Fact 1: The Mystery of Its Discovery
It is largely believed that the Solomon Islands were originally discovered around 5,000 BC by Austronesian explorers. However, evidence such as pottery found dating back to around 3,000 BC points to other discoveries of the islands by Papuan-speaking settlers. This initial discovery of the islands remains a mystery without conclusive answers.
Fact 2: A Heaven for Linguistics
The Solomon Islands is one of the top five countries in the world in terms of linguistic diversity. Despite its small population of slightly over half a million people, it's home to more than 70 unique languages, not including dialects. This number is as impressive as the cultural diversity present among the islanders.
Fact 3: The Spectacular Island Diversity
Being an archipelago, the Solomon Islands consist of nearly 1,000 islands. These islands cover a combined area of 28,400 square kilometers and range extensively in size, from vast islands to tiny atolls. A large majority of Solomon Islanders live in the six major islands of the country.
Fact 4: The Coral Paradises
The Solomon Islands are surrounded by the world's most biodiverse coral reefs. Over 500 species of coral are found here, which inhabits a multitude of marine species. The Islands are also home to some of the Pacific's most significant marine protected areas, creating a paradise for divers worldwide.
Fact 5: A World War II Battlefield
The Solomon Islands were a major battleground during World War II. The Islands saw fierce fighting, notably during the Battle of Guadalcanal, between Japanese and Allied forces, primarily United States Marines. The remnants of that time, from shipwrecks to planes, still remain scattered around the Islands.
Fact 6: Its Unusual Flag
The flag of the Solomon Islands, hoisted in 1977, features five white stars representing the five provinces in existence when the flag was adopted. The green represents the vegetation, blue represents the surrounding ocean water, and the yellow diagonal stripe symbolizes the sunshine.
Fact 7: A Historical Treasure Chest
The Solomon Islands hold some of the largest collections of World War II relics in the Pacific. From sunken warships, aircraft ruins, and unexploded ordinances to foxholes, tunnels, and military debris, the islands present a unique glimpse into history.
Fact 8: The Name’s Roots
The islands are named after King Solomon from the Bible. According to an old legend, King Solomon obtained his wealth from the gold mines in these islands. The name Solomon Islands was given by the Spanish explorer, Alvaro de Mendana, who discovered the islands in 1568.
Fact 9: A Land of Active Volcanoes
About 10% of the world's active volcanoes are present in the Solomon Islands. Tinakula and Kavachi are among the most notable active volcanoes here. From time to time, these volcanoes remind the residents of their presence through eruptions.
Fact 10: A Rare Chance to See Saltwater Crocodiles
Solomon Islands are one of the few places globally where you can encounter the world's largest living reptile, the saltwater crocodile, in the wild. They inhabit rivers, estuaries, and mangrove swamps across the islands.
Fact 11: An Unusual Currency
The official currency of Solomon Islands is the Solomon Islands dollar (SBD), which interestingly features images of local wildlife, historical events, and prominent figures, giving a glimpse of the country's rich heritage and biodiversity.
Fact 12: Cannibalism Was Practiced
Islanders frequently practiced cannibalism until the late 19th century. Often, they nonchalantly described the taste of human flesh during warfare or as part of certain rituals. The influence of Christianity has completely abolished this practice over time.
Fact 13: A Unique Bond with Reptiles
People cherish reptiles on these islands. There is even a special place in local folk tales for a mythical snake named Kasa, who is considered a deity capable of causing earthquakes.
Fact 14: The Lush Rainforests
Solomon Islands is home to the second-largest rainforest in the Pacific, harboring rich biodiversity with many rare and endemic species of flora and fauna. It also plays a critical global role, serving as a significant carbon sink.
Fact 15: A Rich Colonial History
The Solomon Islands were a part of the British Empire for nearly a century. The impact of British colonial rule can still be seen, from the official language, English, to the national sport, soccer.
Fact 16: The Only Global Example of Sea Salt Farming
The locals of the Lau Lagoon on Malaita Island are the only known people in the world who farm salt. They extract the salt from seawater and use it in their daily cooking or to trade for goods.
Fact 17: The Home of the Last Pigeon-Language Speakers
Solomon Islands is the home of one of the last pigeon-language speakers. Pijin, an English-based creole language, is spoken in only a few other locations worldwide, with Melanesia being the primary region.
Fact 18: Its Capital’s Unique Situation
Honiara, the capital of Solomon Islands, is located on the island of Guadalcanal, not the largest island, namely Choiseul. This island is known for the major battles fought during World War II, and Honiara was actually constructed around a US military base.
Fact 19: The Incredible Musical Culture
Music plays a significant role in the Solomons' culture, with various music styles including panpipe, ukulele, and shell trumpet music. The bamboo pan flute, a symbol of the islands, produces a hauntingly beautiful sound that is a major feature of their concerts.
Fact 20: The Biologically Diverse Islands
Despite its small size the Solomon Island chain is notoriously rich in biodiversity, with many species native to the islands. There are 230 kinds of orchids, 47 species of birds, and over 50 types of mammals indigenous only to Solomon Islands. This extraordinary bio-diversity has made the Solomon Islands a hotspot for biologists around the world.