10 fun and interesting Solomon Islands facts

1. The Capital of the South Pacific

The capital of the Solomon Islands, Honiara, is situated on the island of Guadalcanal, a large island in the South Pacific Ocean. Honiara is the largest city in the Solomon Islands, and is home to a population of around 84,000 people. It is a bustling port city, with a vibrant culture and a rich history. The city is known for its beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, and stunning coral reefs. It is also a popular destination for tourists, who come to explore the unique culture and natural beauty of the Solomon Islands.

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2. 120 Indigenous Languages!

The Solomon Islands is a culturally diverse nation, with English being the official language, but also boasting a wide range of Melanesian pidgin and 120 indigenous languages. This rich linguistic heritage is a testament to the country's vibrant culture, and provides a unique insight into the history of the Solomon Islands.

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3. Rich Cultural Diversity in Religion

The Solomon Islands is a nation of diverse religious beliefs, with the majority of its population being Protestant, followed by Roman Catholics and those who practice indigenous beliefs. This is reflective of the nation's rich cultural heritage, with a variety of religious practices being observed throughout the islands. The Protestant faith is the most widely practiced, with the Roman Catholic Church also having a strong presence in the country. Additionally, many of the indigenous beliefs are still practiced by some of the islanders, providing a unique and vibrant religious landscape.

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4. Solomon Islands Currency: The Solomon Islands Dollar

The Solomon Islands, an independent island-country since 7th July, 1978, uses the Solomon Islands Dollar as its currency. The Solomon Islands Dollar is divided into 100 cents and is issued by the Central Bank of Solomon Islands. It is pegged to the Australian Dollar at a rate of 1 AUD to 1.03 SBD. The currency is available in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 dollar notes, as well as 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 dollar coins.

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5. Two Seasons, Two Different Experiences

The Solomon Islands experience two distinct seasons: the dry season, which runs from May to October, and the rainy season, which lasts from November to April. During the rainy season, the Solomon Islands experience heavy rainfall, with an average of over 200 inches of rain per year. This season is also characterized by high humidity and frequent thunderstorms. The dry season, on the other hand, is characterized by sunny days and cooler temperatures, with an average of only about 50 inches of rain per year.

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6. A Collection of Islands

The Solomon Islands are made up of a number of islands, the largest of which is Guadalcanal. Other significant islands include Choiseul, San Cristobal, Santa Isabel, Malaita, the Santa Cruz group and New Georgia. Guadalcanal is the largest of the Solomon Islands, with a total area of 5,313 square kilometers, while the other islands range in size from Choiseul's 1,878 square kilometers to the smallest of the group, New Georgia, which is only 545 square kilometers.

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7. The Ultra-Prominent Mount Popomanaseu in the Solomon Islands

The Solomon Islands are home to the ultra-prominent Mount Popomanaseu, located in the Guadacanal province. At an impressive 2300 metres, it is the highest point in the Solomon Islands and is classified as an Ultra Peak - the highest classification of mountain height.

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8. The Solomon Islands' Largest Salt Water Lagoon

The Solomon Islands are home to the world's largest salt water lagoon, Marovo Lagoon. Located in New Georgia, this stunning lagoon is over 100km long and up to 20km wide, making it the largest of its kind in the world. It is surrounded by a number of small islands, and is a popular destination for tourists looking to explore the area's unique marine life and stunning coral reefs.

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9. A Nation of Diverse Industries

The Solomon Islands are a nation of diverse industries, with fishing (tuna), mining and timber being the major ones. Agriculture is also an important part of the economy, with cocoa, coconuts, palm kernels, rice, potatoes, timber, cattle, pigs and fish all being produced and exported. Timber, fish, copra and palm oil are the main exports, providing a significant source of income for the country.

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10. A Nation of Abundant Natural Resources

The Solomon Islands are a nation of abundant natural resources, including fish, forests, gold, bauxite, phosphates, lead, zinc and nickel. These resources have made the Solomon Islands a major trading partner with countries such as China, Thailand, Japan, New Zealand, Malaysia, Australia and Singapore. As a result, the Solomon Islands have seen a steady increase in economic growth and development, with the nation's exports of natural resources playing a major role in its success.