General information
Solomon Islands is an archipelagic state situated in the south-west Pacific Ocean, approximately 2,000 kms to the northeast of Australia. Its land mass of 28,400 km² extends over nearly 1000 islands comprising nine main island groups. The capital, Honiara, is located on Guadalcanal, the largest island.
The population of Solomon Islands, estimated to be approximately 800,000, is predominantly Melanesian, although there are small Polynesian, Micronesian, Chinese and European communities. There are 63 distinct languages in the country, with numerous local dialects. English is the official language, but Solomons' Pijin is most commonly spoken.
Historical overview
Solomon Islands was first settled sometime between 30,000 and 28,000 BC by people coming from the Bismarck Islands and New Guinea when sea levels were lower and Buka and Bougainville were physically joined to southern Solomon Islands in one landmass (Greater Bougainville). Over millennia, distinct and rich cultures developed across the islands that now make up the nine provinces of Solomon Islands.
In 1893, the UK Government established a protectorate over the eastern group of islands, with Germany controlling most of the west. The UK protectorate was extended to all nine main island groups now part of Solomon Islands, while Buka and Bougainville became part of German New Guinea (later incorporated into Papua New Guinea).
Solomon Islands was granted internal self-government in 1976, followed by independence on 7 July 1978. At independence, Solomon Islands joined the Commonwealth.
Political overview
System of government
The unicameral national Parliament comprises 50 members elected for a four-year term under a first-past-the-post voting system. The Prime Minister is elected by a simple majority of members of Parliament. Party structures in Solomon Islands are fluid, with extensive coalition building usually required to form government. In addition to the national Government, there are nine provincial assemblies, each led by a Premier.
Bilateral relations
Australia was the first country to establish diplomatic relations with Solomon Islands, upon Solomon Islands' independence on 7 July 1978.
Australia is an important economic partner, and Solomon Islands' largest development partner, supporting almost all areas of society and the economy, with programs spanning health, justice, education, governance, gender, climate, infrastructure and private sector development.
Australia has a long history of supporting the Solomon Islands Government to build its security capabilities, including through our Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) expansion partnership, the RSIPF-AFP Policing Partnership Program and our Defence Cooperation Program. We have had a Bilateral Security Treaty in place since 2017, which was activated for the first time in November 2021. Australia previously participated in the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands from 2003 to 2017.
There is regular two-way engagement between Australian and Solomon Islands' leaders, ministers and senior officials.
To learn more about Australia-Solomon Islands bilateral relations visit Our Engagement in Solomon Islands.