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CAPITAL CITY OF Solomon Islands: Honiara
LANGUAGE OF Solomon Islands: English
CURRENCY OF Solomon Islands: Solomon Islands dollar (SBD)
COMMENTS ABOUT Solomon Islands:
The Solomon Islands is a nation in Melanesia, east of Papua New Guinea, consisting of nearly one thousand islands.
Cities : Honiara (capital), Aola Bay, Lofung, Noro, Viru Harbor, Yandina
Electricity : 240V/50Hz (Australian plug)
Calling Code : +677
Time Zone : UTC +11
The UK established a protectorate over the Solomon Islands in the 1890s. Some of the bitterest fighting of World War II occurred on these islands. Self-government was achieved in 1976 and independence two years later. Ethnic violence, government malfeasance, and endemic crime have undermined stability and civil society. In June 2003, Prime Minister Sir Allen KEMAKEZA sought the assistance of Australia in reestablishing law and order; the following month, an Australian-led multinational force arrived to restore peace and disarm ethnic militias. The Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI) has been very effective in restoring law and order and rebuilding government institutions.
CLIMATE OF Solomon Islands: The islands' ocean-equatorial climate is extremely humid throughout the year, with a mean temperature of 27° C (80° F) and few extremes of temperature or weather. June through August is the cooler period. Though seasons are not pronounced, the northwesterly winds of November through April bring more frequent rainfall and occasional squalls or cyclones.
RELIGION OF Solomon Islands: Anglican 45%, Roman Catholic 18%, United (Methodist/Presbyterian) 12%, Baptist 9%, Seventh-Day Adventist 7%, other Protestant 5%, indigenous beliefs 4%
POPULATION OF Solomon Islands: 538,032 (July 2005 est.)>>
ECONOMY OVERVIEW OF Solomon Islands: The bulk of the population depends on agriculture, fishing, and forestry for at least part of their livelihood. Most manufactured goods and petroleum products must be imported. The islands are rich in undeveloped mineral resources such as lead, zinc, nickel, and gold. Prior to the arrival of the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI), severe ethnic violence, the closing of key businesses, and an empty government treasury culminated in economic collapse. RAMSI has enabled a return to law and order, a new period of economic stability, and modest growth as the economy rebuilds.