Solomon Islands : Profile

Facts

In 1999 and 2000, the Solomon Islands suffered significant armed insurrection, locally termed "ethnic tensions". A force of police and military personnel from Pacific countries, including Australia and New Zealand, arrived in the country at the end of July 2003 at the invitation of the Solomon Islands government to begin the difficult task of restoring law and order. There was further unrest in the capital Honiara in April 2006 following disputed election results.
Many countries - including the US and the UK - have travel advisories warning against unnecessary travel to the Solomon Islands. Visitors should obtain the latest available information from their relevant government agencies and should register their presence in the country with their government representatives here.
At the present, yachts are warned not to travel to Malaita Province or to call at any ports on Guadalcanal other than Honiara.
The Solomon Islands are a double chain of islands in the Western Pacific stretching from Vanuatu to Bougainville. There are over 900 islands, the main ones being Guadalcanal, Choiseul, Malaita, New Georgia and Santa Isabel.
The Solomons' culture, or custom, is rich and varied, from wood-carving to beliefs such as shark-worshipping. Many islanders still live in the traditional way.
The authorities are making a determined effort to preserve this way of life and they enjoy the full support of the customary chiefs in their endeavours. Visiting yachts are welcomed in most villages, particularly by children who like to trade fruit or shells for ball-point pens, felt-tips or balloons.
Some villages will ask for payment for anchoring. Ensure that you are speaking with a village chief before proferring payment. If you have an "instant camera" you may suggest taking a picture of the payment being made in case there are further questions.
In many isolated villages one can trade with the locals to obtain fresh produce, fish, carvings and shells. One should take along a supply of useful objects such as fishhooks, fishing line, matches, sugar, rice, tobacco, clothing and shoes, coffee, soap, needles, cotton and rope.

The Solomons experience high temperatures and January to March are the months of heaviest rainfall. April to November is the season of the SE trades, while the rest of the year is the NW monsoon, which is also the cyclone season. Long periods of calm weather are not uncommon among the islands.

The Western Province is reputed to be safe from cyclones.