A country in the Pacific Ocean on the archipelago of the same name - the Solomon Islands!
The Solomon Islands is the name of the archipelago and state located in the Pacific Ocean, east of Papua New Guinea. The Solomon Islands consists of 6 large and 992 small islets, atolls and reefs, and extends over almost 30 thousand square kilometers. It occupies an important position at the crossroads of the sea routes between the South Pacific, the Solomon and Coral Seas.
Tours to the Solomon Islands
The State of Solomon Islands is a British protectorate and occupies most of the archipelago. The highest point is on the island of Guadalcanal. This is Mount Makarakombu with a height of 2447 meters. One of the most isolated islands - Santa Cruz - is located north of Vanuatu, and 200 km from other islands.
Car Rentals in Solomon Islands
There is a version that about ten thousand years ago, the Solomon Islands were inhabited by Melanesian tribes. The first European to set foot on these lands in 1568 was the Spanish explorer Alavaro Mendanha de Neira. He decided that he had found the mythical country of Ophir, where, according to legend, the treasures of the Jewish king Solomon were hidden. This is where the name of the Solomon Islands comes from.
The capital and largest city of the Solomon Islands is Honiare. It is located on the island of Guadalcanal. It is home to about 54 thousand people, and the population of the islands as a whole is about five hundred thousand inhabitants. By the way, it is easy to rent a car in the Solomon Islands directly on our website, and also buy tours to the Solomon Islands, especially since they are quite inexpensive!
The Solomon Islands are highly rated in terms of diving activities. Beautiful coral reefs and colorful fish are found in the waters around the Solomon Islands. The underwater beauty of this island is a real treasure in the ocean. In addition, when diving in this place, you can find debris left over from the Second World War.
The Solomon Islands is an island nation located in the South Pacific, east of Papua New Guinea. The Solomon Islands includes 1,000 islands with a total area of \u200b\u200b28,400 sq. km. The capital of the island, Honiara, is the main tourist destination in the Solomon Islands.
Solomon Islands landmarks
1. Waterfalls Mataniko and Tenaru
The city of Honiara, the capital of the Solomon Islands, is famous for its various attractions. Motaniko and Tenaru Falls is one of the best places in Honiara. The natural pool with clear water is a good place to swim. While walking and exploring this area, one can enjoy the beauty of its landscape.
Another place that attracts tourists is the National Cultural Center and Museum. It is located in the center of the island's capital. The Cultural Center and National Museum focuses on the traditional culture of the island.
Here you can find special sections dedicated to dance traditions, jewelry and the island's currency. In addition, many are attracted by the sections where traditional weapons used by local residents and various archaeological finds are presented.
2. Aola Bay harbor
The harbor of Aola Bay is one of the main ports and sea gates of the Solomon Islands, and among other things is the first place from which to explore the islands, before heading to other cities and regions.
3. Provinces of Rennell and Bellona
Rennell and Bellona are the provinces of the Solomon Islands, which are two inhabited atolls, Rennell and Belona or Mu Nggava and Mu Ngiki respectively in the Polynesian dialect. In addition, they include an uninhabited Mandatory Reef. Rennell and Bellona are included in the UNESCO list, and the islands of Florida and Russell are known as the sites of many shipwrecks.
They are among the other famous places visited by local and foreign tourists. This place offers many exciting and amazing places to visit.
4. Santa Cruz Island
The most important attraction on Santa Cruz Island is the Vanuatu rainforest. They are part of the ecological zone of Australia and here you can find a wide variety of tropical and subtropical moist deciduous trees. Therefore, you should not miss the opportunity to gain knowledge about the different types of trees growing in this amazing region.
The Solomon Islands is a state located in Melanesia, in the southwestern part of the Pacific Ocean. It consists of 992 islands.
In 1568 the Spanish traveler A. Mendanha de Neira discovered these islands. The navigator managed to exchange a lot of gold from the local residents. And he gave the name to the Solomon Islands in honor of a magical land Ophirwhere, according to legend, King Solomon hid his treasures.
For the next two centuries, Europeans did not come here. Only in 1767 the islands were rediscovered 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 every 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.
In 1893, the islands fell under British rule. And since the beginning of the 20th century, the British have created the first plantations of coconut trees here.
During World War II, part of the islands were captured by the Japanese. For a long time bloody battles were fought here, 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 for extremists, lovers of diving, snorkeling and fishing.
Capital |
Honiara |
|
Population |
478,000 people |
|
Population density |
17 people / km² |
|
english |
|
|
Religion |
christianity (97%) |
|
Form of government |
a constitutional monarchy |
|
solomon Islands dollar |
|
|
Timezone |
|
|
International dialing code |
|
|
Domain zone |
|
|
Electricity |
Climate and weather
The climate of the Solomon Islands is subequatorial, very humid and hot. The thermometer does not drop below +21 ° C in winter, while in summer the temperature often exceeds +30 ° C. Winter falls here in April - November. This is the 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 the humidity rises to 90%. Rainfall varies depending on the region of the archipelago.
Hurricane winds are possible during the summer, but they are not as destructive here 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, in addition, various festivals and celebrations are held in June-August.
Nature
About 80% of the islands' territory is covered with dense equatorial forests (ficuses, palms); for dry places savannas are characteristic; mangrove forests and swamps grow on the coasts.
The flora of the Solomon Islands is represented by more than 4,500 species of plants, among which there are more than 200 species of orchids alone. You can often find sumai, nalato, hibiscus.
The fauna of the islands is also diverse: crocodiles, snakes, lizards, rats, bats, parrots, wild pigeons and others. Rare giant butterflies can often be seen here. The coastal waters are home to green turtles, tuna, dolphins, barracuda, sharks and many more species of fish.
The Solomon Islands are also rich in minerals: silver, gold, copper, nickel.
In the east about. Rennell with the support of UNESCO, a National Wildlife Park was created.
The Solomon Islands are of volcanic origin. The highest point in the country is the peak Popomanaseu (about. Guadalcanal). Its height reaches 2335 meters.
sights
The Solomon Islands attract tourists, first of all, for their naturalness, lack of desire to create something specifically for tourists. Here they offer relaxation in natural conditions, and for this the islands are valuable for the traveler.
Traveling around the islands usually starts from the capital of the state - Honiara... There is a place called Point cruise... According to legend, a Spaniard first landed here Mendanaand erected a cross to commemorate the discovery of the island.
It will also be interesting to visit the National Museum, Parliament, Botanical Gardens, colorful Chinatown.
The famous waterfalls are located just a few kilometers from the capital. Mataniko... Water falls into a cave filled with stalagmites and stalactites, after which it hides in the bowels of the island.
A trip to the lagoon will be unforgettable Marovo... The best tourist village in the country is located here - World Heritage... The state, trying to preserve the unique flora and fauna of this place, limited the logging. Local residents receive their main income from tourism.
Village Nusambaruku (about. Guizot)Is an example of a traditional isolated village. It consists of several buildings, which are located high on piles. You can get to the village only 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 is permanently inhabited, and many of them protrude only 20-30 cm above the sea, but this place is known for being home to the rarest sea turtles. A nature reserve was organized here: several dozen specially trained people monitor the safety of the lives of turtles and accompany tourists.
The western province is famous for the beauty and wealth of the underwater world. Fans of extreme sports and water sports flock here. The most comfortable resorts are also located here.
The pearl of the Western province can rightfully be called the lagoon Marovo... It 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 about. Rennell occupies the lake Tengano... It is the largest freshwater lake in the Pacific region. The lake and the surrounding area form the National Wildlife Park, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Nutrition
The cuisine of the Solomon Islands is a kind of mixture of culinary traditions of Southeast Asia, Europe and Oceania. It is characterized by the use of yam and taro leaves, tapioca (obtained from the roots of the cassava plant), coconut. Local chefs mix ingredients in random order and often get new, unique dishes.
Food is often cooked in special earth ovens called umu. Meat and fish are usually roasted on charcoal with a small addition of spices.
Besides Melanesian and Polynesian, European and Asian dishes are excellently prepared here. Moreover, they do not differ at all 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 selection of drinks here is huge: local alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, as well as wines and beer imported from Chile, China, New Zealand.
Residence
The Solomon Islands has a poorly developed tourist infrastructure. Comfortable accommodation is provided only on the largest islands of the archipelago: Guadalcanal, Ueli, Mangalonga, Guizo.
Hotels on these islands are something like resort complexes, where tennis courts, swimming pools, playgrounds are located. It can be several colorful eco-huts or bungalows.
Prices range from $ 30-150 per day.
Before checking in, be sure to check the presence of mosquito nets in the room: the local insects can be dangerous.
IN Honiare, right on the beach, is the most modern and prestigious hotel in the country - 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 right in the homes of local residents. In this case, the payment is agreed in advance (focus on the amount of about $ 12-20 per day). Housing is often paid for with food.
Entertainment and recreation
The underwater world of the Solomon Islands literally attracts extreme lovers from all over the world. Sunken ships and planes, coral reefs, a variety of underwater inhabitants allow you to fully enjoy diving and snorkeling.
The area is good for snorkeling about. Guadalcanal... About 50 huge warships are buried in the waters here. 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 the details without deep diving.
Island Savo called a paradise for divers. The volcanic island is constantly shrouded in clouds. There are no comfortable conditions for tourists here, but all this is more than compensated 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 Tawanipuluand Arnavon.
Diving in the Solomon Islands is not cheap. One dive will have to pay from $ 50-70.
Another way to spend your time on the islands is fishing. The waters here are famous for the variety of fish and marine animals. Some travel agencies organize whole fish tours to Lola island, to the lagoons Marovo and Vona-Vona.
Those wishing to get acquainted with the strange and charming rituals of local residents simply need to visit the vicinity of the city. Auki (100 km from Honiara). Here you will witness the 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 of cultural life of the state - Honiara... On the second Friday of June, the Queen's birthday is celebrated here. The celebration is accompanied by a police parade, dancing and sporting events. On July 7, the whole country celebrates Independence Day.
If you are in the Solomon Islands in mid-December, you can take part in the Western Seas Festival. During this time, numerous fishermen competitions, canoe races and other competitions take place.
There are many good hiking trails in the Solomon Islands. Trekking enthusiasts will be delighted with the walking tours organized from Honiara to the falls Mataniko, from Guizot before Titian.
Purchases
Large shops and supermarkets are concentrated in the capital of the Solomon Islands. The prices for imported goods are very high.
When buying food, pay close attention to the shelf life: often the goods sail for a long time from Singapore, China and other countries and spoil on the way.
The prices in the shops of the islands are not regulated by the state, so do not be surprised if the cost of the same goods in neighboring shops differs significantly.
Be sure to visit the country's colorful markets. Here you can buy all kinds of vegetables and tropical fruits, fresh fish, shells, handicrafts. Markets are open throughout the week. Remember that bargaining is not welcome here.
As a souvenir from the Solomon Islands, you can bring hand-made wooden figurines that symbolize peace and tranquility.
Ritual wooden balls are very popular among tourists. According to legend, with their help you can call the spirit of a deceased ancestor and ask for advice.
Local hand-painted wooden masks are also unusual. They, according to beliefs, give strength and dexterity to their owner, protect from evil spirits.
Brooches, keychains, beads, bracelets made of shells and corals will be a good gift.
Some goods (especially handicrafts) are charged at two different prices: the first is for local residents, the second is 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 an airport, there were heated battles between the Japanese and the Americans. The airport is small, but it has everything you need: a taxi, car rental, an ATM and an 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 are owned by private plantation owners.
The most common transport that allows you to move from island to island is the ferry, or, as the locals call it, water taxi. You will get a lot of impressions from the sea trip. In most cases, sea transport does not obey any timetable, 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. The taxi fare is $ 1.5 per kilometer.
There are few buses in the capital, the more common mode of transport here are 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 dire condition.
Communication
In the Solomon Islands, cellular standard GSM 900... The communication level is not very high yet. The only mobile operator Solomon Telekom provides good reception only in the area of \u200b\u200bHoniara, Auki, Guizo. 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 shops, kiosks, communication salons.
If you need to make an international call, it is better to use the services Solomon Telekom... The company's offices work around the clock and are located in the capital, in many provincial centers, in all major hotels.
Internet connection is available in Honiara and in some provinces. There is a whole network of Internet cafes in the capital. The Wi-Fi network is just getting started. Test points are open only in Honiara and Guizot.
Safety
Residents of the Solomon Islands are quite friendly towards tourists. Theft is rare here, but beware of pickpockets in crowded areas. Do not leave valuables and documents unattended, do not visit isolated areas alone.
It is recommended to visit picturesque local settlements only with experienced guides who will tell you about certain peculiarities of local traditions. To avoid misunderstandings and grievances on the part of Aboriginal people, it is necessary to obtain consent before visiting their home.
For Melanesians, ownership is very important. A tree, flower or fruit in the vicinity of a settlement may well belong to one of the inhabitants. Therefore, in order not to provoke a conflict, do not tear anything without permission.
Be careful with your clothes: swimwear 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 eat only boiled or bottled water. Milk, meat, fish can be eaten only after heat treatment. Thoroughly wash vegetables, peel fruits.
The fauna of the islands is also fraught with danger. Scorpions, Javanese centipedes, blood-sucking insects, poisonous fish and snakes, some reptiles, 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 been booming lately and offers good business opportunities in areas such as mining, tourism, agriculture, fishing, and forestry.
Resident companies (shareholders who have voting rights and are residents of the islands) pay 30% income tax from any source, regardless of their location. Non-resident companies are subject to 35% tax on income derived from the islands.
The property
Exotic nature, good climate, low prices explain the demand for real estate in the Solomon Islands. You will not see high-rise apartment buildings here. Most of the local population still lives in rural houses. Only in the capital there are chic modern buildings.
The law allows foreigners to buy real estate. But this requires documents confirming the legality of the transaction.
Buying real estate in the Solomon Islands is quite problematic. The fact is that 95% of all the land of the islands belongs to indigenous peoples. For a foreign investor to buy a house, for example, it is necessary to conduct long negotiations with members of various clans in order to find the owner of the land and negotiate a deal. Usually such negotiations take a lot of time and there is no guarantee that everything will work out in your favor. Community land is rarely sold. But it is possible to rent 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 return gift. Smiling and saying “thank you”, you will fully thank you for the services rendered.
Currency can be exchanged at a bank, in large stores and restaurants, some hotels, 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 - only 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 from coral, skins of tropical animals, bird feathers, sea turtle shells.
When going on a trip, make sure that you have all the necessary medicines in your first aid kit. In the Solomon Islands, it can be difficult to acquire them.
Visa information
Solomon islands - a state in the western part of the Pacific Ocean, east of New Guinea, located in the southeastern part of the islands of the same name.
The name of the country is associated with the legend of the country of Ophir, where the treasures of King Solomon are hidden.
Official name: Solomon islands
Capital: Honiara
The area of \u200b\u200bthe land: 28 450 sq. km
Total population: 610 K people
Administrative division: The state is divided into 7 provinces and 1 city.
Form of government: A constitutional monarchy.
Head of State: Queen of Great Britain, represented by the Governor General.
Population composition: 92% are Melanesians, 4% are Polynesians, 1.5% are Micronesians, 1% are Europeans.
Official language: English, pidgin (a mixture of Melanesian and English languages) is also common among the inhabitants of the country.
Religion: 45% of the population belongs to the Anglican Church, 18% to the Roman Catholic, 12% to the Methodist and Presbyterian. 9% are Baptists, 7% are Seventh-day Adventists, 5% are other Protestants. 4% of residents adhere to local traditional beliefs.
Internet domain: .sb
Country dialing code : +677
Climate
Subequatorial monsoon, very hot and humid.
The air temperature throughout the year is practically unchanged - + 25-30 C. From the end of April to the beginning of November (local winter), there is relatively dry and cool weather (+ 24-27 C), due to the southeastern trade winds blowing at this time ( sometimes the direction of the winds shifts to the northern or even western points - this is a clear harbinger of storms and hurricanes).
In summer (December-January-April-March) north-westerly winds prevail, and the air temperature rises to + 26-32 C with an air humidity of about 90%.
Up to 3500 mm of precipitation falls per year (in Honiara - 2250 mm). The maximum amount of rain falls in the period from December to March, and the windward coasts of the islands both in summer and in winter receive 15-30% more precipitation than the leeward ones.
Hurricanes are most likely in summer, but most tropical typhoon paths run significantly east and south of the coast of the Solomon Islands, so here they are much less likely than on more eastern islands to reach destructive force.
Geography
An island nation in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, east of Papua New Guinea. It occupies the southeastern part of the Solomon Islands archipelago (with the exception of the Bougainville and Buka islands, which are geographically part of the same archipelago, but politically belonging to Papua New Guinea) and the nearby islands (a total of 992 islands and reefs, 347 of them inhabited).
In the west (Murua Island and Pocklington Reef) and in the north (Nukumanu Atoll) it borders with Papua New Guinea, in the east with Tuvalu, in the southeast with Vanuatu (Torres Islands), in the south with French overseas territories (Bampton Reef , all maritime boundaries).
The Solomon Islands group consists of six large islands (Choiseul, Santa Isabel, Malaita, San Cristobal, Guadalcanal and New Georgia) forming a double chain in the center of the archipelago, and approximately 20 medium-sized islands (Velha Lavella, Florida, Rennell, Santa Cruz, etc.), as well as a huge number of small islets and reefs scattered around them.
The group stretches more than 1,800 km from Shortland Island in the west to the Tikopia and Anuta Islands in the east and almost 1,000 km from Ontong Java (Lord Howe) in the north to Indispensable Reefs in the south. The Santa Cruz Islands (Vanikoro (La Perouse), Ndeni, Utupua, Tikopia, etc.) lie 230 km southeast of the main group.
The total area of \u200b\u200bthe islands is 27.5 thousand square meters. km (1.35 million sq. km together with adjacent waters), thus it is the third largest island group in the region.
Flora and fauna
Vegetable world
Mangroves and coconut groves protect the coastal areas of most of the islands, while the inland areas are covered by dense rainforest with a colossal plant species - about 4,500 species grow on the islands, and new species are discovered every year.
Many of the coastal natural forests of the large islands have been cleared by agriculture and logging (timber exports account for up to 12% of the country's GDP), but the hinterland is still largely impassable due to high vegetation density and difficult topography.
The mountains of the volcanic islands are covered with dense humid forests, which are home to valuable tropical trees. Lowland areas are used for the cultivation of coconut trees, sweet potatoes, taro, yams, rice, cocoa and other crops (1.5% of the area is cultivated). Lowlands are often swampy. The vegetation of the northeastern plains of Guadalcanal is represented by savannas.
Animal world
The few endemic mammals (bats, marsupial couscous, rats and mice) are mostly nocturnal inhabitants, so they are unlikely to be encountered. On the other hand, the forest crowns are literally teeming with all kinds of birds (about 223 species), insects (only about 130 species of butterflies), and all kinds of amphibians and reptiles (about 70 species) have found their home under the canopy.
Every year thousands of rare birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and butterflies are exported from the Solomon Islands for sale in Asia, North America and Europe. On the shores of the islands, the rarest sea turtles lay their eggs regularly (from November to February). The isolated group of islands of Santa Cruz has a significantly lower species composition of native flora and fauna than the main chain.
Dangerous plants and animals
There are many dangerous animals on the territory of the islands - these include numerous local blood-sucking insects that are carriers of many diseases, various arthropods (primarily the Javanese centipede and scorpions), some of 20 species of reptiles, as well as numerous species of poisonous fish and sea snakes.
It is recommended to move around the country accompanied by an experienced guide or guide, since the rugged local jungle is a potential source of threat in the form of many latently dangerous animals (for example, forest ants and leeches). The same rule is recommended for the organization of diving in local waters.
sights
The main attraction of the Solomon Islands is nature.
Like neighboring Vanuatu, this land, still almost isolated from the outside world, is an example of amazing natural contrasts and endless possibilities for various adventures, where practically impenetrable jungles, high mountain peaks, mighty volcanoes, countless atolls, the purest mountain rivers with waterfalls coexist. and blue lagoons.
It is believed that no other Pacific archipelago has a more diverse nature with such a complex combination of geology and climatic conditions.
The archipelago is practically untouched by tourism, as there are few people on Earth who want to visit this poor and isolated country. But many are attracted here by the genuine naturalness of everything that happens to see or visit.
There is practically nothing artificial or specially created to please tourists, and the nature of the islands, without unnecessary exaggeration called extraordinary, creates for them a reputation, perhaps one of the last places on the planet, as if specially designed for extreme types of recreation.
Here are truly unique conditions for diving, snorkeling, studying the history of the Second World War, ethnography, sailing and sport fishing.
Banks and currency
Solomon Islands dollar (S $, SI $ or SBD) equal to 100 cents. In circulation there are banknotes in denominations of 50, 20, 10, 5 and 2 dollars, coins of 1 dollar, as well as 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cent.
Money can be exchanged at banks, specialized exchange offices (bureaux de change), some hotels, as well as in large shops and restaurants.
Exchange machines working with major world currencies can be found near Honiara's bank offices and major stores. National Bank of the Solomon Islands (NBSI) offers a full range of services for currency exchange and other transactions with it almost throughout the country.
In provincial areas, the easiest way to change money is at branches of NBSI Bank, which has a network of about 50 local agencies, usually located in shops or post offices.
It is possible to use credit cards of the world's major payment systems (as a rule, they are served by three large banks in the capital - ANZ, Westpac and NBSI). In the provinces, it is difficult to use credit cards, it is preferable to pay in cash. There are three ATM machines in Honiara.
Traveler's checks can be cashed at the offices of large banks (all the same ANZ, Westpac and NBSI) in the main cities of the country. To avoid the additional costs associated with exchange rate fluctuations, it is recommended that you bring AUD or GBP checks.
Banks are usually open from Monday to Friday, from 08.30-9.00 to 15.00.
USD and Australian dollars are often accepted for payment, especially in the southern regions of the country.
Useful information for tourists
The archipelago is hardly touched by tourism, few people visit this poor country, but they are attracted to the Solomon Islands by the genuine naturalness of everything that happens to see or visit.
There is practically nothing artificial or created specifically to please tourists. Travelers seeking extraordinary natural conditions will not be disappointed by any part of this small country - the islands have a well-deserved reputation as arguably the best place in the world for scuba, snorkeling and fishing.
Tips are not accepted, but in case of good service, you can leave the staff 5% of the bill or an additional $ 1-2.
Black and red (the color of blood) are taboo on Laulasi and Bu-su, and visitors should take this into account when choosing clothes 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 settlements, you should be careful and limit your curiosity as much as possible.
The term “taboo” means “sacred” (“holy”) as well as “forbidden”, so this is worth bearing 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, income depends on what they grow, so locals can expect decent compensation if you pick a fruit that was intended for sale.
The clothing (or lack thereof) of the islanders may vary, 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 rank below a woman.
It is also forbidden to swim under a canoe in which women are, - it will probably have to be destroyed later, and for many islanders, canoes are the only means of obtaining food.
As in all cultures of the world, taboos play the role of moral precepts or codes and are intended to protect the community, therefore it is not customary to punish the uninitiated, which includes foreigners. Nevertheless, adherence to local customs is desirable.
The official name is Solomon Islands.
Located in the Southwest Pacific Ocean. Area 28 450 km2, population 509 thousand. (2003). The state language is English. The capital is the city of Honiara (55 thousand people, 2003). National holiday - Independence Day on July 7 (1978). The monetary unit is the Solomon Islands dollar.
Member of the UN (since 1978), IMF (1979), WTO (since 1994), Pacific Islands Forum (formerly UTP).
Located between 5 ° 10 and 12 ° 45 S and 155 ° 30 and 170 ° 30 E in the Solomon Islands archipelago (excluding the Bougainville and Buka Islands, which are part of Papua New Guinea), the Santa Cruz island group, other groups and individual islands (922 islands in total). The largest: Guadalcanal (5.6 thousand km2), Makira (San Cristobal) and Santa Isabel (4.7 thousand km2). The length of the archipelago is approx. 1500 km. The length of the coastline is 5313 km.
To the northwest and west of the archipelago is Papua New Guinea, to the southeast - Vanuatu.
Solomon Islands landmarks
In the west, the archipelago is washed by the Solomon Seas, in the southwest - by the Coral Seas.
The Solomon Islands are volcanic, high (mostly), and coral, low, islands. On the high islands there are extinct and active volcanoes, hot springs, and earthquakes are frequent. Mountain ranges occupy almost all of their surface (the highest point is Makarakomburu, 2294 m, Guadalcanal). There are deep narrow valleys between the mountains. Narrow lowlands stretch along the coast. Many volcanic islands are surrounded by coral reefs. The large islands have many mountain rivers suitable for the construction of hydroelectric power plants. There are few lakes, but Lake Tinggoa (the coral island of Rennell) is the largest in Oceania. The high islands are covered with dense forests of valuable tropical species. The fauna is not rich: opossum, wood mouse, large gopher (found only here). Crocodiles live in mangrove swamps. St. 150 species of birds (especially a lot of parrots). The surrounding waters are full of fish, sea turtles, snakes, and molluscs.
Minerals: In the 200-mile economic zone (1.63 million km2) - one of the world's largest concentrations of tuna. There are reserves of lead, zinc, nickel and gold.
The climate is tropical. Hot and humid season: November-March (showers, hurricanes). The average annual temperature is + 23-27 ° С. Average annual rainfall is 2000-3000 mm (in some places - up to 8000 mm).
Population growth rates - up to 3% per year. Composition of the population: Melanesians (93%), Polynesians (4%), Micronesians (1.5%), there are Europeans (0.8%), Chinese (0.3%), etc. The main language of interethnic communication is pidgin (Anglo-Melanesian version). Not more than 2% of residents speak English. The indigenous population uses approximately 120 languages \u200b\u200band dialects. Very strong communal, clan and family ties remain. 90% of the inhabitants live in small villages and are engaged in subsistence or semi-subsistence agriculture. Competently 65% \u200b\u200bof the adult population. Life expectancy for men is 70, for women - 75 years. Child mortality 23 people. per 1000 newborns.
Among believers, Christians predominate, mainly Protestants (78%), incl. Anglicans - 45%. Catholics - 18%, adherents of traditional beliefs - 4%.
The first of the Europeans to visit the archipelago was the Spaniard A. de Mendanha (1568). Assuming that he had found the fabulous land of the biblical king Solomon, he named the archipelago Solomon Islands. Only 200 years later, other European navigators began to study them. Bloody clashes between slave traders and indigenous people served as a pretext for Great Britain to establish a protectorate over the archipelago and nearby islands in 1893-1900 (some of them were ceded to Germany in 1900). Indigenous unrest continued until World War II, when the Japanese occupied the Solomon Islands. In 1942 - 43 islands - the site of fierce battles (especially Guadalcanal) of American troops and their allies with Japanese troops. After the war, under the pressure of the indigenous peoples' struggle for independence, the development of self-government began. In 1974, the first elections to the Legislative Assembly of the Solomon Islands were held. In 1976 they received the status of internal self-government, and in 1978 - independence. Due to periodic outbreaks of interethnic clashes, the internal political situation remains extremely unstable. So, at the end. 1998, another unrest broke out on the island of Guadalcanal, caused by the discontent of local residents (isatabu) with the flow of immigrants from other islands of the archipelago (primarily from the neighboring, most populated island of Malaita) and the related seizure of land, an increase in crime, etc. More than 20 thousand Malays were expelled from Guadalcanal. In response, Malay paramilitaries forced the then prime minister to resign in June 2000 and seized control of the capital. Despite the fact that the end. In 2000, a peace agreement was reached, and in December 2001, new elections were held, lawlessness continued to reign in the country. The new government authorities have repeatedly called for the introduction of a UN peacekeeping force or the Pacific Islands Forum into the country. Finally, on July 24, 2003, an advance detachment of Australian troops as part of the joint Forum forces landed on Guadalcanal (which also included parts of Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Tonga, Samoa and New Zealand) to restore law and order in the archipelago.
Solomon Islands is a parliamentary democracy within the Commonwealth of Nations (formerly British). The head of state is the English queen (at the same time - the queen of the Solomon Islands). She appoints the Governor General on the recommendation of the local parliament, whose 50 members are elected by popular vote for a 4-year term (next election in 2005). The executive power rests with the Prime Minister (A. Kemakez), who is approved by the parliament together with his deputy and ministers (all members of parliament).
The country is administratively divided into 9 districts (provinces) and the city of Honiara.
Main political parties: People's Alliance Party (leader A. Kemakeza, 16 parliamentary seats), Union of Solomon Islands for a Coalition of Change (13), Progressive People's Party (2), Labor Party of Solomon Islands (1), etc.
There is no regular armed forces, there is only police and intelligence.
Solomon Islands has no diplomatic relations with the Russian Federation.
GDP per capita US $ 1.7 thousand (at purchasing power parity, 2001). The internal political chaos of recent years has hit the economy hard. If in 1984-93 the average annual GDP growth rate was 3.5%, and in 1994-96 - even 7.7%, then in 1997-2002 the volume of GDP decreased by almost 20%. More than 70 percent of the economically active population is engaged in semi-subsistence agriculture. Cocoa beans, coconut trees, rice, potatoes, vegetables and fruits, etc. are grown. The population breeds pigs and poultry, and cattle are raised on farms. In the commodity sector of the economy, agriculture, forestry and fishing account for 24% of the employed, industry - 13%, and the service sector (trade, finance, state apparatus, etc.) - more than 60%.
There are enterprises for the production of canned fish, clothing, furniture, souvenirs, woodworking.
Of the more than 1360 km of roads, only 34 km are paved, and 800 km are roads inside private plantations. Coasters ply between the islands. The main seaport is Honiara. There are several ports and harbors. Out of 32 aerodromes, 2 have hard-surface runways. The international airport is in the area of \u200b\u200bHoniara. Internet users - 8.4 thousand people. (2002).
Potential tourism opportunities are poorly used, there are only 10-11 thousand foreign tourists a year. In addition to the underdeveloped transport and other infrastructure, the main obstacle to expanding the flow of tourists is the unstable internal political situation.
Copra, palm oil, fish, timber, cocoa are exported. Food and fuel, finished products, machinery and equipment are imported. Foreign economic partners: Japan, Australia, South Korea, countries of Southeast Asia, etc.
Foreign financial assistance (Japan, Australia, New Zealand, China) plays an important role.
School education is still optional. Out of more than 500 secondary schools - only 21. The College of Higher Education trains teachers, accountants, paramedics, and fish industry specialists. But residents actually receive higher education in Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Australia and New Zealand. Honiara is home to the University of South Pacific Marine Resources Institute (Fiji).
