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).
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.