Solomon Islands
Solomon Islands, also known simply as the Solomons, is a country consisting of 21 major islands Guadalcanal, Malaita, Makira, Santa Isabel, Choiseul, New Georgia, Kolombangara, Rennell, Vella Lavella, Vangunu, Nendo, Maramasike, Rendova, Shortland, San Jorge, Banie, Ranongga, Pavuvu, Nggela Pile and Nggela Sule, Tetepare, and over 900 smaller islands in Melanesia, part of Oceania, to the northeast of Australia. It is directly adjacent to Papua New Guinea to the west, Australia to the southwest, New Caledonia and Vanuatu to the southeast, Fiji, Wallis and Futuna, and Tuvalu to the east, and Nauru and the Federated States of Micronesia to the north. It has a total area of 28,896 square kilometres, and a population of 734,887 according to the official estimates for mid 2023. Its capital and largest city, Honiara, is located on the largest island, Guadalcanal. The country takes its name from the wider area of the Solomon Islands archipelago, which is a collection of Melanesian islands that also includes the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, but excludes the Santa Cruz Islands.
Some of the key events about Solomon Islands
- 1893The Solomon Islands became a British protectorate
- 1942The Guadalcanal Campaign, a major Allied offensive against Japanese forces, began in the Solomon Islands
- 1942Japanese forces invaded and occupied the Solomon Islands during World War II
- 1942The Battle of Guadalcanal began, resulting in heavy casualties and destruction
- 1950A devastating measles epidemic swept through the islands, causing numerous deaths
- 1975Cyclone Alison struck the islands, causing widespread damage and loss of life
- 1978The Solomon Islands gained independence from the United Kingdom
- 1986Cyclone Namu hit the Solomon Islands, resulting in significant destruction and fatalities
- 1998The Marovo Lagoon in the Solomon Islands was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- 1998Ethnic tensions erupted into violence, leading to a period of civil unrest known as "The Tensions"
- 2000The Millennium Peace Agreement was signed, ending ethnic tensions in the Solomon Islands
- 2000A coup d'état occurred, forcing the prime minister to resign
- 2003The Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) was deployed to help restore law and order
- 2007A major earthquake and tsunami struck the Solomon Islands, prompting international aid and recovery efforts
- 2007A major earthquake and tsunami struck the Western and Choiseul provinces, causing extensive damage
- 2012The Solomon Islands hosted the Festival of Pacific Arts, showcasing the region's cultural diversity
- 2014Severe flooding in Honiara led to loss of life, displacement of thousands, and destruction of infrastructure
- 2016The Solomon Islands joined the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Paris Agreement
- 2019The Solomon Islands established diplomatic relations with China, opening new economic opportunities
- 2020The COVID-19 pandemic reached the Solomon Islands, impacting public health and the economy
Disclaimer: This material is written based on information taken from open sources, including Wikipedia, news media, podcasts, and other public sources.
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