Question 1

What is the population of Solomon Islands?

Accepted Answer

The population of Solomon Islands is approximately 740,424.

Question 2

How do people greet each other in the Solomon Islands?

Accepted Answer

Villagers greet one another by first name in their own language, or in pijin if from different language groups; a standard greeting is 'Where have you come from?' or 'Where are you going?' Do: Use formal titles like 'Mr' or 'Mrs' with strangers Inform the chief of the nature and length of your visit when arriving at a village Greet a chief according to your familiarity with him

Question 3

What are the dining customs in the Solomon Islands?

Accepted Answer

The main meal is usually after sunset and includes staples like cassava or sweet potato with fish, vegetables and fruit; families sit together on the floor of an open-air kitchen or veranda. Do: Wait for grace, which is traditionally said before eating Eat with your fingers or use utensils, as you prefer As a guest, expect to eat with the father The mother and elder girls serve the meal, giving the first serve to the men Women and children eat elsewhere from male guests Speeches are made by the host and reciprocated by the visitor Food is covered with towels or leaves before being served

Question 4

What etiquette should I know when visiting homes in the Solomon Islands?

Accepted Answer

Visiting is central to life; formal invitations are only for feasts, and visits are mostly about conversation and storytelling on the veranda. Do: Call out as you approach a house Take off your shoes at the door Accept tea and food if it is offered Women generally visit women, and men visit men People gather outside on the veranda

Question 5

How should I dress in the Solomon Islands?

Accepted Answer

Dress is casual: men wear shorts and T-shirts, and women wear under-the-knee skirts; men and women often wear lavalavas (large wrapped cloths). Adults like to wear jewelry such as shell necklaces, armbands and hair combs Flowers may be tucked behind the ear or braided into the hair

Question 6

What gestures are important in the Solomon Islands?

Accepted Answer

Facial expression is a vital part of conversation; quickly raised eyebrows indicate agreement, and pointing is done with pursed lips and chin rather than the hand. Do: Beckon by waving the fingers of one hand with the palm down Don't: Do not shout, as it is impolite Do not step over a man As a man, do not walk under a woman's clothing or a clothesline Do not hold hands or walk arm in arm with someone of the opposite sex Clicking the tongue may suggest disapproval or concern Same-sex friends may hold hands or walk arm in arm Women cross or fold their legs under them in the company of men

Question 7

What role does family play in the Solomon Islands?

Accepted Answer

Family and children are highly valued, and extended families keep close ties through the wantok system, where people of the same language, village or family share belongings and help one another. Men typically earn income, fish, clear gardens and build houses Women maintain gardens, prepare food and firewood, and care for children Children help out after the age of five Do not rush people, as Solomon Islanders do not like to be hurried

Question 8

What can I do for recreation in the Solomon Islands?

Accepted Answer

The islands are known for diving and snorkeling among coral reefs and shipwrecks, plus surfing, kayaking, hiking, fishing and beach relaxation. Explore coral reefs and marine life while diving or snorkeling Try surfing in the Western Province Take cultural tours to villages, dances and ceremonies Go whale and dolphin watching at certain times of year

Question 9

What is the capital of the Solomon Islands?

Accepted Answer

Honiara, located on the northwestern coast of Guadalcanal Island, is the capital and largest city of the Solomon Islands. It serves as the political, economic, and administrative hub of the nation. Honiara grew from a World War II military base and today hosts the national parliament, major ports, and key government institutions. Its position on Guadalcanal links it directly to one of the most fiercely contested battlegrounds of the Pacific War.

Question 10

Where is the Solomon Islands located?

Accepted Answer

The Solomon Islands lies in Melanesia, a subregion of Oceania in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, northeast of Australia and southeast of Papua New Guinea. The nation comprises more than 900 islands stretching across roughly 1,500 kilometers of ocean. Its nearest neighbors include Vanuatu to the southeast and Papua New Guinea to the northwest. The islands sit within the so-called Coral Triangle, one of the most biodiverse marine regions on Earth.

Question 11

What are the ocean and sea borders of the Solomon Islands?

Accepted Answer

As an island nation, the Solomon Islands has no land borders and is entirely surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, with the Solomon Sea lying to its west and northwest. The Coral Sea borders its southern periphery. These waters are critically important to the nation's economy, providing fishing grounds and supporting subsistence livelihoods for coastal communities. The archipelago's remote maritime setting has historically shaped both its development and its geopolitical relationships.

Question 12

What religion is practiced in the Solomon Islands?

Accepted Answer

Anglican Christianity is the dominant faith, practiced by approximately 45% of the population. Roman Catholicism accounts for around 18%, while United Church denominations — combining Methodist and Presbyterian traditions — represent roughly 12%. Christianity was introduced by missionaries in the nineteenth century and is now deeply embedded in community life and governance. Church institutions remain influential in education, healthcare, and social welfare across the archipelago.

Question 13

What currency is used in the Solomon Islands?

Accepted Answer

The Solomon Islands Dollar, with the ISO currency code SBD, is the official currency of the country. It was introduced at independence and is issued by the Central Bank of Solomon Islands. The economy relies heavily on subsistence agriculture, timber, and fisheries exports, meaning the dollar operates alongside a significant informal barter economy, particularly in rural and outer-island communities.

Question 14

What languages are spoken in the Solomon Islands?

Accepted Answer

English is the official language of the Solomon Islands but is spoken by only an estimated 1–2% of the population, primarily in formal and governmental contexts. Melanesian Pidgin — locally known as Pijin — functions as the widely used lingua franca across the archipelago. Beyond these, over 70 distinct indigenous languages are spoken among the various ethnic communities. Language is closely tied to identity; the local concept of wantok literally means "one talk," referring to people who share a common tongue, village, or kinship group.

Question 15

What is the terrain and geography of the Solomon Islands like?

Accepted Answer

The Solomon Islands consists of a double chain of more than 900 islands, ranging from rugged, densely forested volcanic peaks to low-lying coral atolls. The larger islands — including Guadalcanal, Malaita, and New Georgia — feature mountainous interiors, river valleys, and coastal mangroves. The surrounding seas contain extensive coral reef systems, including habitat supporting endangered species such as the hawksbill turtle, which nests on the protected Arnavon Islands. The tropical climate brings high rainfall and vulnerability to cyclones and seismic activity.

Question 16

What is the Solomon Islands known for?

Accepted Answer

The Solomon Islands is known for its pivotal role in World War II, particularly the Battle of Guadalcanal — one of the bloodiest campaigns of the Pacific theater — with rusting wrecks and war relics still visible today. The country is also recognized for its rich coral reef ecosystems and world-class wreck diving. Culturally, the wantok system — a deeply rooted network of mutual obligation among people of shared language or kinship — defines social life. The islands are additionally a significant producer of sustainably harvested timber and are home to traditional shell-money craftsmanship unique to the region.

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