Scattered over 645,000 sq. km (250,000 sq. miles), the Solomons archipelago has several hundred islands, but most people live on the six largest – Guadalcanal, Malaita, New Georgia, Makira, Santa Isabel, and Choiseul. The Solomons have been settled since at least 1000 B.C.E.; the Spanish arrived in 1568. Ethnic conflict between rival islanders ravaged the country from 1998 to 2000. Most of the Solomons are coral reefs. Just 1% of the land area is cultivable.

Almost all Solomon Islanders are Melanesian; relations between islands are tense. During the 1998–2000 conflict, 20,000 Malaitans were forced from their homes on Guadalcanal by native (Isatabu) militias. Authorities in outlying islands have pressed for greater autonomy. There are small communities of Micronesians who are descended from I-Kiribati temporarily relocated in 1957. Although the Islanders are nominally Christian, animist beliefs are widespread. More than 50 dialects are spoken.

Strengths

Good mineral and agricultural resources. Influx of international aid.

Weaknesses

Economy near collapse after ethnic conflict. Destruction of infrastructure. Key gold mine shut by militias. Grossly inflated compensation claims after 2000 conflict. Revenue from copra, gold, fish, and palm oil dried up. Social insecurity deters investment.

Parliament is based on the Westminster model, but with no dominant political class, prominent local figures – known as "big men" – stand as candidates and turnover of members is high, leading to fluid and unstable coalitions. The civil conflict on Guadalcanal briefly ousted the government in 2000. A semblance of stability has since been restored with a new devolved "state system," which gives greater regional autonomy. Rebuilding the economy is the major issue: "compensation" claims from the 2000 conflict quickly outstripped aid funds.

The intensification of violence in 2000 caused great concern around the Pacific, and heightened international mediation efforts, in which Australia was particularly involved. An Australian warship was the scene of key events during the resolution of the conflict, including the prime ministerial election and the ratification of the Townsville peace accord.

The Peace Plan 2000 includes the creation of a pan-ethnic security force. Under the Townsville accord security was overseen by unarmed peacekeepers from neighboring Pacific states. The rival militias are effectively in control on Guadalcanal and Malaita.

Bauxite deposits have been discovered on Rennell Island. In addition, there are traces of gold and copper on Guadalcanal. There is increasing concern over the exploitation of forest and marine resources.

The environmental movement is strong. Depletion of forest and marine resources are a major concern. In 1998 a sustainable forest harvesting policy was introduced, but the need to restore the economy puts pressure on environmentally sensitive areas.

International flights from the principal airport, 13 km (8 miles) outside Honiara, were resumed in late 2000 after the ending of open hostilities.

The main hospital has seriously reduced services; local patients are now expected to provide their own food. Gang violence has spread onto wards.

Education is modeled on the British system. Tertiary students go to the University of the South Pacific in Fiji.

Under the armed militias, extortion and gang-related violence have flourished, notably on Guadalcanal and Malaita.

Solomon Islanders in government jobs are the wealthiest group. Outlying islands are extremely poor.

The importance of Guadalcanal during World War II and the tranquility of the outer islands used to attract tourists. However, ethnic conflict and the consequent warnings against visiting all but destroyed tourism in 1998. Lack of funding hampers recovery.

Settled since before 1000 B.C.E. by Melanesian peoples, the Solomons became a British colony in 1893.

• 1900 Britain acquires northern Solomons from Germany.
• 1942–1943 Japanese occupation.
• 1978 Independence from UK.
• 1983 Diplomatic relations with Taiwan established.
• 1998–2000 Civil conflict between Guadalcanal and Malaita islanders.