The Solomon Islands is an intriguing blend of natural wonders and cultural diversity. It holds an irresistible allure for those seeking an authentic and off-the-beaten-path adventure. From the dense rainforests to the captivating tales of World War II, there are many fun facts about the Solomon Islands that make it such an extraordinary destination.
Historical Facts About The Solomon Islands
Located in the South Pacific, the Solomon Islands boast a rich and diverse history that spans thousands of years. From ancient indigenous cultures to colonial influences and the struggles for independence, these facts about the Solomon Islands shed light on the significance of the region.
The Japanese Occupied The Islands In The Second World War
In the second world war, the Japanese forces occupied the Islands; however, after three years and several fierce battles, the Allied forces managed to reclaim the Islands.
These battles are also the reason there are so many aircraft and shipwrecks in the surrounding waters. Today, these wrecks have made the Solomon Islands a popular place for scuba divers.
Blackbirding Was Very Common In The Solomon Islands
This is one of the most unfortunate chapters and facts in the history of the Solomon Islands. Blackbirding refers to the abduction of people for forced labor in other countries. People were kidnapped from the Solomon Islands, and then they were forced to work on plantations in neighboring countries of Australia and Fiji.
A total of 30000 people are believed to be kidnapped from the country in the process of blackbirding. Efforts were made to end the practice at the end of the 1800s and the start of the 1900s. In an attempt to eliminate the practice of blackbirding, many countries banned the hiring of overseas workers.
One Of The Islands in The Solomon Islands Is Named After President Kennedy
American President John F. Kennedy commanded a naval fleet in the Second World War. In 1943, his fleet was left stranded in the Solomon Islands, and the President, along with the other survivors, had to swim to the nearby uninhabited island called Plum Pudding Island.
The island is now named after the President, and they are now called Kennedy Islands. When John F. Kennedy became the President, he kept a coconut shell from the Solomon Islands in his office as a reminder of this incident.
The Islands Were Once A Colony Of The United Kingdom
In the 19th century, the Solomon Islands were colonized by the United Kingdom. In 1893 it was declared to be a British protectorate state. The protectorate was also known as Happy Isles, based on a poem by Tennyson.
Cultural Facts About The Solomon Islands
The Solomon Islands are not only known for their stunning natural landscapes but also their rich and vibrant cultural traditions. Rooted in ancient customs and diverse ethnic groups, these interesting facts about the Solomon Islands provide a captivating glimpse into the unique culture of the place.
The Official Language Of The Islands Is Not Spoken By The Majority
English is the official language of the Solomon Islands; however, only an estimated 1 to 2% of the population can speak the English language. The Solomon Islands is comprised of hundreds of different islands, and most of them have their own local languages.
People prefer to speak their local languages rather than English. There are around 120 local languages in the country. Pidgin is also spoken in the Solomon Islands.
The Most Popular Food Item In The Solomon Islands
Fish is the most popular food in the country. People cook it as the main course and also as a side dish with other tasty main course dishes. When you are surrounded by such clean waters, seafood and fish seem to be the perfect dishes to enjoy.
Clan Ties Are of Great Importance in The Solomon Islands
While the Solomon Islands have experienced some social and cultural changes due to modernization and external influences, clan ties remain an integral part of the society.
They continue to shape social interactions and play a crucial role in conflict resolution and maintaining peace within the community. It is one of those important facts about the Solomon Islands to know when you are navigating the cultural and social fabric.
Simple Facts About The Solomon Islands For Kids
Here are some intriguing Solomon Islands facts that will spark the curiosity of kids and boost their knowledge.
Everything On The Flag of the Solomon Islands Represents Something
The five stars on the top left corner of the flag represent the original five provinces that the country was made up of.
The blue color represents the clean water that the Islands are surrounded by. The green represents the greenery and dense forests in the country. The Yellow stripe in the middle of the flag represents the sun.
A Spanish Explorer Was Responsible For The Name Solomon Islands
A Spanish explorer Alvaro de Mendana was the first European to visit the Solomon Islands. It was his belief that the islands had an extensive resource of gold, so he named the region after King Solomon, who was known to possess a large amount of gold. The country does have a gold mine, but the gold resource isn’t as large as Mendana had expected.
One Of The Largest Archipelago In The South Pacific
The Solomon Islands cover a total area of 280000 sq. mi. Out of this, 11599 sq. mi. is covered by land while the rest is composed of water. This makes the Solomon Islands the third largest Archipelago in the South Pacific region.
Useful The Solomon Islands Facts For Travelers
For travelers seeking an enriching adventure, the Solomon Islands offer a wealth of captivating experiences. These fun facts about the Solomon Islands will assist you in navigating this beautiful country and creating a memorable journey through its diverse islands.
There Are Many Endemic Birds Species in The Solomon Islands
There are about 69 species of Birds in the Solomon Islands that you cannot find anywhere else in the world. This is why the Solomon Islands are great for birdwatchers who are looking to increase their bird-watching portfolio.
Other than these 69 species, you can also find 104 other species of birds- certainly one of the most exciting facts about the Solomon Islands for bird lovers.
It Does Not Get A Lot Of Tourism
The Solomon Islands receive around 30000 tourists every year. With such pristine waters and a unique scuba diving experience, you would expect the islands to have a higher number of tourists; however, it is one of the least visited countries in the region.
Its neighboring regions, like Fiji, receive close to a million visitors each year. This may be due to the dense forests in the country, along with the unrest and ethnic conflicts.
Marovo Lagoon Is An Important Tourist Spot
The Marovo Lagoon covers an area of around 700 km2 and is one of the largest saltwater lagoons in the world. Not only does the lagoon offer scenic views, but it also offers great kayaking and scuba diving experience. The region isn’t crowded, which makes it perfect for people who are looking for a romantic getaway.
UNESCO World Heritage Site On The Solomon Islands
There is only one UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Solomon Islands, and that is located on Rennell Island. It is the world’s largest raised coral atoll and is 15 Kilometers wide and 86 km long. This part of the Rennell Island is known as East Rennell.
Common Facts About The Solomon Islands
The Solomon Islands Are Known For Their Dense Rainforests
Where large and developed countries have been adding to global pollution, smaller countries like the Solomon Islands have been crucial in maintaining a balance in the ecosystem. With climate change becoming a big concern for everyone, countries are trying their best to plant trees and reduce their carbon emission.
The Solomon Islands have been very fortunate in this regard. Almost 90% of the Solomon Islands are covered with dense rainforest. The CO2 emissions per capita are 0.55 tons per person in the Solomon Islands, which is just 0.01% of the total CO2 emissions in the world.
The Solomon Islands Have Been Inhabited For Many Millenniums
Historians believe that the first people to ever inhabit the Solomon Islands were Papuan hunters who came from nearby New Guinea. It is believed that they came to the islands somewhere around 50000 years ago.
Over the years, people from other groups and ethnicities also started settling in the Solomon Islands. These include the Lapita people and the Melanesian people.
Other Interesting Facts About The Solomon Islands
Let’s take a look at some other fascinating facts about the Solomon Islands.
More Than Half Of The Islands Are Uninhabited
The Solomon Islands are comprised of around 992 smaller islands. Surprisingly only 347 of these smaller islands are inhabited, while there is little to no population on the remaining islands.
The Solomon Islands Do Not Have An Army
Historians believe that since 1816 there has never been a time when the world was not at war. There are always countries going against each other or civil wars happening inside the country.
That is why it is a little weird to think that there are countries in this world that do not have an army. The Solomon Islands falls within this minority category. It is one of 22 countries in the world that does not maintain a military.
The islands have recently started relying on China to boost its national security.
The Prime Minister Of The Solomon Islands Was Once Taken Hostage By A Militant Group
Prime Ministers and Presidents are some of the most protected people in the world, and that is what makes this fact about the Solomon Islands even more shocking.
The Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands was once taken hostage by Malaita Eagle Force, and he was forced to resign from his position.
Two Islands Within The Solomon Islands Were At War With Each Other For Five Years
Militants from Malaita and Guadalcanal were in an armed ethnic conflict with each other from 1998 to 2003. This crisis was known locally as the tensions, and it started when residents from Malaita started settling in Guadalcanal. The conflict ended with a military stalemate and a peace agreement.
Discovering More Fun Facts About The Solomon Islands
Anyone looking to dive into crystal-clear waters to enjoy a unique snorkeling and scuba diving experience, the Solomon Islands are the perfect place to be. It offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the untamed beauty of the South Pacific.
A trip to the Solomon Islands can make for an unforgettable experience as you soak in the incredible nature and learn more about their unique culture. You are sure to discover more amazing facts about the Solomon Islands.