Solomon Islands Nutz and Bolts

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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: 523,617 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. Major Cities: Honiara Attractions: Fish, Diving, Sun Accommodation: 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 esistant to chloroquine and sulfadoxine�pyrimethamine. Recommended treatment is chloroquine plus proguanil. 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.


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