Solomon Islands Travel Facts
The Basics
Country: Solomon Islands
Where is it?: Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, east of Papua New Guinea
Why do people go here?: Recent fighting has scared away most travelers but don’t fret too much: that means there’s more for you! The islands are home to fantastic fishing, diving, and other tropical pleasures. Eco-tourism lodges cash in on this all-loving nature feel.
What are the main entry points?: Honiara is home to the international airport, with a majority of flights arriving from Australia with a couple from neighboring pacific islands thrown in. Yachts do stop here and, less frequently, a cruise ship or two.
Currency used: Solomon Islands dollar (SBD)
Country Code: 677
Area codes for Major Cities: No city codes required
Religion: Anglican 45%, Roman Catholic 18%, United (Methodist/Presbyterian) 12%, Baptist 9%, Seventh-Day Adventist 7%, other Protestant 5%, indigenous beliefs 4%
Population: 530,000
Ethnic Breakdown: Melanesian 93%, Polynesian 4%, Micronesian 1.5%, European 0.8%, Chinese 0.3%, other 0.4%
Government: Parliamentary democracy tending toward anarchy
Languages: Melanesian pidgin in much of the country is lingua franca; English is official but spoken by only 1%-2% of the population. 120 indigenous languages.
Travel Information
Major Cities: Honiara
Attractions: Fish, Diving, Sun
Tourism Office locations and links: Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau P.O.Box 321 Honiara, Solomon Islands +677 22442; FAX 23986; visitors@solomon.com.sb, www.commerce.gov.sb/tourism/index.htm
Health Issues: Malaria risk exists throughout the year except in a few eastern and southern outlying islets. It is resistant to chloroquine and sulfadoxine pyrimethamine. Recommended treatment is chloroquine plus proguanil.
Tips for Visiting
When to go: June and July have the weather, the fun, and the festivals.
Specific Events/Holidays: Independence Day, 7 July (1978)
Getting Around: Minibuses will get your around the main sights, but taxis are better for getting out of the way. Sea travel is available, but you have to search it out and look for prices.
Cheapest airport to fly into: The cheapest airport to fly into Solomon Islands is the Henderson International Airport.
Need more information?: Check out the Solomon Islands travel guide for more on what to see, where to stay, and how to get there.
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