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Asia and Oceania

Solomon Islands
Last reviewed: 09 October 2009

Country information

Area: 1.35m sq km (850,000 sq miles)
Population: 530,000 (Est)
Capital city: Honiara
People: Melanesian (93%), Polynesian (4%), Micronesian (1.5%), Europeans and Chinese.
Languages: The official language is English but the most widely used is Pidgin. There are 92 indigenous languages (census 1999).
Religion(s): Most people are Christian (45% Anglican, 18% Roman Catholic, 12% Methodist-Presbyterian, 9% Baptist, 7% Seventh Day Adventist). People adhere to the extended family or Wantok system. Traditional beliefs often co-exist with Christianity.
Currency: Solomon Islands Dollar (SBD)
Political system: Westminster-style parliamentary democracy.
Major political parties: There are currently nine registered parties: Peoples Alliance Party (PAP), Democratic Party (DP), People's Progressive Party (PPP), United Party (UP), National Party (NP), Liberal Party (LP), Association of Independent Members (AIM), Lafari Party (LP) and Social Credit Party (SOCRED).
Government: The Solomon Islands has a democratically elected 50 member unicameral Parliament which chooses the Prime Minister and Governor General.
Last election: 5 April 2006
Next election due: 2010
Head of State: Her Majesty The Queen, represented by HE Mr Frank Kabui , Governor General.
Prime Minister: The Hon Dr Derek Sikua
Foreign Minister: The Hon Mr William Haomae
Membership of international groups/organisations: The Solomon Islands is a member of the: Commonwealth, Pacific Islands Forum, South Pacific Forum, the United Nations (UN), the World Trade Organisation (WTO), the International Monetary Fund (IMF) the World Bank, the Melanesian Spearhead Group, the Association of Small Island States and the Coral Triangle Initiative.

Health

A shortage of government funds has severely restricted the government's ability to provide health services - usually via small district clinics and a provincial hospital. The World Health Organisation and the Australian aid agency, AUSAID, have provided core funding since the 1999 crisis to maintain services. Malaria, however, is widespread and is the main cause of premature death in the country. Although there are no reliable figures, there are fears that instances of HIV/AIDS are fast increasing. Diabetes, unknown in the country before the 1980s, has become widespread  owing to poor diet. Many medical elective students from the UK visit the Solomon Islands as part of their studies, their contribution to developing the health system is a useful part of their time here.

Economy

Basic economic facts

Current economic indicators can be found on the website of the Central Bank of the Solomon Islands. However, both the Asian Development Bank and the International Monetary Fund have advised caution over the Solomon Islands Government’s own figures on the economy.

GDP real growth (2008) – 7.3% (IMF)
GDP per Capita (2008) IMF US$904
Population growth: IMF 2.8% HIES 4.4% (under dispute)
Inflation: 2008 18.2% (IMF) 16.5% (3 month average March 2009)(CBSI)
Gross external reserves: 22/07/09 USD $106m SBD $857m
Overall production rate Index: March 2009 103.9 (1994 = 100)
Major industries: Timber, fish, copra, palm oil, cocoa
Major trading partners: SI Export locations China, Thailand, Republic of Korea (UK 9th)
SI Import from: Australia, Singapore, Japan, (UK 14th)
Exchange rate: CBSI 22/07/09 £1 GBP = $13.28 SBD

Ethnic unrest and lawlessness severely damaged the Solomon Islands economy between 1999 and 2003 and, as a result, there has been little inward or outward investment. GDP fell significantly over this period and GDP per capita halved to below US$500. Export earnings fell by 80% to just US$34. The main cause of the economic decline was the destruction of the largest income earning activities (timber, palm oil, gold, fish processing and tourism). There was also extensive damage to personal property, transport infrastructure, schools, water supply and sanitation systems, government buildings and the health sector.

Currently around 80% of the population is supported through subsistence farming. The vast majority of the countries income derives from the export of primary goods and from development aid (for every two dollars the government spends, donors provide three).

Logging is the primary export. It accounts for around 60% of export earnings, constitutes 17% of the economy and provides 16% of government income.

Estimates vary, but present rates of logging look likely to exhaust commercially viable forest by 2014. The World Bank has identified a number of potential replacement sources for growth including Fish, Copra, Cocoa, Palm oil, Gold mining and tourism. But it seems clear that there will be a significant reduction in government revenue as a result.

NGO’s and donors are beginning to explore with government the potential for carbon credits to generate export earnings. This work is still constrained by the lack of a formal market for carbon trading – an issue which may be addressed at the UNFCCC in Copenhagen in December.

The advent of the Global Economic Crisis, has had a significant and detrimental impact on Government finances. Total revenue receipts are down by around 25%, there has been pressure on foreign exchange reserves (which fell to just 2.4 months import cover during May 2009 although this recovered to 4.2 months cover by July) and an ongoing cash squeeze. This has led to slight delays of payment to the government payroll. Donors, including the EU and World Bank, are in discussion with the Solomon Island government over whether (and how) they can offer budgetary support.

Climate Change

As a Least Developed Country (LDC) and a Small Island Developing State (SIDS) Solomon Islands is extremely vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change. Rising sea levels rise is already causing significant damage to rural infrastructure including wharves and roads. Salt-water intrusion, as a result of King Tides, is affecting food security and heavier, more frequent and less predictable rainfall has caused flash floods and several deaths this year. The Government is, therefore, currently looking at options for the resettlement of parts of the population in particularly low lying areas. Given the constraints of the customary land system this is likely to be extremely challenging. In addition the commercial logging of Solomon Islands lowland rainforest is depleting world carbon stocks – and destroying bio-diversity.

The Ministry of Environment has formed a specialist Climate Change Division and is mainstreaming climate risk management into the work of the National Disaster Management Office. Solomon Islands is a member of the Association of Small Island States (AOSIS) grouping and it’s participation in the UNFCC process leading to Copenhagen in December is shaped by this membership. The Solomon Islands is, therefore, arguing that the Copenhagen Conference should agree to try and limit worldwide warming to a 1.5 degree target – in order to avoid catastrophic sea level rise.

History

Recent history

Ethnic tension, mostly over land rights and jobs, between the indigenous people of Guadalcanal and settlers from Malaita province, has been simmering for over 40 years, but escalated in 2000. Malaitans migrated to Guadalcanal in large numbers after World War II looking for work when the capital was moved from the New Florida Islands to Honiara on Guadalcanal to take advantage of a large airstrip started by the Japanese and completed by US forces. Malaitans proved more adept at adapting to western influence and education and did much to develop the capital and gained key positions in the public sector and government. This provoked resentment among the indigenous people of Guadalcanal, who responded between 1999 and 2003 by driving many Malaitans from their homes.

Early in 2000, Malaitans, frustrated at perceived government inaction in meeting their demands for compensation for the properties they had left behind on Guadalcanal, raided the police armoury at Auki, Malaita and seized all its weapons. These were gradually transferred over to Honiara and on 5 June a force calling itself the Malaita Eagle Force/Joint Operation seized the police armoury in Honiara, in collaboration with sympathetic members of the local police (RSIP), and held Prime Minister Ulufa'alu hostage. On 14 June 2000, Ulufa'alu resigned 'for his own safety' and to appease the MEF. Following some protracted negotiations between the new government and the two militant groups (IFM and MEF) a cease-fire agreement was finally signed for 30 days on 5 August 2000. Despite occasional breaches by both sides it was generally observed.

An integral part of the cease-fire agreement was that a Peace Agreement had to be signed by early November 2000. The final negotiations of the agreement took place at an army base in Townsville (Australia) and the Townsville Agreement was signed on 15 October 2000. Inter-ethnic fighting ceased and some 2,000 weapons were subsequently handed in to the International Peace Monitoring Team (IPMT). But many high-powered weapons remained in the hands of former militants, and a climate of fear perpetuated due to continuing violent criminality and police corruption. The economic situation continued to deteriorate owing to the general lawlessness. In early 2003 the Government was subjected to armed threat by a small number of police to extract millions of dollars of public funds claimed as compensation. By this stage Government services were virtually non-existent due to the lack of funds – schools and clinics closed in many rural areas. The Solomon Islands became a failed State.

But 2003 also marked the beginnings of social and economic recovery. The arrival from the UK early in 2003 of a new Royal Solomon Islands Police (RSIP) Commissioner, jointly funded by the UK and the EU, began to restore hope that the situation would be addressed. In July, a Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI) arrived, an initiative led by Australia and New Zealand, with personnel support from other South Pacific countries. The combined military/police/civilian expert task force initially included 2,300 armed troops, helicopters, and five naval vessels.

RAMSI's first priority was restoration of law and order: this was achieved with remarkable success. Criminals were arrested and weapons were handed in without any loss of life. 300 Australian and regional policemen strengthened the RSIP and public confidence in the police started to return. The military component of RAMSI was scaled down at the end of 2003.

Considerable effort is now being directed at good governance and restoring Government services. This is expected to be a long term venture. Several complex issues, such as land rights, are among the fundamental issues affecting reform and development, and the rate of progress is unpredictable. In November 2003 a national economic recovery plan and budget was agreed by Parliament and presented to donors. The main international donors, i.e. World Bank, and Asian Development Bank, who had suspended activities due to the law and order problems committed to re-engage. The EU also announced the release of a package of funds worth €85 million, which had been on hold since 2000.

In April 2006, widespread rioting and looting took place following the election of a new Prime Minister, Snyder Rini. 90% of China Town in Honiara was destroyed along with many other buildings, including a major hotel. After a week in office, Mr Rini stepped down and a new Prime Minister, Mannaseh Sogavare was subsequently elected.

In April 2007, Western Province and Choiseul were hit by a tsunami following an earthquake measuring 8 on the Richter Scale. 52 people are known to have lost their lives in the disaster and more than 6,000 people were made homeless as a result.

In December 2007, a new Government came to power after Prime Minister Sogavare had lost a vote of confidence in Parliament. Solomon Islands MPs subsequently elected Dr Derek Sikua as their new Prime Minister.  During his first 18 months in Office, Prime Minister Sikua’s CNURA Government has focused on an ambitious legislative and policy agenda . This has included: a) pushing ahead with a political integrity bill; b) the setting up of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission (which was opened by His Grace Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu in April 2009); and the development of a Medium Term Development Strategy.

At the Same time the Sikua Government, working with its international partners, has continued with efforts to restore normality in the country. The critical task now ahead of RAMSI and other international aid donors is to help the Solomon Islands develop the capacity to run their own affairs successfully in the future.

Longer historical perspective

The UK declared a Protectorate over the Southern Solomons in 1893. Further islands were added to the Protectorate in 1898 when Choiseul and Isabel were transferred by treaty with Germany. Parts of the Solomon Islands were occupied by the Japanese during the Second World War, but were returned to British administration after the war, with responsibility gradually being passed to Solomon Islanders. On 7 July 1978 the Solomon Islands became an Independent Realm within the Commonwealth with The Queen as Head of State.

BBC News Timeline: Solomon Islands

International relations

Solomon Islands' relations with its neighbours

The Solomon Islands is a member of many regional and international bodies, including the Pacific Islands Forum and the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG). Solomon Islands hosts the Forum Fisheries Agency, which is based in Honiara. Australia and New Zealand play a major role in the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI), which is also actively supported by Papua New Guinea and other Pacific partners. The Solomon Islands hosted the Pacific Islands News Association Convention in May 2007.

Solomon Islands' relations with the international community

The Solomon Islands is a member of the UN and the Commonwealth. There is a Commonwealth Youth Programme Office in Honiara. The Solomon Islands has followed a policy of non-alignment since independence. It is an active supporter of the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty (which it ratified in January 1989) and has completed a Nuclear Proliferation Treaty safeguards agreement with the IAEA.

The UK, Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Japan and Taiwan all have Diplomatic Missions in the Solomon Islands. The US has a Consular Agent in Honiara. France, Germany, Sweden, Turkey, South Korea ,Malaysia, The Philippines and Israel have Honorary Consuls. The Solomon Islands has diplomatic missions in Canberra, Taipei, Suva, Port Moresby, at the UN in New York and the European Commission in Brussels (the High Commissioner there is accredited to the UK).

Solomon Islands relations with the UK

Bilateral relations with the UK remain strong. The UK’s bilateral aid programme in the Solomon Islands ended in early 2004 when the UK’s regional aid programme came to a close. However UK funding through the EU, the largest multilateral donor to the Solomon Islands, will continue. The UK contributes almost 15% of the EU development budget in the Solomon Islands. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office assistance to the Solomon Islands is focussed on security sector reform, good governance, sustainable development and poverty alleviation. Among the activities supported in the last two years are: education on HIV/AIDS, rural clinics, collective farming, flood relief (through the Solomon Island Red Cross), and the protection and empowerment of women.

The Previous Governor General, Sir Nathaniel Waena, visited the UK in 2008 and had an audience with HM The Queen.

TRH Duke and Duchess of Gloucester visited Solomon Islands in August 2008 to mark the 30th anniversary of Solomon Islands independence. In August 2007 Michael Howard MP and Baroness Golding from the UK Parliamentary Association (CPA) visited the Solomon Islands.

Geography

The Solomon Islands is a scattered archipelago of six main islands and 986 smaller islands situated some 1,800 kilometres north-east of Australia. Its closest neighbours are Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu. The population of the Islands was estimated in 2005 to be 538,000 and is growing at a rate of at least 2.7% per annum – the highest population growth rate in the region. 52% of the population are estimated to be under the age of 18. The population is mainly Melanesian and about 85% live in rural areas. The capital, Honiara, has a population of approximately 55,000, although the number varies as people move to and from the neighbouring islands. The second largest town has a population of fewer than 6,000. The Solomon Islands is classed by the UN as a Least Developed Country due to its poor social indicators and a per capita income of US$651 (2005). Statistical figures of this type are, however, difficult to assess as very little data has been gathered over the last four years. The National Statistical Office only resumed work in 2003 and its capacity is limited. Child female literacy is 59%.

Trade and investment

There is currently a low level of inward investment into the Solomon Islands.  A number of high profile foreign investors withdrew during the unrest resulting in the closure of the Gold Ridge goldmine and the Solomon Islands Plantations Ltd (palm oil) with significant job losses. Gold Ridge is under new management and significant efforts are being made to secure the investment required to rehabilitate the site. It is thought that production will not commence until 14 months after the $100 million USD that Gold Ridge estimate is required is raised. Solomon Islands Plantation site was purchased by New Britain Palm Oil Ltd (quoted on the London Stock Exchange) and has now returned to production.

The downturn in world prices and demand for primary products, particularly timber which accounts for 60% of Solomon Islands export receipts, has adversely affected Solomon Islands' trade performance. Balance of Payment figures, government revenue and foreign currency reserves have been under significant pressure during the first and second quarters of 2009. A further 25 % forecast annual decline in logging revenues is likely to compound the problem. British companies who operate in Solomon Islands include British - American Tobacco (who run the local cigarette-making factory) and De La Rue, who print local banknotes and passports.

Politics

The last elections were in April 2006, and were pronounced by international observers to be mostly free and fair. 50% of sitting MPs lost their seats. No one political grouping could claim victory and party discipline is weak or non-existent. The appointment of a Prime Minister was, therefore, decided by a vote among the 50 newly elected MPs. They elected Snyder Rini as Prime Minister. This decision caused a great deal of unrest in the country leading to widespread rioting and looting in Honiara. Mr Rini subsequently stepped down and a new Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare was elected by his peers. Although a number of women stood for parliament, none were elected.

In December 2007, a new Government came to power after Prime Minister Sogavare lost a vote of confidence in Parliament. Solomon Islands MPs subsequently elected Dr Derek Sikua as their new Prime Minister.

Current domestic political issues are economic reform, particularly rural development, the regulation of the logging industry and debate on a new Federal Constitution. The next national elections are due between April and August 2010.

Human rights

The Solomon Islands is a signatory to many of the core human rights treaties but the lack of good government procedures has meant that it is unaware in many cases of its obligations and has no audit capacity against which to judge its performance. A lack of financial and other resources has also restricted the Government's ability to conform. With no universal primary education and 85% of the population living in rural areas and not part of the cash economy, there is a low awareness of rights and the workings of the judicial system. The participation of women in government and administrative roles is minimal and needs to be enhanced.

According to the UNDP Human Development Report 2007/08, the GDP per capita (PPP US$) was 2,031 in 2005. The HDR doesn’t have data from Solomon Islands on female literacy. However, the gross primary enrolment female ratio was 94% in 2005, although this dropped to 27% for gross secondary enrolment. UNICEF’s The State of Pacific Children 2008, states that primary school enrolment the Solomon Islands is 80%; there are no statistics for literacy.

A family health and safety survey carried out by the Ministry of Women, Youth and Children Affairs, reported two out of three women aged 15-49 years in the Solomon Islands who had a relationship were violently treated by their husband or boyfriend. The findings, based on a World Health Organisation multi country study on Women's Health and Domestic Violence against women, said one out of 10 pregnant women report being beaten during pregnancy, and one out five of these experience being punched or kicked on the stomach.

The ethnic fighting of 1999-2000 resulted in a number of serious abuses of individual rights, in some cases by serving members of the police force who had gone over to one side or other of the militant factions.

There are no reports of political prisoners. There is a free press and radio and the Constitution provides for the right of assembly. Homosexuality remains illegal and the law is enforced.

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Travel Advice

Travel Advice: Solomon Islands 

See Also

Useful Links

• BBC News Timeline: Solomon Islands
• Central Bank of the Solomon Islands

Contacts

Copyright 2009 Foreign & Commonwealth Office