Solomon Islands

Key Facts about Solomon Islands:

• Location:
  • It is an island country consisting of six major islands and over 900 smaller islands in Oceania.
  • It is situated in the southwest Pacific Ocean, approximately 2,000 km to the northeast of Australia.
• Capital: Its capital, Honiara, is located on the largest island, Guadalcanal.
• The terrain is mountainous and heavily forested.
• More than 90% of the islanders are ethnic Melanesians.
• Once a British protectorate, the Solomon Islands achieved independence as a republic in 1978.
• Language:
  • There are 63 distinct languages in the country, with numerous local dialects. 
  • English is the official language, but Pijin is the common language for the majority of people.

 

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Q1) Who are Melanesians?

Melanesians are Indigenous people of the region that includes Fiji, Papua New Guinea, parts of Indonesia ( Papua, Maluku, and more), New Caledonia, Vanuatu, and the Solomon Islands. The name, "Melanasia," is a combination of two Greek words: melas, meaning "Black" and neosi, which translates to "islands."

Source: China boosts South Pacific influence with Solomons port deal