Asia and Oceania

Solomon Islands
Last reviewed: 09 October 2009

Country information

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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%.