Solomon Islands

The Solomon Islands is a country of about 1,000 islands in the South Pacific. It has thick rainforests, volcanic mountains, and lagoons with clear blue water. The islands saw major battles during World War II.

Land and People

About 720,000 people live in the Solomon Islands. The capital is Honiara on the island of Guadalcanal. The islands have dense jungle, coral reefs, and rivers. Many islands are volcanic with hot springs.

Old picture of people making music in the Solomon Islands.
Old picture of people making music in the Solomon Islands. (Fondo Antiguo de la Biblioteca de la Universidad de Sevilla from Sevilla, EspaƱa / Wikimedia Commons)

Culture and Fun Facts

The Solomon Islands has over 70 languages. Fishing and farming are ways of life. Traditional shell money is still used in some places. The Battle of Guadalcanal during World War II was a major turning point. The islands have amazing scuba diving with sunken ships and colorful reefs.

Fun Facts

  • The Solomon Islands still uses traditional shell money in some areas.
  • There are shipwrecks from World War II around the islands that divers can explore.
  • Some people in the Solomon Islands have naturally dark skin and blond hair because of a unique gene.

Did You Know?

Some people in the Solomon Islands have dark skin and naturally blond hair. Scientists found that this is caused by a special gene unique to the islanders. It is completely separate from the gene that causes blond hair in Europeans.