Solomon Islands
Region
🌍 Oceania
Population
👥 828
Currency
💱 Solomon Islands dollar
Languages
🗣️ English
This mark means a fact is linked to a checked source. Hover or tap it to see the source. 36 of 141 facts on this page are sourced.
Official NameSource: REST Countries
Solomon Islands
Continent
Oceania
DemonymSource: REST Countries
Solomon Islander
Independence
July 7, 1978 (from the UK)
Top-Level Domain
.sb
Calling CodeSource: REST Countries
+677
Time ZoneSource: REST Countries
UTC+11:00
Capital CitySource: REST Countries
Honiara
ISO Alpha-2
SB
ISO Alpha-3
SLB
UN Code
90
Geographic Coordinates
-8,159
Area (km²)Source: REST Countries
28,896#144 of 249
PopulationSource: REST Countries
828,857#165 of 247
Population Density (per km²)
28.58
Highest Point (m)
Mount Popomanaseu, 2,335 m
Lowest Point (m)
0 m (Pacific Ocean)
Land Use
Forest 87.6%, arable land 0.6%, other 11.8% (2018 estimate)
Irrigated Land
Data unavailable.
Coastline Length
5,313 km
Climate
Tropical; hot and humid; moderated by trade winds; cyclones possible
Natural Resources
Fish, forests, gold, bauxite, phosphates
Bordering CountriesSource: REST Countries
No land borders
Major Rivers
This island nation has no major rivers.
Major Lakes
This island nation has no major lakes.
Government Type
Parliamentary democracy; constitutional monarchy
Administrative Divisions
9 provinces and 1 capital territory
Legal System
Based on English common law
Chief of State
King Charles III (represented by a Governor-General)
Head of Government
Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele
Cabinet
Council of Ministers appointed by the Governor-General on the advice of the Prime Minister.
Elections
Elections for the 50-seat National Parliament are held every four years.
Judicial Branch
High Court; Court of Appeal; Magistrates' Courts
Legislative Branch
Unicameral National Parliament
Major Political Parties
Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement (DCGA), Solomon Islands Democratic Party (SIDP), United Party (UP), and others.
CurrencySource: REST Countries
Solomon Islands dollar
GDP, Nominal (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
1.75#193 of 211
GDP, PPP (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP, PPP (current international $) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
2.34#187 of 201
GDP per Capita (US$)Source: World Bank: GDP per capita (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
2,086.19#172 of 211
GDP - Agriculture (%)Source: World Bank: Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, value added (% of GDP) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
29.73
GDP - Industry (%)Source: World Bank: Industry (including construction), value added (% of GDP) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
23.37
GDP - Services (%)Source: World Bank: Services, value added (% of GDP) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
46.92
Inflation Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Inflation, consumer prices (annual %) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
3.36#84 of 191
Labor Force (people)Source: World Bank: Labor force, total (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
448,502
Unemployment Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Unemployment, total (% of total labor force) (modeled ILO estimate) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
1.43#177 of 185
Public Debt (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Central government debt, total (% of GDP) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
26.04
Budget
Information on the current budget is available from government sources.
Exports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Exports of goods and services (current US$) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
0.64#172 of 192
Imports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Imports of goods and services (current US$) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
1.12#174 of 192
Foreign Reserves
Information on foreign reserves can be found in financial reports.
Currency Exchange
Currency exchange rates can be found online or at local banks and exchange services.
GDP by Sector
Primarily services, agriculture, and fishing.
Major Industries
Fishing, mining, forestry, and tourism.
Major Export Partners
China, Australia, and Japan.
Major Import Partners
Australia, Singapore, and China.
Society
Literacy Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Literacy rate, adult total (% of people ages 15 and above) (1999)Checked September 29, 2026
76.6#125 of 169
Birth Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Birth rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
26.7
Death Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Death rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
5.1
Net Migration Rate
Information on net migration fluctuates; consult recent demographic data.
Median Age
Approximately 21 years.
Urban Population (%)Source: World Bank: Urban population (% of total population) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
31.31#191 of 214
Urbanization Rate
Urbanization is a slow but ongoing process.
Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: Life expectancy at birth, total (years) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
70.7#147 of 214
HIV/AIDS Prevalence
The prevalence of HIV/AIDS is relatively low, consult current health data.
Health Expenditures (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Current health expenditure (% of GDP) (2023)Checked September 29, 2026
5.36
Ethnic Groups
Melanesian (95.3%), Polynesian (3.1%), Micronesian (1.2%), other (0.4%).
Religions
Christianity (predominantly Protestant).
LanguagesSource: REST Countries
English
Education
Education System
The education system follows a structure of primary, secondary, and tertiary levels.
School Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: School life expectancy, primary to tertiary, both sexes (years) (2007)Checked September 29, 2026
9.2
Government Education Spending
Government expenditure on education accounts for a significant portion of the national budget.
Primary Education Access
—
Secondary Education Access
—
Higher Education Access
—
Major Universities
The Solomon Islands has a few tertiary institutions, including the Solomon Islands National University.
Culture
Cultural Overview
Solomon Islands culture is diverse, with strong emphasis on Melanesian traditions, arts, and music.
National HolidaysSource: Nager.Date
- New Year's Day (2026-01-01)
- Good Friday (2026-04-03)
- Holy Saturday (2026-04-04)
- Easter Monday (2026-04-06)
- Whit Monday (2026-05-25)
- King's Birthday (2026-06-12)
- Independence Day (2026-07-07)
- Christmas Day (2026-12-25)
- National Day of Thanksgiving (2026-12-26)
Popular Music
Popular music styles include local Melanesian music, along with influences from reggae and pop.
Traditional Food
Traditional foods include root crops like taro and sweet potatoes, fish, and coconut-based dishes.
Sports
Soccer and cricket are popular sports, along with traditional games and water-based activities.
Major Festivals
Major festivals celebrate cultural heritage, often featuring traditional dances and ceremonies.
Famous People
Notable figures include politicians, athletes, and artists who have gained international recognition.
Cultural Heritage Sites
The Solomon Islands has numerous sites of cultural significance, reflecting its history and traditions.
UNESCO Sites
The Solomon Islands has UNESCO World Heritage sites reflecting its rich natural and cultural heritage.
Annual Tourist Visits
Information unavailable.
Tourism Overview
Tourism is a growing sector, focused on nature and diving.
Top Tourist Attractions
World War II wrecks, diving sites, cultural villages.
Famous Cities
Honiara is the capital and largest city.
National Parks
Several protected areas, but no officially designated national parks.
Protected Areas
Protected areas include marine protected areas and conservation zones.
Best Time to Visit
—
Tourist Visa Info
Visa-free entry for many nationalities, check specific requirements.
Visa Requirements Overview
—
Travel Advisory
Exercise a high degree of caution due to crime.
Healthcare
Healthcare Quality
Healthcare quality index varies; consult recent healthcare reports.
Medical Cost
Medical costs vary depending on the service and location.
Number of Hospitals
There are several hospitals and clinics throughout the country; consult health directories for details.
Universal Healthcare
The Solomon Islands has a public healthcare system, but access and quality vary.
Medical Services Overview
Medical services are available, primarily in urban areas; access to specialized care may be limited.
Emergency Medical Access
Emergency medical services are available, but access can be challenging in remote areas.
Emergency & Safety
Emergency Number (Police)
The emergency number for the police is 999.
Emergency Number (Ambulance)
The emergency number for ambulance services is 998.
Emergency Number (Fire)
The emergency number for the fire department is 997.
Crime Rate
The crime rate is moderate; however, certain areas may have higher incidence rates.
Safety Index
The safety index is relatively moderate, but travelers should exercise caution.
Military Expenditure
The Solomon Islands does not have military expenditure.
Emergency Services Overview
Emergency services are available, although response times may vary.
Safety Overview
—
Military Branches
The Solomon Islands does not maintain a standing military force.
Infrastructure
Electricity Access
Electricity access is lower in rural areas, with ongoing efforts to increase coverage.
Water Access
Access to clean water is improving, but challenges remain, especially in rural areas.
Sanitation Access
Sanitation access faces challenges, with ongoing infrastructure development required.
Railways
The Solomon Islands does not have a railway system.
Roadways
Roads are often unpaved and the road network is still developing.
Transportation System
Transportation relies on a combination of air, sea, and road transport.
AirportsSource: OurAirports
Honiara International Airport (HIR), Munda Airport (MUA)
Ports
Honiara is the main port, serving international and domestic shipping.
Public Transit
Public transportation includes buses and taxis, particularly in urban areas.
Technology & Communication
Internet Penetration (%)Source: World Bank: Individuals using the Internet (% of population) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
29.04#184 of 211
Mobile Subscriptions (per 100)
Information unavailable.
Tech Startups
Limited tech startup activity.
Innovation Index
Information unavailable.
ICT Development Index
Information unavailable.
TV Broadcast Stations
Limited number of TV stations.
Radio Broadcast Stations
Several radio stations.
Plug Type & Voltage
—
CO2 Emissions (t per capita)Source: World Bank: Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions excluding LULUCF per capita (t CO2e/capita) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
0.38#166 of 202
Air Quality Index
Data on air quality is limited; generally considered good.
Water Pollution Level
Water pollution is a concern, particularly near urban areas and due to sewage and industrial discharge.
Renewable Energy Usage
Limited use of renewable energy; some solar projects are in place.
Environmental Issues
Deforestation, soil erosion, and water pollution are key issues.
Natural Hazards
Cyclones, earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic activity.
Waste Management
Waste management infrastructure is developing; solid waste disposal is a challenge.
Environmental Agreements
Party to agreements on climate change, biodiversity, and desertification.
UN MembershipSource: REST Countries
Yes
Diplomatic Missions
Has diplomatic missions in a few countries; embassies and consulates.
International OrganizationsSource: REST Countries
Commonwealth
Major Treaties
Part of various international treaties including those related to human rights, trade and environment.
Visa-Free Countries
Visa-free access for citizens to a number of countries, primarily for tourism or short stays.