| Surface : 27,556
sq km (10,639 sq miles) - The Solomon Islands archipelago
is scattered in the southwestern Pacific, east of Papua New Guinea.
The group comprises most of the Solomon Islands (those in the
northwest are part of Papua New Guinea), the Ontong Java Islands,
Rennell Island and the Santa Cruz Islands, which lie further to the
east.
|
| Population : 447,000 inhabitants |
| Electricity: 240
volts AC, 50Hz. Australian-type flat three-pin plugs are in use |
| Climate: Semi-tropical,
mainly hot and humid, with little annual variation in temperature. The
wet season (November to April) can bring severe tropical storms. |
| PASSPORTS:
Passport valid for at least 6 months required
by all except nationals of Hong Kong (SAR) with a document of identity
- VISAS: A Visitor’s Permit will be
issued to most nationals on arrival at the airport. The permit allows
stays of up to 3 months and the cost of the permit varies according to
nationality. |
| Capital : Honiara.
Population: 35,288 |
| System : Constitutional
monarchy. Gained independence from the UK in 1978. The British monarch,
represented by a Governor General, is the head of state, but real
power is held by the Prime Minister, who presides over a cabinet of 14
other ministers. The legislature is unicameral and elected every 4
years. The number of seats in the assembly is 47. |
| Languages : English
is the official language. Pidgin English and over 80 different local
dialects are also spoken. |
| Religions : More
than 95 per cent of the population are Christian; the rest mostly hold
traditional beliefs. |
| Money : Solomon
Islands Dollar (SI$) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of SI$50,
20, 10, 5 and 2. Coins are in denominations of SI$1, and 50, 20, 10,
5, 2 and 1 cents. |
 |
+ 677 |
|
 |
|
+11 |
|