Solomon Islands – geography
Solomon Islands consists of two long, parallel ear rows, formed by folds and fractures in the marginal zone between two continental plates. Earthquakes, uplifts, depressions and active volcanoes, such as Bagana on Bougainville, testify that the earth’s crust is still in motion. Most islands are made up of volcanic or highly transformed rocks, but coral limestone is also widespread. Some islands, such as the great Ontong Java, are atolls, several of which are so-called raised atolls (Rennell). Outside the two rows are Santa Cruz and the outliers Rennell, Bellona, Anuta, Sikaiana and Tikopia, separated by great ocean depths.
The climate is tropical with abundant rainfall and no actual seasons. Hurricanes do not occur infrequently. On fertile soils, for example developed on coral lime, plant growth is very abundant, albeit species-poorer than in New Guinea. Also the animal world is a reduced version of New Guineas; thus, there are no mammals other than bats. On exposed soils, soil erosion is a significant problem. The rainforest contains several valuable species of hard tropical wood, such as ebony, which are felled for export. Attempts to regulate deforestation for environmental reasons have repeatedly led to conflicts with the foreign companies responsible for exports.
The population is predominantly melanesic of very dark skin color. Most live in small villages on the coasts. The majority subsist on agriculture, mainly for self-sufficiency. Cassava, sweet potatoes, yams, taro and bananas are grown; as sales crops rice, coconut, palm oil and cocoa. The last three are the main exports along with timber and fish products. Imports are a wide range of finished goods, but a small industry is growing in the country itself.
Tourism is increasingly contributing to the economy. The islands have an exotic South Sea environment, but also many memories from World War II, when American forces in 1942 won decisive battles over the Guadalcanal and soon after, the Japanese added heavy losses in the Coral Sea (see Coral Sea).
Solomon Islands – language
Although English is the official language, is used in many official contexts pijin, an English-based pidgin language that is being creolized in cities. In addition, over 50 oceanic languages and seven Papuan are spoken. In the two southernmost islands, Rennell and Bellona, the Polynesian dialects (see Polynesian languages) are spoken Rennellese and Bellonesian, of which the Rennellese dialect seems to represent an older stage of the original common language, which is related to maori and tonga.
- Countryaah: Do you know how many people there are in Solomon Islands? Check this site to see population pyramid and resident density about this country.
Solomon Islands – Constitution
Solomon Islands is an independent state and a member of The Commonwealth of Nations. According to the 1978 constitution, the British monarch is head of state and is represented by a governor-general who is a Solomon Islands citizen. Legislative power lies with a 50-member parliament elected by universal suffrage in single-member constituencies.
The government is led by a prime minister who is elected by parliament and must have its trust. The Prime Minister appoints the ministers who come from Parliament.
The country is divided into four districts with nine elected local councils. The Constitution allows for a further transfer of competence to the local authorities.
