieved success, 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 fish catch doubled, but was mostly consumed on the domestic market. According to the authorities, the process of economic recovery will take at least 10 years. The first signs of 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. However, in February 2003, the government terminated the agreement as information emerged that the organization was serving as a front for a number of former members of the separatist group. "Bougainville Revolutionary Army" from Papua New Guinea.
The Solomon Islands authorities remain in a difficult position. Former participants and victims of the armed conflict were dissatisfied with the pace and size of payment of compensation, and in December 2002, the Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, New Zealander Lloyd Powell was forced to flee the country, fleeing threats from former fighters of armed groups. There are differences 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 Finance Minister Michael Maina.
As part of the fight against financial abuse, the government took action in May 2003 against the Family Charity Foundation, whose leaders made threats against commercial banks. In protest against these threats, the banks closed for one day and resumed operations only after the arrest of the fund's managers.
The Kemakeza government is counting on help from other countries, primarily Japan, to restore the economy. In 2003, the Prime Minister held talks in Tokyo about Japanese assistance in establishing public services, establishing commercial rice farming in Malaita and Choiseul, developing an international airport in Henderson, and supplying copra to Japan.
During 2002 and 2003, clashes and conflicts became more frequent, 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 criminal group “Malaita Eagles” also laid down their arms. Peace began to gradually return to 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 military presence was reduced.
Although the People's Union Party was defeated in the 2006 parliamentary elections, Deputy Prime Minister Snyder Reaney managed to gain the support of independent members of parliament, and he was elected prime minister and formed a government. However, he was soon accused of receiving bribes from Chinese businessmen and bribing members of parliament. 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 mission forces were again increased.
In May 2006, Rini was forced to resign or face a vote of no confidence. Manasse Sogavare was nominated for the post of Prime Minister. He received a majority of votes in the parliamentary vote on May 4, 2006 and again became the country's prime minister.
During this period, the country was largely left with civilian specialists who advised the government on economic and financial matters, which drew sharp criticism from Sogavare, who accused the Regional Mission of interfering in domestic politics.
On December 13, 2007, Sogavare was removed from office as a result of a vote of no confidence. Several ministers from his government joined the opposition.
On December 30, 2007, parliament elected a new prime minister. He became the former Minister of Education, opposition candidate Derek Sikua. The new prime minister supported the mission, and with his arrival the situation regarding the peacekeepers changed.
He served in office until 25 August 2010. In August 2010, elections were held and Danny Philip became the new Prime Minister. In November 2011, he resigned due to the fact that they were also going to announce a vote of no confidence in him.
On April 2, 2007, a tsunami hit the country, which was caused by a strong earthquake of magnitude 8. As a result, over 50 people died and thousands of people were left homeless.
Political parties in the Solomon Islands are quite weak, they form unstable coalitions, and in this regard, parties are often subject to votes 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 capacity 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 have a high good rating for diving. Beautiful coral reefs and colorful fish inhabit the waters around the Solomon Islands. The underwater beauty of this island is a real treasure in the ocean. In addition, when diving in this place, you can find debris left over from the Second World War.
The Solomon Islands are an island nation located in the South Pacific Ocean, east of Papua New Guinea. The Solomon Islands comprise 1,000 islands with a total area of 28,400 sq. km. The capital of the island of Honiara, it is the main tourist destination in the Solomon Islands.
Sights of the Solomon Islands
1. Mataniko and Tenaru Falls
The city of Honiara, which is the capital of the Solomon Islands, is famous for its various attractions. Motaniko and Tenaru waterfalls are one of the best places in Honiara. The natural pool with clear water is a good place for swimming. As you walk and explore this area, you will be able to enjoy the beauty of its landscape.
Another place that attracts tourists is the National Cultural Center and Museum. It is located in the center of the island's capital. The cultural center and national museum focuses on the traditional culture of the island.
Here you can find special sections dedicated to dance traditions, jewelry and the currency of the island. In addition, many are attracted by sections where traditional weapons used by local residents and various archaeological finds are presented.
2. Aola Bay Harbor
Aola Bay Harbor is one of the most important ports and sea gates of the Solomon Islands, which is also the first place from which exploration of the islands usually begins before moving on to other cities and regions.
3. Provinces of Rennell and Bellona
Rennell and Bellona are provinces of the Solomon Islands, which are two inhabited atolls, Rennell and Belona or Mu Nggava and Mu Ngiki respectively in Polynesian. In addition, they include an uninhabited Obligatory Reef. Rennell and Bellona are included in the UNESCO list, and the islands of Florida and Russell are known as the sites of many shipwrecks.
They are among other famous places visited by local and foreign tourists. This place offers many fascinating and amazing places to visit.
4. Santa Cruz Island
The most important attraction of St. Croix is the Vanuatu rainforests. They are part of the Australian Ecological Zone and a wide variety of tropical and subtropical moist deciduous trees can be found here. Therefore, you should not miss the opportunity to gain knowledge about the different types of trees growing in this amazing region.
For many centuries, life on the Solomon Islands, scattered by volcanic eruptions across the expanses of the Pacific Ocean, was relatively quiet and peaceful. The tropical diversity of flora and fauna here was complemented by a diverse ethnic picture.
This island world was discovered for Europeans by the Spaniards Alvaro Mendaña de Neira (1541-95) and Pedro Sarmiento de Gamboa (153-92). It was not accepted then to copy complex local names, so the islands were called Solomon, since it seemed to the Spaniards that this was the legendary country of Ophir, where the treasures of King Solomon were hidden.
Mendaña in 1595 became the founder of the first colony on the islands, but at the same time made a serious mistake: during the development of new lands, one of the local leaders was killed. After this, a war began with the natives, who had not previously been aggressive. Mendaña soon died of nervous strain, and his wife became the leader of the colony, but was soon forced to flee with the remaining soldiers.
The next visit of Europeans to the islands took place in 1767. The Englishman Philip Carteret (1733-96), getting lost in the ocean, ended up in the Solomon Islands.
However, the first European inhabitants began to move to the islands only in the middle of the 19th century. The first settlers were missionaries. An unenviable fate awaited them: they were eaten by the islanders: here cannibalism was part of the rituals. Moreover, human skulls were important sacred symbols and served as money until the beginning of the 20th century!
Realizing that more determined people needed to penetrate the island, the Europeans changed their tactics. First, businessmen strengthened themselves here under the cover of soldiers, then in 1893 England declared its protectorate over the Solomon Islands, and only then it came to missionaries.
During World War II (1939-45), part of the islands was occupied by the Japanese and large and very stubborn battles took place here. The most famous is the Battle of Guadalcanal, which began on August 7, 1942 and lasted until February 9, 1943. During the battle on land, on water and in the air, soldiers showed fierce persistence, resulting in heavy losses on both sides. Many ships were then sunk and ended up at the bottom of the Sealark Strait, which after these events became known as Iron Bottom (from English “Iron Bottom”). The ship graveyard remains there to this day and attracts divers from all over the world.
The US victory was of strategic importance. Although on some islands Japanese troops continued to fight even after the surrender of their country in 1945. Post-war reality dictated changes throughout the world. In July 1978, the Solomon Islands gained independence from Great Britain, remaining a member of the British Commonwealth. This organization unites former colonies. The Queen of England is symbolically considered the head of the Commonwealth, but real power does not belong to her.
The young independent state has many problems. Natural elements haunt him. In April 2007, a tsunami up to three meters high hit the islands, causing destruction and loss of life. Ethnic conflicts occur between island residents. A low standard of living remains the norm for the majority of the population. The Solomon Islands problem requires truly Solomonic wisdom to solve difficult problems. 
The list of exotic advantages in the Solomon Islands is typical for any tropical places - rich flora, diverse and, in some cases, dangerous fauna, a wonderful ocean and beautiful beaches, a combination of modern civilization (in hotels) and traditional culture of the natives (on the street).
The natural and climatic features of these places do not require people to take extreme care of food, supplies and communal needs, such as preparing for the change of season. The weather here is not too dependent on the calendar. Only the intervention of civilization gradually destroys the island way of life that has developed over centuries.
Nature and natural resources are the main wealth of the islands. About 80% of their territory is still covered with forests. Some trees reach a height of 40-50 meters. In drier places there are savannas, on the sea coast there are mangrove forests and swamps.
The Solomon Islands are home to more than 170 bird species, many giant butterflies (Victoria, Urveliana), and thriving populations of lizards, giant frogs, snakes and rats. The coastal waters are home to dolphins, green turtles, and fish: shark, marlin, tuna, barracuda, and giant eel. There are more than 4,500 plant species in the Solomon Islands, with about 230 species of orchids alone.
Even today the islands are fraught with mysteries for scientists and delight them with new discoveries. Among these discoveries are various species of the horned frog, a local endemic that takes pride of place in the tropical chorus in the evenings.
Meeting local nature is fraught with not only pleasant discoveries, but also dangers. One of them is blood-sucking insects that carry diseases; the Javan centipede and scorpions, about 20 species of reptiles, poisonous fish and sea snakes, even forest ants and leeches are dangerous.
In the eastern part of Rennell Island, UNESCO has established a National Wildlife Park. There are few places on Earth with as much biodiversity as the Solomon Islands. But the harmonious combination of nature and modern civilization here remains a complex and unresolved problem.
The islands have industrial reserves of bauxite, copper, gold, silver, and nickel. But so far their development is hampered by a lack of capital and personnel. Most residents are employed in agriculture, with fishing and logging playing an important role.
The government is focusing on the development of tourism. So far, most guests come here from Australia. But, as you know, island exoticism attracts many people not only from neighboring countries. There are many surprises prepared for tourists. The traditions of the natives will help the inhabitants of the cities forget about the present day and be transported to distant past eras. For example, on the islands today there are masters of the deadly act who master the art of luring sharks, putting them to sleep right in the water and lifting them to the surface. Here, old traditions and modernity are intertwined at every step. A manifestation of this is the juxtaposition of traditional and modern buildings, European and native clothing, traditional and modern art.
The island “feng shui” (the art of wind and water) that has developed over centuries is not very easy to combine with the achievements of the modern world. It has always been painfully difficult for humans to escape from the embrace of nature.
general information
Official name:
Form of government: a constitutional monarchy.
Administrative division: nine provinces and a special Capital Territory.
Capital: Honiara, 78,190 people. (2009).
Languages: official - English, the majority of the population speaks Melanesian Pedgin, a special dialect of English. There are 120 local languages in the country.
Ethnic composition: Melanesians - 94.5%, Polynesians - 3%, Micronesians - 1.2%, other peoples - 1.3%.
Religions: about 96% Christian (Anglican Church of Melanesia - 32.8%, Catholics - 19%, South Sea Evangelists - 17%, Seventh Day Adventists - 11.2% and others), indigenous religious beliefs - about 4%.
Currency unit: Solomon Islands dollar.
Largest islands: Guadalcanal, New Georgia, Santa Isabel, Malaita, Santa Cruz.
The largest city: the capital is Honiara, there are no other major cities.
Most important airport: in Honiara.
Numbers
Square: 28,450 km.
Population: 610,000 people (2010).
Population density: 21.4 people/km 2
Highest point: Mount Makarakomburu (Guadalcanal Island), 2447 m.
Time zone: MCK +7 hours.
Economy
GDP (PPP): $1514 million (2009).
GDP per capita:$2818 (2009).
Industry: timber processing, food.
Agriculture: cocoa, coconuts, rice, potatoes. Fishing.
Service sector: tourism.
Climate and weather
Equatorial-tropical.
Average January temperature:+32ºС.
Average temperature in July:+27ºС.
Average precipitation: 2500-4300 mm, in the area of the capital Honiara - 2100 mm, in some places up to 8000 mm.
Attractions
■ Honiara: Point Cruise Marina, Parliament, International Airport, National Museum, Water Pump Village, world of shipwrecks in coastal waters.
Coral reefs. Beaches.
■ Rennell Island National Park.
Curious facts
■ In the lagoons of Langa Langa and Lau, off the island of Malaita, far from land, the cult of shark worship is very developed. No other island has so many holidays and rituals dedicated to this predator. Local residents even tame sharks. Despite this, it is here that shark fishing is practiced, when a man, armed only with a rag and a spear, lures the fish and fights with it.
■ The cultural traditions of the peoples of the world can differ significantly from each other. In the Solomon Islands, among the inhabitants of the Laulasi and Busu islands, black and red are a taboo color, a symbol of blood. On many islands it is considered taboo for a woman to stand taller than a man. It is also forbidden to swim under a canoe in which there are women, after which it must be destroyed.
Curious facts
■ Despite long distances, quite a lot of people in the world come into indirect contact with distant islands because they are susceptible to certain diseases. The H1N1 (A) influenza strain was first isolated in the Solomon Islands and received their name.
■ Islander ownership often does not come with legal guarantees or “private ownership” signs. But often a tree, fruit or flower near the road may turn out to be someone’s private property. Therefore, once on the islands, you need to pick seemingly wild fruits with caution or not do it at all.
Small Pacific island nation Solomon islands(Solomon Islands), often called Solomon Islands, is located in Melanesia, approximately 1,500 km northeast of Australia. Population - 523,000 people (2009).
The country occupies a significant part of the Solomon Islands archipelago, consisting of 992 islands (part of the islands of this archipelago belongs to Papua New Guinea), as well as some islands of other island groups, including Santa Cruz, located 400 kilometers east of archipelago.
From the south, the shores of the islands are washed by the Solomon and Coral Seas, from the north – by the Pacific Ocean. It borders on the west with Papau New Guinea, and on the southeast with Vanuatu.
That is, the state of the Solomon Islands should not be confused with the Solomon Islands archipelago, whose numerous islands are divided between two independent states - the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea.
The distance between the westernmost and easternmost islands of the Solomon Islands is about 1,500 kilometers.
The total area of the country is 28,400 km². The capital, main port and largest populated area is the city (Guadalcanal Island).
A significant part of the Solomon Islands is covered with evergreen forests and is predominantly of volcanic origin, including active volcanoes. The highest point is Popomanaseu Peak (2335 meters), located on the island of Guadalcanal.
The country is located in a seismically dangerous region; strong earthquakes are not uncommon. During the period from 2011 to 2014, several powerful earthquakes occurred here.
Administrative division
Administratively, the Solomon Islands are divided into 9 separate provinces. And the capital city of Honiara, although located on the island of Guadalcanal, is considered a special tenth administrative unit, the so-called Capital Territory.
1. Central Province
2. Province of Choiseul
3.
4. Province of Isabel
5. Makira-Ulawa Province
6. Malaita Province
7. Province of Rennell and Bellona
8. Temotu Province
9. Western Province
Climate in the Solomon Islands
The climate in this island country is subequatorial and humid (all year round). The average air temperature is from +26 to +28 °C. Although there are no distinct seasons in the region, from November to April the northwest equatorial monsoon brings a little more rain than usual, and sometimes there are storms during this period.
The best time to visit is the summer months.
Population
The population of the Solomon Islands is 0.523 million people (2009). The average life expectancy for women is 76 years, for men - 71 years. Almost 94.5% of the population are Melanesians, 3% are Polynesians, and about 1.2% are Micronesians.
The official language in the Solomon Islands is English, however, only 1-2% of the population speaks it, and the English-based Creole language - Solomon Islands Pidgin - is used as the language of general communication.
Almost 97% of the country's inhabitants are Christians (Catholics, Anglicans, Evangelicals and other Christians).
The currency of this island nation is the Solomon Islands Dollar (SBD). One SBD is equal to 100 cents.
It was introduced into circulation only in 1977; before that, the national currency was the Australian dollar. By the way, it is still accepted in many hotels and resorts.
Safety
The situation with it is better than that of its neighbors in Papua New Guinea, but still the crime rate in the Solomon Islands is high. Traveling after dark is dangerous, especially on weekdays. Tourists are one of the main targets of local robbers, so we advise you to always be on your guard and not carry large sums of money with you or display your jewelry.
It is also worth noting that there is high ethnic tension in the country between the inhabitants of the largest islands of Guadalcanal and Malaitans, as well as between the indigenous inhabitants of all the Solomon Islands and the Chinese, the latter of which are periodically “persecuted” here.
Malaria is the biggest health problem in the Solomon Islands. Travelers should take anti-malarial tablets before, during and after their stay here.
Saltwater crocodiles, also known as saltwater crocodiles, are a fairly common sight on many of the country's islands. By the way, according to statistics, this is one of the most dangerous and aggressive large reptiles for humans. Every year, dozens of cases of their attacks on people are recorded on the islands. More people die from them than from shark attacks.
Last changes: 03/06/2014History of the Solomon Islands
According to archaeologists, the first settlers appeared on the Solomon Islands around 30,000 BC. uh, and they communicated in Papuan languages. By the 40th century BC. Aboriginal speakers of Austronesian languages reached here, and between the 12th and 8th centuries BC the ancestors of the Polynesians arrived here.
The first European to set foot on the Solomon Islands is considered to be the Spanish navigator A. Mendaña de Neira, who discovered them in 1568. He discovered gold among the local aborigines, who, by the way, practice cannibalism, and therefore decided to name these islands Solomon, thereby implying the “Golden Country of Solomon.”
Over the next two centuries, Europeans no longer came here, and only in 1767 the British appeared here, as if rediscovering them.
Since the 1840s, European missionaries began to frequent the Solomon Islands, trying to gain a foothold there, but they had no luck here; the aborigines exterminated a significant part of the foreigners. Two decades later, traders began to frequent the islands, and in 1893 Britain declared them a colony. At the beginning of the 20th century, British entrepreneurs were engaged in the cultivation of coconuts here, and newly arrived missionaries actively converted the aborigines to Christianity.
During World War II, the islands were occupied by the Japanese, and more than once became the site of bloody battles between the Japanese occupiers and the countries of the Anti-Hitler coalition, which ended in 1945 with the victory of the latter.
And finally, in 1978 they became a state independent from Great Britain.
In 1998, intertribal tensions sharply increased on the islands, resulting in a full-fledged Civil War with armed clashes. In 2003, to restore order, at the request of the country's Prime Minister, help arrived here from neighboring countries, including Australia and New Zealand. They helped local police restore order and disarm tribal militants.
In 2006, after the election of the Prime Minister, which was won by Snyder Rini, new unrest began in the country. Their cause was corruption in the highest echelons of power. In particular, the prime minister was accused of receiving bribes from Chinese businessmen to buy votes from members of parliament. All this resulted in mass pogroms in the capital, Chinatown was destroyed, and China had to evacuate its citizens from the country by plane. In the end, with the help of additional military and police forces, life in the country stabilized, and a new prime minister was elected.
On April 2, 2007, the Solomon Islands experienced a strong magnitude 8 earthquake followed by a large tsunami - 10 meter waves destroyed about 900 houses and claimed the lives of fifty people.
The last shock with the same magnitude of 8.0 was recorded here on February 6, 2013. By the way, it provoked a tsunami with a wave height of up to 2 meters.
Last changes: 03/06/2014How to get there
There are no direct flights between Russia and the Solomon Islands. Usually Russian tourists get here by plane through Australia, Fiji, Vanuatu or Papua New Guinea. This pleasure is not cheap, it is still very far away, it would seem Australia is far from Russia, and this country is even further ~ 1500 km...
The only international airport in the Solomon Islands is located in the same place as the capital of the country, Honiara - on the large island of Guadalcanal, and is called Honiara International Airport.
Flights here:
– Nadi (Fiji), Port Moresby (Papua New Guinea)
– Port Vila (Vanuatu)
– Nadi (Fiji), Port Vila (Vanuatu)
– Brisbane, Australia
– operates international flights to Brisbane, Australia, as well as Nadi and Port Vila, plus many domestic flights to 25 regional airports in the Solomon Islands. This is the only airline in the country operating domestic flights.
You can also visit the Solomon Islands during a cruise on some cruise ship; they come here from time to time, although in this case the time spent here will be limited, and given that the islands are scattered over a vast territory, it is definitely close to the country in this case don't get to know each other.
Last changes: 03/06/2014General information
Official name - Solomon islands. The state is located in the southwestern part of the Pacific Ocean. The area is 28,450 km2. Population - 571,890 people. (as of 2011). The official language is English. The capital is Honiara. The currency is the Solomon Islands dollar.
The Solomon Islands are an archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean, 1,670 km long. Includes 992 islands (of which 347 are inhabited), 10 large volcanic and mountainous islands and 4 groups of small islands. The largest islands: Buka and Bougainville (part of the state). The islands are located in an active seismic zone, earthquakes are frequent here, and there are active volcanoes. Many islands are surrounded by coral reefs. Most of the Solomon Islands are volcanic peaks of an underwater ridge. Tor chains occupy almost their entire surface, only narrow lowlands stretch near the coast. The length of the coastline is 5,313 km.
The country is characterized by a hot climate with a long wet season (up to 8-10 months a year). Average monthly temperatures are +26+28°C. Precipitation exceeds 2,000 mm per year. There are severe hurricanes during the winter months.
Story
For many centuries, life on the Solomon Islands, scattered by volcanic eruptions across the expanses of the Pacific Ocean, was relatively quiet and peaceful. The tropical diversity of flora and fauna here was complemented by a diverse ethnic picture.
This island world was discovered for Europeans by the Spaniards Alvaro Mendaña de Neira (1541-95) and Pedro Sarmiento de Gamboa (1532-92). It was not accepted then to copy complex local names, so the islands were called Solomon, since it seemed to the Spaniards that this was the legendary country of Ophir, where the treasures of King Solomon were hidden.
Mendaña in 1595 became the founder of the first colony on the islands, but at the same time made a serious mistake: during the development of new lands, one of the local leaders was killed. After this, a war began with the natives, who had not previously been aggressive. Mendaña soon died of nervous strain, and his wife became the leader of the colony, but was soon forced to flee with the remaining soldiers.
The next visit of Europeans to the islands took place in 1767. The Englishman Philip Carteret (1733-1796), having gotten lost in the ocean, ended up in the Solomon Islands.
However, the first European inhabitants began to move to the islands only in the middle of the 19th century. The first settlers were missionaries. An unenviable fate awaited them: they were eaten by the islanders: here cannibalism was part of the rituals. Moreover, human skulls were important sacred symbols and served as money until the beginning of the 20th century!
Realizing that more determined people needed to penetrate the island, the Europeans changed their tactics. First, businessmen strengthened themselves here under the cover of soldiers, then in 1893 they declared their protectorate over the Solomon Islands, and only then it came to missionaries.
During World War II (1939-45), part of the islands was occupied by the Japanese and large and very stubborn battles took place here. The most famous is the Battle of Guadalcanal, which began on August 7, 1942 and lasted until February 9, 1943. During the battle on land, on water and in the air, the soldiers showed fierce persistence, resulting in heavy losses on both sides. Many ships were then sunk and ended up at the bottom of the Sealark Strait, which after these events became known as Iron Bottom (from English “Iron Bottom”). The ship graveyard remains there to this day and attracts divers from all over the world.
The victory was of strategic importance. Although on some islands Japanese troops continued to fight even after the surrender of their country in 1945.
Post-war reality dictated changes around the world. In July 1978, the Solomon Islands gained independence from, remaining a member of the British Commonwealth. This organization unites former colonies. The Queen of England is symbolically considered the head of the Commonwealth, but real power does not belong to her.
The young independent state has many problems. Natural elements haunt him. In April 2007, a tsunami up to three meters high hit the islands, causing destruction and loss of life. Ethnic conflicts occur between island residents. A low standard of living remains the norm for the majority of the population. The Solomon Islands problem requires truly Solomonic wisdom to solve difficult problems.
Sights of the Solomon Islands
Honiara- the capital of the islands is located on the northern shore of Guadalcanal, in a vast bay between the Cape Esperance and Lunga Point peninsulas, in the very place that de Mendaña called Puento Cruz in his time. The small and quite picturesque seaport of Honiara traces its origins to a tiny fishing village, whose name Naho-ni-Ara can be translated as “the place where the east and southeast winds collide” (such “flowery” names are generally very typical for local dialects) . The city is very young - most of its modern buildings were built immediately after the end of World War II, when it was necessary to find a place for the new capital of the archipelago (Tulagi was badly damaged during the fighting, and the place was not chosen for it). In 1952, Honiara officially became the capital of the Solomon Islands.
10 km from the capital lie the most beautiful "double-sided" Mataniko waterfalls. The waters of the river of the same name here fall from a high cliff directly into a cave filled with graceful stalactites and stalagmites, and then disappear somewhere in the bowels of the island. Around you can find many fairly large and, importantly, clean bodies of water suitable for swimming, and the cave itself is home to a large population of swallows and bats. During the Second World War, this cave served as a shelter for the last soldiers of the Japanese garrison of Guadalcanal, and its surroundings became the scene of fierce battles (according to various estimates, from 400 to 600 soldiers of the imperial army found their death in the cave itself, resisting literally to the last bullet).
On the mountain Mount Austin rises american Memorial Park with a detailed description of the battles for the island, as well as the Japanese Peace Memorial with its four white monoliths. From here there are organized tours to places whose names speak for themselves - the shores of Iron Bottom Sound, Bloody Ridge, Alligator Creek and Red Beach, the Poha River Japanese Memorial and its Vilu Village Museum (also dedicated to the history of the battles for Guadalcanal), Lunga Point and Tetere Bay.
Constantly shrouded in clouds, volcanic Savo Island, lying in the Iron Bottom Sound, is a paradise for divers and fans of other outdoor activities. The almost complete lack of infrastructure is compensated by an abundance of sunken ships (it was here that the famous Battle of Savo Island took place), a constantly smoking volcano crater and many practically boiling mineral springs, several ancient cult sites - megapodes, as well as a vibrant bird community and magnificent crystal clear waters.
On Florida island You can see the old headquarters of the British colonial administration with its hospital and headquarters, as well as old Port Parvis, which served first as a base for the British Navy and then for the Japanese Imperial Navy.
A islet of Anukha widely known for its white sandy beaches.
The largest salt lagoon in the world - Marovo(occupies approximately 150 by 96 km), located on the island of New Georgia north of Vangunu Island. This huge expanse of water, with a narrow strip of coral beaches along its entire perimeter and amazingly blue water, is a candidate for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Literally thousands of islands line the Marovo Lagoon, from tiny coral reefs to massive volcanic cliffs up to 1,600 meters high, with many still showing signs of active volcanic activity but quite accessible to visit. Marovo Lagoon, the best place to relax by the sea, is a unique combination of the scenic beauty of wildlife and the rich traditions of the local people (the shores of the lagoon are inhabited by two separate tribes - the Marovo and Roviana). Noteworthy are the Matikuri Resort, Rogosakena Eco Resort and Uepi Island Resort, as well as the World Heritage Village site, considered the best tourist village in the country. Logging is limited here in order to preserve the unique composition of flora and fauna inherent in this area, excellent conditions have been created for sea fishing (the lagoon is connected to the open sea by almost a hundred passages in the reefs, so the species composition of its inhabitants is more than impressive), and traditional crafts of local residents made from wood and shells are widely known far beyond the country's borders.
Rennell Island is considered the largest elevated atoll on the planet, but the main feature of its uniqueness is the elongated atoll that occupies almost the entire southern part Lake Tengano- the largest freshwater lake in the South Pacific Ocean (now its area is about 15.5 thousand hectares), on which there was room for 200 islands, and for large bird colonies, and for many rare species of flora, primarily orchids. It is not difficult to guess that during the era of the formation of the island, the lake was a vast lagoon, which, as the surrounding land rose above the water, gradually became desalinated, although the water still remains slightly brackish. Therefore, now here you can find completely unique species of once marine fish, transformed by nature itself into freshwater (the only analogue is Lake Titicaca in the South American Andes). Due to its unique natural conditions and specific ecology, the eastern part of the island, together with Lake Tengano, was declared a National Wildlife Park (area 37 thousand hectares), subsequently included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Solomon Islands cuisine
Local cooking is a mixture of European traditions, as well as the principles of Southeast Asian and Oceanian cuisine. The latter, by the way, is very simple and adapted to local conditions.
On the islands you will find Polynesian and Melanesian traditions. They are reflected in the widespread use of: yams, cassava sago (tapioca), taro, fish, charcoal-grilled meats, coconut.
All this is seasoned with a small amount of spices. All countries in the region use an earthen oven called "umu". In addition, there are options for preparing and decorating dishes that came from outside.
Alcoholic drinks can be purchased without problems. They are produced locally and also brought from New Zealand. Recommends trying local wine and beer.
Solomon Islands on the map
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