SOLOMON ISLANDS

Exhibiting some of the world’s most wonderous culture and natural beauty, the Solomon Islands’ economy is flourishing thanks to a thriving tourism industry

An extraordinary archipelago

SITUATED IN THE southwestern Pacific Ocean, the Solomon Islands is one of the world’s most fascinating natural land sculptures, comprised of almost 1,000 separate islands of all shapes and sizes.

A British protectorate until 1978, the Solomon Islands earned its name as a key geostrategic stronghold during the Second World War, where Japanese and US forces fought long and hard, most notably at the Battle of Guadalcanal.

However, aside from the relics that remain, it is hard to picture this conflict in such a place. The land features mountainous terrain saturated in deep tropical forest with hot springs and volcanic activity in abundance.

Having largely steered clear of the urban destruction found the world over, a large majority of the indigenous people live off the land in small rural villages – a lifestyle that has allowed the country’s Melanesian culture to thrive.

Arts and crafts are found all across the country, ranging from unique percussive bamboo music to colourful and vibrant paintings.

With so much to offer, and as the government is increasingly recognising the benefit of tourism and the expansive natural attractions the islands have to offer, the country’s national economy is now thriving more than ever before.