Solomon Islands - Travel Report

The Solomon Islands is an archipelago in the southwest Pacific Ocean about 1,200 miles northeast of Australia. The capital is Honiara. The Solomon Islands are a parliamentary democracy within the British Commonwealth. The average GDP of the Solomon Islands is $800 million (2001 est.). The primary products are cocoa, palm oil, yams, bananas, pineapples, soap, nails, tobacco and shell jewelry. The primary suppliers of the Solomon Islands are Australia, Japan and New Zealand. The predominant religion is Christian therefore a majority of the populaton observes traditional Christian holidays. The Solomon Islands lie in the South Pacific cyclonic trajectory, and is extremely vulnerable to earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and sudden tidal movements. The Pacific Cyclone season extends from November thorough March. Travelers are advised to take necessary precautions in advance in the event of an emergency. General information regarding disaster preparedness is available form the Federal Emergency Management Agency.