The Solomon Islands are a South Pacific archipelago east of Papua New Guinea. They occupy a strategic location on sea routes between the South Pacific Ocean, the Solomon Sea, and the Coral Sea.
The Solomon Islands cover an area of more than 1000 square kilometres and are made up of over 992 islands. There are six major islands located between New Guinea and Vanuatu, these include, Choiseul, Isabel, New Georgia, Guadalcanal, Malaita and Makira.
The islands are believed to have been inhabited for around 5000 years and European discovery reportedly occurred in 1568. The Spanish explorer, Alvaro de Mendana, named the islands, âIsles of Solomonâ, after discovering gold, believed to have belonged to King Solomon.
Solomon Islands are divided into nine provinces. Close to 87 different languages are spoken, including the predominantly used language of Pijin. English is also spoken and understood throughout Solomon Islands. The many islands and atolls that make up these provinces are mainly covered in dense rainforest.
The island people are very friendly and hospitable to visitors. After meeting the locals, it seems difficult to believe that parts of the country have a history of head hunting, which is now non-existent.
