The Solomon Islands look like a tropical paradise, but society is characterized by corruption and a previously violent conflict between different peoples. After a multinational military force came to the islands in 2003, the violence was dampened.
Key figures and facts
- Capital: Honiara
- Ethnic groups: Melanesian 95.3%, Polynesian 3.1%, Micronesian 1.2%, other 0.4% (2009)
- Language: Malaysian English (pidgin language) is the common language for the majority, English (officially, but only spoken by 1% -2% of the population) or 120 different local languages
- Religion: Protestants (various) 73.4%, Catholics 19.6%, other Christians 2.9%, other/none 4.1% (2009)
- Population: 623 281 (2018)
- Control Form: Parliamentary democracy and part of the Commonwealth
- Area: 28 900 km2
- Currency: Solomon’s dollar
- GNP per capita: 2 235 PPP $
- National Day: July 7th
Solomon Islands Population
In 2006, the population was estimated at 552,400 and annual population growth to 3.5% (2003). The median age for women was 74 years and for men 69 years. The high birth rates (36.5 ‰) and low death rates (4.2 ‰) result in a very “young” population. As many as 73% of the population is under 30 and only 0.7% is 75 years and over.
The population consists mainly of Melanesians (93%); also by Polynesians, Micronesians, Chinese and Europeans.
About 65% live in the cities. The capital Honiara on the island of Guadalcanal is the largest city (56,300 residents, 2003).
Population of Solomon Islands by Year (Historical)
| Year | Population | Annual Growth Rate | Population Density | Global Rank |
| 2020 | 686,773 | 2.550% | 24.5403 | 166 |
| 2019 | 669,712 | 2.600% | 23.9308 | 166 |
| 2018 | 652,746 | 2.640% | 23.3246 | 166 |
| 2017 | 635,928 | 2.680% | 22.7238 | 166 |
| 2016 | 619,327 | 2.710% | 22.1307 | 167 |
| 2015 | 603,007 | 2.700% | 21.5476 | 167 |
| 2010 | 527,750 | 2.350% | 18.8589 | 169 |
| 2005 | 469,807 | 2.630% | 16.7888 | 169 |
| 2000 | 412,549 | 2.810% | 14.7431 | 172 |
| 1995 | 359,170 | 2.870% | 12.8361 | 174 |
| 1990 | 311,755 | 2.860% | 11.1420 | 174 |
| 1985 | 270,677 | 3.270% | 9.6745 | 174 |
| 1980 | 230,435 | 3.580% | 8.2367 | 174 |
| 1975 | 193,291 | 3.830% | 6.9097 | 175 |
| 1970 | 160,139 | 3.210% | 5.7253 | 175 |
| 1965 | 136,705 | 3.030% | 4.8880 | 175 |
| 1960 | 117,738 | 2.930% | 4.2104 | 174 |
| 1955 | 101,891 | 2.580% | 3.6442 | 175 |
| 1950 | 897,829 | 0.000% | 3.2081 | 175 |
Major Cities in Solomon Islands by Population
| Rank | City | Population |
| 1 | Honiara | 56,187 |
| 2 | Auki | 6,700 |
| 3 | Gizo | 6,043 |
| 4 | Buala | 2,589 |
| 5 | Tulagi | 1,639 |
| 6 | Kirakira | 1,011 |
| 7 | Lata | 442 |
Religion
Over 95% of the population profess Christianity; About 42% are Protestants, approximately 34% are Anglicans and approximately 19% are Catholic. The rest of the population is connected to the cult cargo cult.
Language
English is the official language; more than 80 different languages and dialects are spoken. The mixed language pijin is based in English and serves as a link between the different language groups.