Where are the Solomon Islands located? Solomon Islands map in Russian. Capital of the Solomon Islands, flag, history of the country. Where are the Solomon Islands on the world map. Geography of the Solomon Islands

The Solomon Islands are a country located in Melanesia, in the southwestern part of the Pacific Ocean. It consists of 992 islands.

In 1568, the Spanish traveler A. Mendaña de Neira discovered these islands. The navigator managed to exchange a lot of gold from local residents. And he gave the name to the Solomon Islands in honor of the magical country Ophir, where, according to legend, King Solomon hid his treasures.

For the next two centuries, Europeans did not visit here. Only in 1767 the islands were discovered a second time by the Englishman F. Carteret.

Since the 1860s Europeans began to actively develop the territory of the Solomon Islands. The Aborigines quickly realized the danger posed by the white man and killed any European who set foot on their land. That is why the Solomon Islands at that time had a reputation as the most hostile islands in the Pacific Ocean.

In 1893, the islands came under British rule. And from the beginning of the 20th century, the British created the first coconut palm plantations here.

During World War II, part of the islands was captured by the Japanese. Bloody battles were fought here for a long time, and many warships sank.

The Solomon Islands gained independence only in 1978.

The ethnic composition of the islands' population is heterogeneous. The majority are Melanesians (more than 90%), followed by Polynesians (3%), Micronesians (1.2%), Europeans and Chinese.

Holidays in the Solomon Islands are suitable primarily for those who want to enjoy the untouched nature of this region, as well as extreme sports enthusiasts, lovers of diving, snorkeling and fishing.

Climate and weather

The climate of the Solomon Islands is subequatorial, very humid and hot. The thermometer does not fall below +21 °C in winter, but in summer the temperature often exceeds +30 °C. Winter falls here from April to November. This is a dry season, characterized by cool (+23...+27 °C) weather. The time from December to March is called the wet season. The air temperature reaches its maximum and humidity rises to 90%. Rainfall varies depending on the region of the archipelago.

Hurricane winds are possible in the summer, but here they are not as destructive as east of the Solomon Islands.

The most favorable time to travel to the Solomon Islands is June - December. At this time there is no sweltering heat, and in June-August various festivals and celebrations are held.

Nature

About 80% of the islands are covered with dense equatorial forests (ficus, palm trees); dry places are characterized by savannas; mangrove forests and swamps grow on the coasts.

The flora of the Solomon Islands is represented by more than 4,500 plant species, including more than 200 species of orchids alone. You can often find sumai, nalato, and hibiscus.

The fauna of the islands is also diverse: crocodiles, snakes, lizards, rats, bats, parrots, wild pigeons and others. You can often see rare giant butterflies here. The coastal waters are home to green turtles, tuna, dolphins, barracuda, sharks and many other species of fish.

The Solomon Islands are also rich in minerals: silver, gold, copper, nickel.

In the east O. Rennell The National Wildlife Park was created with the support of UNESCO.

The Solomon Islands are of volcanic origin. The highest point in the country is the peak Popomanaseu (Guadalcanal Island). Its height reaches 2335 meters.

Attractions

The Solomon Islands attract tourists, first of all, for their naturalness and lack of desire to create something specifically for tourists. They offer recreation in natural conditions, and this is why the islands are valuable for the traveler.

Traveling around the islands usually starts from the capital of the state - Honiara. Here is a place called Point Cruz. According to legend, a Spaniard first landed here Mendana and erected a cross in honor of the discovery of the island.

It will also be interesting to visit the National Museum, Parliament, Botanical Gardens, colorful Chinatown.

Just a few kilometers from the capital are the famous waterfalls Mataniko. The water falls into a cave filled with stalagmites and stalactites, after which it disappears into the bowels of the island.

A trip to the lagoon will be unforgettable Marovo. Here is the best tourist village in the country - World Heritage. The state, trying to preserve the unique flora and fauna of this place, limited logging. Local residents receive their main income from tourism.

Village Nusambaruku (Gizo Island) is an example of a traditional isolated village. It consists of several buildings that are located high on stilts. The village can only be reached by boat or along a narrow dam.

Islands Anarvon are located 280 km from the capital. This is a group of 100 islands, none of which are permanently inhabited, and many of them protrude only 20-30 cm above the sea, but this place is famous for being home to rare sea turtles. A natural reserve was organized here: several dozen specially trained people monitor the safety of turtles’ lives and accompany tourists.

The Western Province is famous for the beauty and richness of the underwater world. Fans of extreme sports and water sports flock here. The most comfortable resorts are also located here.

The lagoon can rightly be called the pearl of the Western Province Marovo. This is the largest salt lagoon in the world (150 by 96 kilometers). Thousands of islands and coral reefs surround the lagoon.

Almost the entire southern part O. Rennell occupies the lake Tengano. It is the largest freshwater lake in the Pacific region. The lake and surrounding areas form a National Wildlife Park, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Nutrition

The cuisine of the Solomon Islands is a mixture of culinary traditions of Southeast Asia, Europe and Oceania. It is characterized by the use of yams and colocasia leaves, tapioca (obtained from the roots of the cassava plant), and coconut. Chefs at local restaurants mix ingredients in random order and often create new, unique dishes.

Food is often cooked in special earthen ovens called umu. Meat and fish are usually baked over coals with little spice.

In addition to Melanesian and Polynesian dishes, European and Asian dishes are excellently prepared here. Moreover, they are no different from similar dishes prepared in Beijing or London.

Honiara has several European, Chinese and even Japanese restaurants. All of them are popular with tourists and locals.

The choice of drinks here is huge: local alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, as well as wines and beer imported from Chile, China, New Zealand.

Accommodation

The Solomon Islands has a poorly developed tourism infrastructure. Comfortable accommodation is provided only on the largest islands of the archipelago: Guadalcanal, Hueli, Mangalonga, Gizo.

The hotels on these islands are something like resort complexes with tennis courts, swimming pools, and children's playgrounds. This could be several colorful eco-huts or bungalows.

Prices range from $30-150 per night.

Before checking in, be sure to check if there are mosquito nets in your room: the local insects can be dangerous.

IN Honiara, right on the beach, the most modern and prestigious hotel in the country is located - Heritage Park. To fully enjoy the nature of the Pacific coast, you can rent an apartment at the hotel. An excellent double room will cost you $300 per night.

Outside the capital and other large cities, it is possible to stay directly in the homes of local residents. In this case, payment is agreed upon in advance (guide the amount around $12-20 per day). Housing is often paid for with food.

Entertainment and relaxation

The underwater world of the Solomon Islands literally attracts extreme sports enthusiasts from all over the world. Sunken ships and planes, coral reefs, and a variety of underwater inhabitants allow you to fully enjoy diving and snorkeling.

Good area for snorkeling O. Guadalcanal. About 50 huge warships are buried in these waters. In most cases, they are located at a depth to which scuba diving is prohibited. However, the transparency of the water and the features of the bottom topography make it possible to see details without deep immersion.

Island Savo called a paradise for divers. The island, which is of volcanic origin, is constantly shrouded in clouds. There are no comfortable conditions for tourists here, but all this is more than compensated for by the abundance of sunken ships, many hot mineral springs, and crystal clear water.

The most picturesque reefs can be seen near the lagoon Marovo, nearby islands Tavanipulu And Arnavon.

Diving in the Solomon Islands cannot be called a cheap pleasure. For one dive you will have to pay from $50-70.

Another way to spend time on the islands is fishing. The local waters are known for the variety of species of fish and marine animals. Some travel agencies organize entire fish tours to Lola Island, to the lagoons Marovo And Wona-Wona.

Those wishing to get acquainted with the strange and fascinating rituals of the local residents simply need to visit the outskirts of the city Auki(100 km from Honiara). Here you will witness a most dangerous ritual "shark challenge". Local sorcerers somehow manage to put the shark to sleep right in the water, and then manually raise it to the surface.

Center for cultural life of the state - Honiara. The Queen's Birthday is celebrated here on the second Friday of June. The celebration is accompanied by a police parade, dancing and sports competitions. On July 7, the whole country celebrates Independence Day.

If you find yourself in the Solomon Islands in mid-December, you can take part in the Western Seas Festival. At this time, numerous fishing competitions, canoe races and other competitions take place.

There are many good hiking trails in the Solomon Islands. Trekking enthusiasts will be pleased with the walking tour routes organized from Honiara to the waterfalls Mataniko, from Guizot before Titians.

Purchases

Large shops and supermarkets are concentrated in the capital of the Solomon Islands. Prices for imported goods are very high.

When purchasing food products, carefully monitor the shelf life: often the goods take a long time to travel from Singapore, China and other countries and spoil on the way.

Prices in stores on the islands are not regulated by the state, so do not be surprised if the cost of the same goods in neighboring stores differs significantly.

Be sure to visit the colorful markets of the country. Here you can buy all kinds of vegetables and tropical fruits, fresh fish, shells, and handicrafts. Markets are open throughout the week. Remember that bargaining is not encouraged here.

As a souvenir from the Solomon Islands, you can bring handmade wooden figurines that symbolize peace and tranquility.

Ritual wooden balls are very popular among tourists. According to legend, with their help you can summon the spirit of a deceased ancestor and ask for advice.

Local hand-painted wooden masks are also unusual. They, according to popular belief, give strength and dexterity to their owner and protect against evil spirits.

Brooches, keychains, beads, bracelets made of shells and corals would be a good gift.

Some goods (especially handmade goods) have two different prices: the first for local residents, the second for tourists.

Transport

international Airport Henderson Field is located 11 km from the capital and is named after a US major who died in the Battle of Midway. For the runway, which later became the airport, there were hot battles between the Japanese and the Americans. The airport is small, but there is everything you need: taxi, car rental, ATM and exchange office. There are also about 30 small airports on the islands that serve local flights.

Only 2% of all roads in the Solomon Islands are paved. Most of the roads belong to private plantation owners.

The most common transport that allows you to move from island to island is a ferry, or, as the locals call it, a water taxi. You will get a lot of impressions from your sea voyage. In most cases, sea transport does not follow any schedule, and the fare is quite low.

The most convenient way to get around in Honiara is by taxi. You can “vote” on the street or call him in advance. Taxi cost is $1.5 per kilometer.

There are few buses in the capital; the most common form of transport here is minibuses, the ticket price is $0.4.

You can also rent a car. But drivers should be especially careful: the roads outside Honiara are in poor condition.

Connection

In the Solomon Islands, standard cellular communications GSM 900. The level of communication is not very high yet. The only mobile operator Solomon Telekom provides good reception only in the area of ​​Honiara, Auki, Gizo. In other areas, coverage is partial.

While on the islands, you can either buy a SIM card from a local operator or rent a phone.

There are about 300 payphones in the country, and almost all of them are concentrated in Honiara, near banks, large shops and hotels. To use a payphone, you need to buy a prepaid card. It is sold in stores, kiosks, and communication shops.

If you need to make an international call, it is better to use the services Solomon Telekom. The company's offices operate around the clock and are located in the capital, in many provincial centers, and in all major hotels.

Internet connectivity is available in Honiara and some provinces. There is a whole network of Internet cafes in the capital. The Wi-Fi network has just begun its development. Trial sites are only open in Honiara and Gizo.

Safety

Residents of the Solomon Islands are quite friendly towards tourists. Theft is rare here, but in crowded areas, beware of pickpockets. Do not leave valuables and documents unattended, and do not visit isolated areas alone.

It is recommended to visit picturesque local settlements only with experienced guides who will tell you about certain features of local traditions. To avoid omissions and insults from the natives, it is necessary to obtain consent before visiting their home.

Property rights are very important to Melanesians. A tree, flower or fruit in the vicinity of a populated area may well belong to one of the residents. Therefore, in order not to provoke a conflict, do not tear anything without permission.

Be careful with your clothing: swimsuits and shorts are only allowed on the beach; in other cases, you need to hide your body as much as possible.

Local water can be hazardous to health, so drink only boiled or bottled water. Milk, meat, and fish can be eaten only after heat treatment. Wash vegetables and peel fruits thoroughly.

The wildlife of the islands also poses danger. Scorpions, Javan centipedes, blood-sucking insects, poisonous fish and snakes, some reptiles, and forest ants can pose a threat not only to health, but also to life. To avoid meeting them, move around the islands (especially the jungle) only accompanied by an experienced guide.

Business climate

The economy of the Solomon Islands has recently developed rapidly and offers good business opportunities in areas such as mining, tourism infrastructure, agricultural industry, fishing, and forestry.

Resident companies (shareholders who have voting rights and are residents of the islands) pay 30% tax on profits from any source, regardless of their location. Non-resident companies are subject to 35% tax on income received on the islands.

Real estate

Exotic nature, good climate, low prices explain the demand for real estate in the Solomon Islands. You won't see high-rise apartment buildings here. Most of the local population still lives in rural houses. Only in the capital there are luxurious modern buildings.

The law allows the purchase of real estate by foreigners. But for this you need documents confirming the legality of the transaction.

Buying property in the Solomon Islands is quite problematic. The fact is that 95% of all the islands' land belongs to indigenous peoples. For a foreign investor to buy a house, for example, it is necessary to conduct lengthy negotiations with members of various clans in order to find the owner of the land and agree on a deal. Usually such negotiations take a lot of time and there are no guarantees that everything will be resolved in your favor. Community lands are rarely sold. But it is possible to lease them for up to 75 years.

In the Solomon Islands, as in most other countries in Polynesia and Melanesia, it is not customary to leave a tip. According to local tradition, a tip is perceived as a gift and implies a gift in return. By smiling and saying “thank you,” you are fully expressing your gratitude for the services provided.

Currency can be exchanged at a bank, in large stores and restaurants, some hotels, and special exchange bureaus. There are also exchange machines in the capital, which are located mainly near bank offices. In the provinces, the easiest way to exchange currency is at branches National Bank of the Solomon Islands. They are located in shops and post offices.

In Honiara you can pay by credit card, in the provinces you can only pay in cash.

Often, especially in the southern regions of the islands, US and Australian dollars are accepted for payment.

Jewelry and gold must be declared upon entry.

The export and import of items of historical value is prohibited: products made of coral, skins of tropical animals, bird feathers, sea turtle shells.

When planning a trip, make sure that your first aid kit has all the necessary medications. In the Solomon Islands it may be difficult to purchase them.

Visa information

Small Pacific island nation Solomon islands(Solomon Islands), often called Solomon Islands, is located in Melanesia, approximately 1,500 km northeast of Australia. Population - 523,000 people (2009).

The country occupies a significant part of the Solomon Islands archipelago, consisting of 992 islands (part of the islands of this archipelago belongs to Papua New Guinea), as well as some islands of other island groups, including Santa Cruz, located 400 kilometers east of archipelago.

From the south, the shores of the islands are washed by the Solomon and Coral Seas, from the north – by the Pacific Ocean. It borders on the west with Papau New Guinea, and on the southeast with Vanuatu.

That is, the state of the Solomon Islands should not be confused with the Solomon Islands archipelago, whose numerous islands are divided between two independent states - the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea.

The distance between the westernmost and easternmost islands of the Solomon Islands is about 1,500 kilometers.

The total area of ​​the country is 28,400 km². The capital, main port and largest populated area is the city (Guadalcanal Island).

A significant part of the Solomon Islands is covered with evergreen forests and is predominantly of volcanic origin, including active volcanoes. The highest point is Popomanaseu Peak (2335 meters), located on the island of Guadalcanal.

The country is located in a seismically dangerous region; strong earthquakes are not uncommon. During the period from 2011 to 2014, several powerful earthquakes occurred here.

Administrative division

Administratively, the Solomon Islands are divided into 9 separate provinces. And the capital city of Honiara, although located on the island of Guadalcanal, is considered a special tenth administrative unit, the so-called Capital Territory.

1. Central Province
2. Province of Choiseul
3.
4. Province of Isabel
5. Makira-Ulawa Province
6. Malaita Province
7. Province of Rennell and Bellona
8. Temotu Province
9. Western Province

Climate in the Solomon Islands

The climate in this island country is subequatorial and humid (all year round). The average air temperature is from +26 to +28 °C. Although there are no distinct seasons in the region, from November to April the northwest equatorial monsoon brings a little more rain than usual, and sometimes there are storms during this period.

The best time to visit is the summer months.

Population

The population of the Solomon Islands is 0.523 million people (2009). The average life expectancy for women is 76 years, for men - 71 years. Almost 94.5% of the population are Melanesians, 3% are Polynesians, and about 1.2% are Micronesians.

The official language in the Solomon Islands is English, however, only 1-2% of the population speaks it, and the English-based Creole language - Solomon Islands Pidgin - is used as the language of general communication.

Almost 97% of the country's inhabitants are Christians (Catholics, Anglicans, Evangelicals and other Christians).

The currency of this island nation is the Solomon Islands Dollar (SBD). One SBD is equal to 100 cents.

It was introduced into circulation only in 1977; before that, the national currency was the Australian dollar. By the way, it is still accepted in many hotels and resorts.

Safety

The situation with it is better than that of its neighbors in Papua New Guinea, but still the crime rate in the Solomon Islands is high. Traveling after dark is dangerous, especially on weekdays. Tourists are one of the main targets of local robbers, so we advise you to always be on your guard and not carry large sums of money with you or display your jewelry.

It is also worth noting that there is high ethnic tension in the country between the inhabitants of the largest islands of Guadalcanal and Malaitans, as well as between the indigenous inhabitants of all the Solomon Islands and the Chinese, the latter of which are periodically “persecuted” here.

Malaria is the biggest health problem in the Solomon Islands. Travelers should take anti-malarial tablets before, during and after their stay here.

Saltwater crocodiles, also known as saltwater crocodiles, are a fairly common sight on many of the country's islands. By the way, according to statistics, this is one of the most dangerous and aggressive large reptiles for humans. Every year, dozens of cases of their attacks on people are recorded on the islands. More people die from them than from shark attacks.

History of the Solomon Islands

According to archaeologists, the first settlers appeared on the Solomon Islands around 30,000 BC. uh, and they communicated in Papuan languages. By the 40th century BC. Aboriginal speakers of Austronesian languages ​​reached here, and between the 12th and 8th centuries BC the ancestors of the Polynesians arrived here.

The first European to set foot on the Solomon Islands is considered to be the Spanish navigator A. Mendaña de Neira, who discovered them in 1568. He discovered gold among the local aborigines, who, by the way, practice cannibalism, and therefore decided to name these islands Solomon, thereby implying the “Golden Country of Solomon.”

Over the next two centuries, Europeans no longer came here, and only in 1767 the British appeared here, as if rediscovering them.

Since the 1840s, European missionaries began to frequent the Solomon Islands, trying to gain a foothold there, but they had no luck here; the aborigines exterminated a significant part of the foreigners. Two decades later, traders began to frequent the islands, and in 1893 Britain declared them a colony. At the beginning of the 20th century, British entrepreneurs were engaged in growing coconuts here, and newly arrived missionaries actively converted the aborigines to Christianity.

During World War II, the islands were occupied by the Japanese, and more than once became the site of bloody battles between the Japanese occupiers and the countries of the Anti-Hitler coalition, which ended in 1945 with the victory of the latter.

And finally, in 1978 they became a state independent from Great Britain.

In 1998, intertribal tensions sharply increased on the islands, resulting in a full-fledged Civil War with armed clashes. In 2003, to restore order, at the request of the country's Prime Minister, help arrived here from neighboring countries, including Australia and New Zealand. They helped local police restore order and disarm tribal militants.

In 2006, after the election of the Prime Minister, which was won by Snyder Rini, new unrest began in the country. Their cause was corruption in the highest echelons of power. In particular, the prime minister was accused of receiving bribes from Chinese businessmen to buy votes from members of parliament. All this resulted in mass pogroms in the capital, Chinatown was destroyed, and China had to evacuate its citizens from the country by plane. In the end, with the help of additional military and police forces, life in the country stabilized, and a new prime minister was elected.

On April 2, 2007, the Solomon Islands experienced a strong magnitude 8 earthquake followed by a large tsunami - 10 meter waves destroyed about 900 houses and claimed the lives of fifty people.

The last shock with the same magnitude of 8.0 was recorded here on February 6, 2013. By the way, it provoked a tsunami with a wave height of up to 2 meters.

How to get there

There are no direct flights between Russia and the Solomon Islands. Usually Russian tourists get here by plane through Australia, Fiji, Vanuatu or Papua New Guinea. This pleasure is not cheap, it is still very far away, it would seem Australia is far from Russia, and this country is even further ~ 1500 km...

The only international airport in the Solomon Islands is located in the same place as the capital of the country, Honiara - on the large island of Guadalcanal, and is called Honiara International Airport.

Flights here:

– Nadi (Fiji), Port Moresby (Papua New Guinea)

– Port Vila (Vanuatu)

– Nadi (Fiji), Port Vila (Vanuatu)

– Brisbane, Australia

– operates international flights to Brisbane, Australia, as well as Nadi and Port Vila, plus many domestic flights to 25 regional airports in the Solomon Islands. This is the only airline in the country operating domestic flights.

You can also visit the Solomon Islands during a cruise on some cruise ship; they come here from time to time, although in this case the time spent here will be limited, and given that the islands are scattered over a vast territory, it is definitely close to the country in this case don't get to know each other.

Solomon islands.

The name of the country is associated with the legend of the land of Ophir, where the treasures of King Solomon are hidden.

Capital of the Solomon Islands. Honiara.

Area of ​​Solomon Islands. 29,000 km2.

Population of Solomon Islands. 480 thousand people

Location of Solomon Islands. Solomon Islands - a state in the western part, east of New, located on the southeastern part of the islands of the same name.

Administrative divisions of the Solomon Islands. The state is divided into 7 provinces and 1 city.

Solomon Islands form of government. .

Head of State of Solomon Islands. The Queen, represented by the Governor-General.

Supreme legislative body of the Solomon Islands. Unicameral National Parliament.

Supreme executive body of the Solomon Islands. Government.

Major cities in Solomon Islands. Apart from the capital, there are no large cities.

Official language of Solomon Islands. English.

Religion of Solomon Islands. 34% are Anglicans, 24% are Evangelicals, 19% are .

Ethnic composition of Solomon Islands. 93% - Melanesians, 4% - , 1.5% - , 0.8% - , 0.3% - Chinese.

Currency of Solomon Islands. Solomon Islands dollar = 100 cents.

Solomon Islands. , very hot and humid. The temperature is practically constant throughout the year - + 24-27 ° C, precipitation is over 2300 mm per year. From April to November it is relatively dry and cool, due to the southeast trade winds blowing at this time. The hot and humid season lasts from January to April, when the northwest monsoons dominate. during this season it is usually 90%.

Flora of the Solomon Islands. Most of the islands are covered with evergreens. Palm trees and ficus trees grow here. In the driest places they are located; mangroves predominate along the banks.

Fauna of the Solomon Islands. The fauna of the Solomon Islands is represented by rats, bats, crocodiles, lizards, snakes, giant frogs; birds - wild pigeons, parrots, etc. Large swallowtail butterflies live in the forests.

and lakes of the Solomon Islands. There are no permanent rivers or lakes.

Attractions of the Solomon Islands. Honiara has the Houses of Parliament, the National Museum and Cultural Centre, botanical gardens, the nearby Water Pump Village and a colourful, vibrant Chinatown.

Useful information for tourists

The archipelago is almost untouched by tourism, few people visit this poor country, but they are drawn to the Solomon Islands by the genuine naturalness of everything they see or visit. There is practically nothing artificial or created specifically to please tourists. Travelers looking for extraordinary natural settings will not be disappointed by any part of this small country - the islands have a well-deserved reputation as perhaps the best natural destination in the world for scuba diving, snorkeling and fishing. Tips are not accepted, but if the service is good, you can leave the staff 5% of the bill or an additional 1-2 dollars.

Black and red (the color of blood) colors are taboo on Laulasi and Bu-su, and visitors should take this into account when choosing clothing and jewelry for the trip.

Village life in the Solomon Islands is still surrounded by many taboos. It is impossible to explain the meaning of all of them, but when visiting populated areas you should be careful and limit your curiosity as much as possible. The term "taboo" means "sacred" ("holy") as well as "forbidden", so it's worth keeping that in mind. Property rights are very important here - the tree, fruit or flower by the side of the road most likely belongs to someone. For many islanders, their income depends on what they grow, so locals can expect hefty compensation if you pick fruit that was intended for sale. The clothing (or lack thereof) of islanders varies, but travelers must be fully clothed. In many areas it is considered “taboo” for a woman to stand above a man, and even more so a man, even a foreigner, should not deliberately occupy a place below a woman. It is also forbidden to swim under a canoe in which there are women - it will probably have to be destroyed later, and for many islanders the canoe is the only means of obtaining food. As in all cultures of the world, taboos play the role of moral precepts or codes and are designed to protect the community, so it is not customary to punish the uninitiated, which includes foreigners. But nevertheless, compliance with local customs is desirable.

The Solomon Islands are an archipelago largely untouched by tourism. Quite a few people visit this poor country. But, despite this, they attract with the genuine naturalness of everything that you will either see or visit.

Back in the 16th century, these islands were discovered by the Spaniard A. Medanya. It was the Spaniards who held the opinion and put forward the assumption that in ancient times this archipelago belonged to Solomon, the biblical king. Hence the origin of the name. Already in the 20th century, Great Britain established its power over the islands. But soon the Solomon Islands gained internal self-government and then independence.

This area is attractive because there is practically nothing that has been created artificially in order to please tourists. Therefore, it will be very comfortable and interesting here, first of all, for those travelers who are looking for natural extraordinary

After all, every part of this small country will not disappoint its guests, as it has rightfully earned a reputation as the best place in the world, where it is as if nature itself has created all the conditions for fishing, snorkeling and diving. Here the water and air are particularly clean. And the flora and fauna will surprise any tourist with its diversity and beauty.

The Solomon Islands are quite home to their own taboos. And all visitors should know about them. Thus, on the islands of Bu-su and Laulasi, the taboo colors are red and black, since they are considered the colors of blood. They should be avoided when choosing jewelry or clothing for a trip.

Certain taboos still surround the life of villages on the islands. It is impossible to explain the meaning of all. But when visiting any local settlements, you must exercise some caution and limit your curiosity as much as possible. Since the term “taboo” here is given the meaning not only of prohibition, but also of sacredness or holiness. And you shouldn’t forget about this.

Apart from this, property rights are also very important here. Therefore, it is most likely that the flower, fruit or tree by the side of the road belongs to someone. Since many islanders live by selling what they grow, when you pick the fruit, be prepared to leave the owner a decent compensation.

Guests on the islands must be fully clothed. While local residents' clothing may be different or absent altogether. A woman should not be or stand above a man. It is also prohibited to swim under a canoe containing women. After all, after this it is subject to destruction. And for many residents it is the only means to get food.

The Solomon Islands have preserved a tradition in which, as in all world cultures, taboos are designed to protect their society, playing the role of certain codes or moral precepts. Following them, it is not customary to punish uninitiated people. Although foreigners belong to this category, it is nevertheless advisable to respect local customs.

For those who love a varied and eventful holiday, the Solomon Islands are an ideal option. Mainly because their entire territory consists of nine provinces, each of which has something to show even the most jaded visitor.

Consider those provinces where local residents, despite the rapid development of civilization in general and the predominance of European elements in clothing in particular, continue to wear short skirts and

Not all resort islands, like the Solomon Islands, have largely retained their primitive cultural appearance. All the villages here are predominantly dominated by traditional houses. They are rectangular lightweight huts with wicker walls on pillars and made of palm leaves.

Although buildings of the European type are found here, they are only found in large populated areas. Traditionality is also quite closely intertwined with modernity. The local population preserves applied arts, original dances and songs, and folklore relatively well, but modern culture is still being introduced.

SOLOMON ISLANDS

General information

Geographical position. Solomon Islands is a country located on 30 islands and many atolls in the South Pacific Ocean, east of New Guinea. The state includes almost the entire group of Solomon Islands, with the exception of the islands of Bougainville and Buka. The largest of them are Guadalcanal, New Georgia, Santa Isabel, Malaita, San Cristobal and Vella Lavella, as well as the Santa Cruz Islands.

Square. The territory of the Solomon Islands covers 27,556 square meters. km.

Main cities, administrative divisions. The capital of the Solomon Islands is Honiara (39 thousand people). Administrative division of the country: 7 provinces.

Political system

Solomon Islands is part of the Commonwealth. The head of state is the Queen of Great Britain, represented by the Governor General. The head of government is the prime minister. The legislative body is the National Parliament.

Relief. The Solomon Islands are of volcanic origin. Active volcanoes: Balbi, Bagana. The country's highest point, Mount Popomanso (2,331 m), is located on the island of Guadalcanal.

Geological structure and minerals. The country's subsoil contains reserves of gold, lead, zinc, nickel, and phosphorites

Climate. The climate of the Solomon Islands is subequatorial and very humid. Average monthly temperatures range from +26°C to +28°C. Precipitation ranges from 2,500 to 7,500 mm per year. From May to October the southeast trade wind prevails, from December to March the northwest equatorial monsoon prevails.

Soils and vegetation. Most of the islands are covered with evergreen forests (palm trees, ficus trees), savannas are located in the driest places, and mangroves predominate along the shores.

Animal world. The fauna of the Solomon Islands is represented by rats, mice, crocodiles, lizards, snakes, and giant frogs.

Population and language

The population of the Solomon Islands is about 441 thousand people, the average population density is about 16 people per 1 sq. km. Ethnic groups: Melanesians - 93%, Polynesians - 4%, Micronesians - 1.5%, Europeans - 0.8%, Chinese - 0.3%. Languages: English (state), pidgin (local dialect based on English), about 80 local dialects.

Religion

Anglicans - 34%, Evangelicals - 24%, Catholics - 19%, Pagans.

Brief historical sketch

The first European to visit the islands and give them a name was the Spanish navigator Alvaro de Mendaña de Neira in 1568. The northern part of the archipelago was discovered in 1768 by Louis Antoine de Bougainville. In 1885, the islands came under German control, but in 1893, almost the entire archipelago, with the exception of Bougainville and Boukas, was transferred to Great Britain. After the First World War, Australia received the mandate to govern the islands of Bougainville and Buka, while the southern part remained a British protectorate. The Solomon Islands gained independence on July 7, 1978.

Brief Economic Sketch

The basis of the economy is agriculture. The main crop is the coconut palm; They also cultivate cocoa, bananas, spices, and rice. Fishing. Forestry. Export of fish, timber, copra, cocoa beans, palm oil.

The currency is the Solomon Islands dollar.