The Solomon Islands are a country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, in Melanesia. It occupies the main part of the archipelago of the same name, with several other island groups located to the east of the island. In total, it includes 992 islands with a total area of 28,450 square meters. km. The population is just over 515 thousand people, the capital is Honiara.
The largest island of the Guadalcanal archipelago or Guadalcanal has an area of 5,302 square meters. km. It is covered with tropical vegetation on the slopes of ancient volcanoes with a height of about 2,000 m. Only the narrow coastal strip surrounding the island is suitable for life, which in the northern part turns into a small flat area. The southern coast of the island is very rocky. The humid climate and marshy shores are not very convenient for life, but almost 40% of the population lives on this island. The capital with administrative institutions is located here.
The main part of the islands' vegetation is evergreen forests with palm trees and ficus trees. The fauna is diverse, there are rats, bats, crocodiles, lizards, snakes, wild pigeons, parrots, etc.
The climate in the Solomon Islands is subequatorial and humid. During the year, the temperature is about +27 °C and remains almost unchanged, and precipitation falls more than 2,300 mm per year. In April-November the islands are dry and cool - this weather is determined by trade winds from the southeast. Heat and humidity in January-April are brought to the Solomon Islands by the northwestern monsoons. Humidity remains constant throughout the year - almost 90%.
The Solomon Islands are a country located in Melanesia, in the southwestern part of the Pacific Ocean. It consists of 992 islands.
In 1568, the Spanish traveler A. Mendaña de Neira discovered these islands. The navigator managed to exchange a lot of gold from local residents. And he gave the name to the Solomon Islands in honor of the magical country Ophir, where, according to legend, King Solomon hid his treasures.
For the next two centuries, Europeans did not visit here. Only in 1767 the islands were discovered a second time by the Englishman F. Carteret.
Since the 1860s Europeans began to actively develop the territory of the Solomon Islands. The Aborigines quickly realized the danger posed by the white man and killed any European who set foot on their land. That is why the Solomon Islands at that time had a reputation as the most hostile islands in the Pacific Ocean.
In 1893, the islands came under British rule. And from the beginning of the 20th century, the British created the first coconut palm plantations here.
During World War II, part of the islands was captured by the Japanese. Bloody battles were fought here for a long time, and many warships sank.
The Solomon Islands gained independence only in 1978.
The ethnic composition of the islands' population is heterogeneous. The majority are Melanesians (more than 90%), followed by Polynesians (3%), Micronesians (1.2%), Europeans and Chinese.
Holidays in the Solomon Islands are suitable primarily for those who want to enjoy the untouched nature of this region, as well as extreme sports enthusiasts, lovers of diving, snorkeling and fishing.
Capital |
Honiara |
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Population |
478,000 people |
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Population density |
17 people/km² |
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English |
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Religion |
Christianity (97%) |
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Form of government |
a constitutional monarchy |
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Solomon Islands dollar |
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Timezone |
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International dialing code |
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Domain zone |
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Electricity |
Climate and weather
The climate of the Solomon Islands is subequatorial, very humid and hot. The thermometer does not fall below +21 °C in winter, but in summer the temperature often exceeds +30 °C. Winter falls here from April to November. This is a dry season, characterized by cool (+23...+27 °C) weather. The time from December to March is called the wet season. The air temperature reaches its maximum and humidity rises to 90%. Rainfall varies depending on the region of the archipelago.
Hurricane winds are possible in the summer, but here they are not as destructive as east of the Solomon Islands.
The most favorable time to travel to the Solomon Islands is June - December. At this time there is no sweltering heat, and in June-August various festivals and celebrations are held.
Nature
About 80% of the islands are covered with dense equatorial forests (ficus, palm trees); dry places are characterized by savannas; mangrove forests and swamps grow on the coasts.
The flora of the Solomon Islands is represented by more than 4,500 plant species, including more than 200 species of orchids alone. You can often find sumai, nalato, and hibiscus.
The fauna of the islands is also diverse: crocodiles, snakes, lizards, rats, bats, parrots, wild pigeons and others. You can often see rare giant butterflies here. The coastal waters are home to green turtles, tuna, dolphins, barracuda, sharks and many other species of fish.
The Solomon Islands are also rich in minerals: silver, gold, copper, nickel.
In the east O. Rennell The National Wildlife Park was created with the support of UNESCO.
The Solomon Islands are of volcanic origin. The highest point in the country is the peak Popomanaseu (Guadalcanal Island). Its height reaches 2335 meters.
Attractions
The Solomon Islands attract tourists, first of all, for their naturalness and lack of desire to create something specifically for tourists. They offer recreation in natural conditions, and this is why the islands are valuable for the traveler.
Traveling around the islands usually starts from the capital of the state - Honiara. Here is a place called Point Cruz. According to legend, a Spaniard first landed here Mendana and erected a cross in honor of the discovery of the island.
It will also be interesting to visit the National Museum, Parliament, Botanical Gardens, colorful Chinatown.
Just a few kilometers from the capital are the famous waterfalls Mataniko. The water falls into a cave filled with stalagmites and stalactites, after which it disappears into the bowels of the island.
A trip to the lagoon will be unforgettable Marovo. Here is the best tourist village in the country - World Heritage. The state, trying to preserve the unique flora and fauna of this place, limited logging. Local residents receive their main income from tourism.
Village Nusambaruku (Gizo Island) is an example of a traditional isolated village. It consists of several buildings that are located high on stilts. The village can only be reached by boat or along a narrow dam.
Islands Anarvon are located 280 km from the capital. This is a group of 100 islands, none of which are permanently inhabited, and many of them protrude only 20-30 cm above the sea, but this place is famous for being home to rare sea turtles. A natural reserve was organized here: several dozen specially trained people monitor the safety of turtles’ lives and accompany tourists.
The Western Province is famous for the beauty and richness of the underwater world. Fans of extreme sports and water sports flock here. The most comfortable resorts are also located here.
The lagoon can rightly be called the pearl of the Western Province Marovo. This is the largest salt lagoon in the world (150 by 96 kilometers). Thousands of islands and coral reefs surround the lagoon.
Almost the entire southern part O. Rennell occupies a lake Tengano. It is the largest freshwater lake in the Pacific region. The lake and surrounding areas form a National Wildlife Park, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Nutrition
The cuisine of the Solomon Islands is a mixture of culinary traditions of Southeast Asia, Europe and Oceania. It is characterized by the use of yams and colocasia leaves, tapioca (obtained from the roots of the cassava plant), and coconut. Chefs at local restaurants mix ingredients in random order and often create new, unique dishes.
Food is often cooked in special earthen ovens called umu. Meat and fish are usually baked over coals with little spice.
In addition to Melanesian and Polynesian dishes, European and Asian dishes are excellently prepared here. Moreover, they are no different from similar dishes prepared in Beijing or London.
Honiara has several European, Chinese and even Japanese restaurants. All of them are popular with tourists and locals.
The choice of drinks here is huge: local alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, as well as wines and beer imported from Chile, China, New Zealand.
Accommodation
The Solomon Islands has a poorly developed tourism infrastructure. Comfortable accommodation is provided only on the largest islands of the archipelago: Guadalcanal, Hueli, Mangalonga, Gizo.
The hotels on these islands are something like resort complexes with tennis courts, swimming pools, and children's playgrounds. This could be several colorful eco-huts or bungalows.
Prices range from $30-150 per night.
Before checking in, be sure to check if there are mosquito nets in your room: the local insects can be dangerous.
IN Honiara, right on the beach, the most modern and prestigious hotel in the country is located - Heritage Park. To fully enjoy the nature of the Pacific coast, you can rent an apartment at the hotel. An excellent double room will cost you $300 per night.
Outside the capital and other large cities, it is possible to stay directly in the homes of local residents. In this case, payment is agreed upon in advance (guide the amount around $12-20 per day). Housing is often paid for with food.
Entertainment and relaxation
The underwater world of the Solomon Islands literally attracts extreme sports enthusiasts from all over the world. Sunken ships and planes, coral reefs, and a variety of underwater inhabitants allow you to fully enjoy diving and snorkeling.
Good area for snorkeling O. Guadalcanal. About 50 huge warships are buried in these waters. In most cases, they are located at a depth to which scuba diving is prohibited. However, the transparency of the water and the features of the bottom topography make it possible to see details without deep immersion.
Island Savo called a paradise for divers. The island, which is of volcanic origin, is constantly shrouded in clouds. There are no comfortable conditions for tourists here, but all this is more than compensated for by the abundance of sunken ships, many hot mineral springs, and crystal clear water.
The most picturesque reefs can be seen near the lagoon Marovo, nearby islands Tavanipulu And Arnavon.
Diving in the Solomon Islands cannot be called a cheap pleasure. For one dive you will have to pay from $50-70.
Another way to spend time on the islands is fishing. The local waters are known for the variety of species of fish and marine animals. Some travel agencies organize entire fish tours to Lola Island, to the lagoons Marovo And Wona-Wona.
Those wishing to get acquainted with the strange and fascinating rituals of the local residents simply need to visit the outskirts of the city Auki(100 km from Honiara). Here you will witness a most dangerous ritual "shark challenge". Local sorcerers somehow manage to put the shark to sleep right in the water, and then manually raise it to the surface.
Center for cultural life of the state - Honiara. The Queen's Birthday is celebrated here on the second Friday of June. The celebration is accompanied by a police parade, dancing and sports competitions. On July 7, the whole country celebrates Independence Day.
If you find yourself in the Solomon Islands in mid-December, you can take part in the Western Seas Festival. At this time, numerous fishing competitions, canoe races and other competitions take place.
There are many good hiking trails in the Solomon Islands. Trekking enthusiasts will be pleased with the walking tour routes organized from Honiara to the waterfalls Mataniko, from Guizot before Titians.
Purchases
Large shops and supermarkets are concentrated in the capital of the Solomon Islands. Prices for imported goods are very high.
When purchasing food products, carefully monitor the shelf life: often the goods take a long time to travel from Singapore, China and other countries and spoil on the way.
Prices in stores on the islands are not regulated by the state, so do not be surprised if the cost of the same goods in neighboring stores differs significantly.
Be sure to visit the colorful markets of the country. Here you can buy all kinds of vegetables and tropical fruits, fresh fish, shells, and handicrafts. Markets are open throughout the week. Remember that bargaining is not encouraged here.
As a souvenir from the Solomon Islands, you can bring handmade wooden figurines that symbolize peace and tranquility.
Ritual wooden balls are very popular among tourists. According to legend, with their help you can summon the spirit of a deceased ancestor and ask for advice.
Local hand-painted wooden masks are also unusual. They, according to popular belief, give strength and dexterity to their owner and protect against evil spirits.
Brooches, keychains, beads, bracelets made of shells and corals would be a good gift.
Some goods (especially handmade goods) have two different prices: the first for local residents, the second for tourists.
Transport
international Airport Henderson Field is located 11 km from the capital and is named after a US major who died in the Battle of Midway. For the runway, which later became the airport, there were hot battles between the Japanese and the Americans. The airport is small, but there is everything you need: taxi, car rental, ATM and exchange office. There are also about 30 small airports on the islands that serve local flights.
Only 2% of all roads in the Solomon Islands are paved. Most of the roads belong to private plantation owners.
The most common transport that allows you to move from island to island is a ferry, or, as the locals call it, a water taxi. You will get a lot of impressions from your sea voyage. In most cases, sea transport does not follow any schedule, and the fare is quite low.
The most convenient way to get around in Honiara is by taxi. You can “vote” on the street or call him in advance. Taxi cost is $1.5 per kilometer.
There are few buses in the capital; the most common form of transport here is minibuses, the ticket price is $0.4.
You can also rent a car. But drivers should be especially careful: the roads outside Honiara are in poor condition.
Connection
In the Solomon Islands, standard cellular communications GSM 900. The level of communication is not very high yet. The only mobile operator Solomon Telekom provides good reception only in the area of Honiara, Auki, Gizo. In other areas, coverage is partial.
While on the islands, you can either buy a SIM card from a local operator or rent a phone.
There are about 300 payphones in the country, and almost all of them are concentrated in Honiara, near banks, large shops and hotels. To use a payphone, you need to buy a prepaid card. It is sold in stores, kiosks, and communication shops.
If you need to make an international call, it is better to use the services Solomon Telekom. The company's offices operate around the clock and are located in the capital, in many provincial centers, and in all major hotels.
Internet connectivity is available in Honiara and some provinces. There is a whole network of Internet cafes in the capital. The Wi-Fi network has just begun its development. Trial sites are only open in Honiara and Gizo.
Safety
Residents of the Solomon Islands are quite friendly towards tourists. Theft is rare here, but in crowded areas, beware of pickpockets. Do not leave valuables and documents unattended, and do not visit isolated areas alone.
It is recommended to visit picturesque local settlements only with experienced guides who will tell you about certain features of local traditions. To avoid omissions and insults from the natives, it is necessary to obtain consent before visiting their home.
Property rights are very important to Melanesians. A tree, flower or fruit in the vicinity of a populated area may well belong to one of the residents. Therefore, in order not to provoke a conflict, do not tear anything without permission.
Be careful with your clothing: swimsuits and shorts are only allowed on the beach; in other cases, you need to hide your body as much as possible.
Local water can be hazardous to health, so drink only boiled or bottled water. Milk, meat, and fish can be eaten only after heat treatment. Wash vegetables and peel fruits thoroughly.
The wildlife of the islands also poses danger. Scorpions, Javan centipedes, blood-sucking insects, poisonous fish and snakes, some reptiles, and forest ants can pose a threat not only to health, but also to life. To avoid meeting them, move around the islands (especially the jungle) only accompanied by an experienced guide.
Business climate
The economy of the Solomon Islands has recently developed rapidly and offers good business opportunities in areas such as mining, tourism infrastructure, agricultural industry, fishing, and forestry.
Resident companies (shareholders who have voting rights and are residents of the islands) pay 30% tax on profits from any source, regardless of their location. Non-resident companies are subject to 35% tax on income received on the islands.
Real estate
Exotic nature, good climate, low prices explain the demand for real estate in the Solomon Islands. You won't see high-rise apartment buildings here. Most of the local population still lives in rural houses. Only in the capital there are luxurious modern buildings.
The law allows the purchase of real estate by foreigners. But for this you need documents confirming the legality of the transaction.
Buying property in the Solomon Islands is quite problematic. The fact is that 95% of all the islands' land belongs to indigenous peoples. For a foreign investor to buy a house, for example, it is necessary to conduct lengthy negotiations with members of various clans in order to find the owner of the land and agree on a deal. Usually such negotiations take a lot of time and there are no guarantees that everything will be resolved in your favor. Community lands are rarely sold. But it is possible to lease them for up to 75 years.
In the Solomon Islands, as in most other countries in Polynesia and Melanesia, it is not customary to leave a tip. According to local tradition, a tip is perceived as a gift and implies a gift in return. By smiling and saying “thank you,” you are fully expressing your gratitude for the services provided.
Currency can be exchanged at a bank, in large stores and restaurants, some hotels, and special exchange bureaus. There are also exchange machines in the capital, which are located mainly near bank offices. In the provinces, the easiest way to exchange currency is at branches National Bank of the Solomon Islands. They are located in shops and post offices.
In Honiara you can pay by credit card, in the provinces you can only pay in cash.
Often, especially in the southern regions of the islands, US and Australian dollars are accepted for payment.
Jewelry and gold must be declared upon entry.
The export and import of items of historical value is prohibited: products made of coral, skins of tropical animals, bird feathers, sea turtle shells.
When planning a trip, make sure that your first aid kit has all the necessary medications. In the Solomon Islands it may be difficult to purchase them.
Visa information
Score (2009)
Density
515,870 people (170s)
18.13 people/km²
Total (2011)
Per capita
$840 million
$1522
Geography
The state occupies most of the archipelago of the same name in the Pacific Ocean, in Melanesia, east of the island of New Guinea. Largest islands: Guadalcanal, Santa Isabel, Malaita, San Cristobal, Choiseul, New Georgia. Also occupies the island groups of Duff, St. Croix, Swallow and the islands of Bellona, Rennell, etc.
The islands are predominantly of volcanic origin; active volcanoes. The country's highest point is the 2,335-meter Popomanaseu Peak on Guadalcanal. Short high-water rivers.
The climate is subequatorial, very humid. Average monthly temperatures range from 26 to 28 °C. Precipitation ranges from 2300 to 7500 mm per year. From May to October the southeast trade wind prevails, from December to March the northwest equatorial monsoon prevails.
Most of the islands are covered with evergreen forests (palm trees, ficus trees, etc.); in the driest places - savannas; along the banks there are mangroves. Fauna: rats, bats, crocodiles, lizards, snakes, giant frogs; birds - wild pigeons, parrots, etc.
Seismology
The Solomon Islands are located in a seismic region where earthquakes occur frequently. In January 2010, an earthquake occurred, the magnitude of which was 7.2, the tremors provoked the appearance of a tsunami with a maximum wave height of 2.5 meters. In total, about a thousand people were left homeless. On April 23, 2011, an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.9 was recorded. On February 6, 2013, an earthquake of magnitude 8.0 occurred.
Story
The first settlers speaking Papuan languages began arriving in the Solomon Islands around 3000 BC. e. Speakers of Austronesian languages - approximately 4000 years ago. They brought with them cultural elements such as the outrigger canoe. Between approximately 1200 and 800 BC. e. The ancestors of the Polynesians (people of the Lapita culture) from the Bismarck Archipelago, who knew pottery production, arrived on the Islands.
The Solomon Islands were discovered in 1568 by the Spanish navigator A. Mendaña de Neira, who exchanged gold from the local residents and named these islands Solomon, comparing them with "Golden Country of Solomon". Founded in 1595 by Mendaña by decree of King Philip II on the island of Santa Cruz, the Spanish colony did not last long and was soon abandoned due to conflicts with warlike natives.
For the next century and a half, the islands were not visited by Europeans. They were discovered a second time by the Englishman F. Carteret in 1767.
Since the mid-1840s, Catholic and Protestant missionaries have repeatedly tried to settle in the Solomon Islands, but for a long time they did not succeed: many of them were killed by the aborigines.
The development of the Solomon Islands by Europeans began only in the 1860s, when the first white traders began to establish themselves there. The natives tried to kill these traders, but they, unlike the missionaries, managed to organize their defense.
Data on the literacy level of the population of the Solomon Islands is not available.
Urban population - 19.7% (101,798 people) (2009 census).
Languages
Religion
Religions: Church of Melanesia - 31.9% (164,639 people), Catholics - 19.6% (100,999 people), South Sea Evangelists - 17.1% (88,395 people), Seventh-day Adventists - 11, 7% (60,506 people), united church - 10.1% (51,919 people), Christian Fellowship Church - 2.5% (13,153 people), other Christians - 4.4%, others - 2, 7% (14,076 people). (according to the 2009 census).
Approximately 97% of the population of Solomon Islands professes the Christian faith. The largest Christian denominations: 31.9% of the population belong to the Church of Melanesia, 19.6% belong to the Roman Catholic Church, 17.1% to the South Seas Evangelical Church, 11.7% to Seventh-day Adventist Church, 10.1% - United Church of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands, 2.5% - Christian Fellowship Church. 2.9% of the population practices indigenous religious beliefs. There are approximately 350 Muslims (2007 data).
Policy
The political system of the Solomon Islands is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system of government. Queen Elizabeth II is the monarch of the Solomon Islands and head of state. Its power is exercised through the Governor-General, who is elected by Parliament for a term of five years.
The parliament is unicameral, consists of 50 representatives, and is elected every four years. According to the results of the last elections (August 2010), there are 19 independent deputies and representatives of 12 political parties in parliament (the largest party has 13 deputies, the rest have from 3 to 1 deputies). Parliament can be dissolved early by a majority vote of its members.
Any citizen over 21 years of age has the right to vote in elections. The head of government is the Prime Minister, he is elected by Parliament and appoints other ministers. The Cabinet of Ministers consists of 20 people. Each ministry is headed by a minister, who is assisted by a Permanent Secretary, who supervises the ministry's employees.
Solomon Islands' political parties are weak and parliamentary coalitions are extremely unstable. Votes of no confidence are often announced in the government, as a result of which the composition of the government often changes.
There are no military units as such in the Solomon Islands, although the police force, numbering about 500 people, includes a border security unit. The police function as firefighters, assist in emergency situations and carry out maritime patrols. The police are led by a commissioner appointed by the governor general. The Commissioner is under the control of the Prime Minister.
The main buyers (in 2009) are China 54.1%, South Korea 6.2%, Philippines 6%, Spain 4.9%.
Imports - $0.26 billion in 2008 - food, industrial goods, fuel, chemical products.
The main suppliers (in 2009) are Singapore 24.7%, Australia 23.1%, New Zealand 5.2%, Fiji 4.5%, Papua New Guinea 4.3%, Malaysia 4%.
Culture
The Solomon Islands have largely retained their former cultural appearance.
The villages are dominated by houses of the traditional type: light, rectangular huts on pillars with wicker walls and a gable roof made of palm leaves. However, in large settlements there are many buildings of European type.
In clothing, European elements have significantly supplanted the tradition, but some local residents continue to wear loincloths and short skirts.
In the spiritual culture of the islanders, tradition is also closely intertwined with modernity. Folklore, original songs and dances, and applied arts are relatively well preserved among the local population, but modern culture is also being introduced.
Sport
see also
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Notes
Literature
- Oceania. Directory. - M.: Nauka, 1982.
- Rubtsov B. B. Oceania. - M.: Science, 1991.
Links
- - article from the Krugosvet encyclopedia
- // Encyclopedic Dictionary of Brockhaus and Efron: in 86 volumes (82 volumes and 4 additional). - St. Petersburg. , 1890-1907.
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Excerpt describing the Solomon Islands
Napoleon started the war with Russia because he could not help but come to Dresden, could not help but be overwhelmed by honors, could not help but put on a Polish uniform, could not succumb to the enterprising impression of a June morning, could not refrain from an outburst of anger in the presence of Kurakin and then Balashev.
Alexander refused all negotiations because he personally felt insulted. Barclay de Tolly tried to manage the army in the best possible way in order to fulfill his duty and earn the glory of a great commander. Rostov galloped to attack the French because he could not resist the desire to gallop across a flat field. And so exactly, due to their personal properties, habits, conditions and goals, all those innumerable persons who took part in this war acted. They were afraid, they were conceited, they rejoiced, they were indignant, they reasoned, believing that they knew what they were doing and that they were doing it for themselves, and all were involuntary instruments of history and carried out work hidden from them, but understandable to us. This is the unchangeable fate of all practical figures, and the higher they stand in the human hierarchy, the more free they are.
Now the figures of 1812 have long since left their places, their personal interests have disappeared without a trace, and only the historical results of that time are before us.
But let’s assume that the people of Europe, under the leadership of Napoleon, had to go deep into Russia and die there, and all the self-contradictory, senseless, cruel activities of the people participating in this war become clear to us.
Providence forced all these people, striving to achieve their personal goals, to contribute to the fulfillment of one huge result, about which not a single person (neither Napoleon, nor Alexander, nor even less any of the participants in the war) had the slightest aspiration.
Now it is clear to us what was the cause of the death of the French army in 1812. No one will argue that the reason for the death of Napoleon’s French troops was, on the one hand, their entry at a late time without preparation for a winter campaign deep into Russia, and on the other hand, the nature that the war took on from the burning of Russian cities and the incitement of hatred towards the enemy in the Russian people. But then not only did no one foresee that (which now seems obvious) that only in this way could the army of eight hundred thousand, the best in the world and led by the best commander, die in a clash with the Russian army, which was twice as weak, inexperienced and led by inexperienced commanders; not only did no one foresee this, but all efforts on the part of the Russians were constantly aimed at preventing the fact that only one could save Russia, and on the part of the French, despite the experience and so-called military genius of Napoleon, all efforts were directed towards this to stretch out to Moscow at the end of summer, that is, to do the very thing that should have destroyed them.
In historical works about 1812, French authors are very fond of talking about how Napoleon felt the danger of stretching his line, how he was looking for a battle, how his marshals advised him to stop in Smolensk, and give other similar arguments proving that it was already understood there was danger of the campaign; and Russian authors are even more fond of talking about how from the beginning of the campaign there was a plan for the Scythian war to lure Napoleon into the depths of Russia, and they attribute this plan to some Pfuel, some to some Frenchman, some to Tolya, some to Emperor Alexander himself, pointing to notes, projects and letters that actually contain hints of this course of action. But all these hints of foreknowledge of what happened, both on the part of the French and on the part of the Russians, are now exhibited only because the event justified them. If the event had not happened, then these hints would have been forgotten, just as thousands and millions of opposing hints and assumptions that were in use then, but turned out to be unfair and therefore forgotten, are now forgotten. There are always so many assumptions about the outcome of every event that takes place that, no matter how it ends, there will always be people who will say: “I said then that it would be like this,” completely forgetting that among the countless assumptions, completely opposite.
Assumptions about Napoleon's awareness of the danger of stretching the line and on the part of the Russians - about luring the enemy into the depths of Russia - obviously belong to this category, and historians can only attribute such considerations to Napoleon and his marshals and such plans to Russian military leaders only with great reserve. All the facts completely contradict such assumptions. Not only throughout the war was there no desire on the part of the Russians to lure the French into the depths of Russia, but everything was done to stop them from their first entry into Russia, and not only was Napoleon not afraid of stretching his line, but he rejoiced at how triumph, every step forward, and very lazily, unlike in his previous campaigns, he looked for battle.
At the very beginning of the campaign, our armies are cut up, and the only goal to which we strive is to unite them, although in order to retreat and lure the enemy into the interior of the country, there does not seem to be any advantage in uniting the armies. The emperor is with the army to inspire it to defend every step of the Russian land, and not to retreat. The huge Dries camp is being built according to Pfuel's plan and it is not intended to retreat further. The Emperor reproaches the commander-in-chief for every step of retreat. Not only the burning of Moscow, but the admission of the enemy to Smolensk cannot even be imagined by the emperor, and when the armies unite, the sovereign is indignant because Smolensk was taken and burned and was not given a general battle before the walls of it.
The sovereign thinks so, but the Russian military leaders and all Russian people are even more indignant at the thought that ours are retreating into the interior of the country.
Napoleon, having cut up the armies, moves inland and misses several occasions of battle. In August he is in Smolensk and thinks only about how he can move on, although, as we now see, this movement forward is obviously detrimental for him.
The facts clearly show that neither Napoleon foresaw the danger in moving towards Moscow, nor Alexander and the Russian military leaders then thought about luring Napoleon, but thought about the opposite. The luring of Napoleon into the interior of the country did not happen according to anyone’s plan (no one believed in the possibility of this), but occurred from the most complex game of intrigues, goals, desires of people - participants in the war, who did not guess what should be, and what was the only salvation of Russia. Everything happens by accident. The armies are cut up at the start of the campaign. We are trying to unite them with the obvious goal of giving battle and holding off the enemy’s advance, but even in this desire to unite, avoiding battles with the strongest enemy and involuntarily retreating at an acute angle, we lead the French to Smolensk. But it’s not enough to say that we are retreating at an acute angle because the French are moving between both armies - this angle is becoming even sharper, and we are moving even further because Barclay de Tolly, an unpopular German, is hated by Bagration (who will become under his command ), and Bagration, commanding the 2nd Army, tries not to join Barclay for as long as possible, so as not to become under his command. Bagration does not join for a long time (although this is the main goal of all commanders) because it seems to him that he is putting his army in danger on this march and that it is most profitable for him to retreat to the left and south, harassing the enemy from the flank and rear and recruiting his army in Ukraine. But it seems that he came up with this because he did not want to obey the hated and junior German Barclay.
The emperor is with the army to inspire it, and his presence and lack of knowledge of what to decide on, and a huge number of advisers and plans destroy the energy of the 1st army’s actions, and the army retreats.
It is planned to stop at the Dris camp; but unexpectedly Paulucci, aiming to become commander-in-chief, influences Alexander with his energy, and Pfuel’s entire plan is abandoned, and the whole matter is entrusted to Barclay. But since Barclay does not inspire confidence, his power is limited.
The armies are fragmented, there is no unity of leadership, Barclay is not popular; but from this confusion, fragmentation and unpopularity of the German commander-in-chief, on the one hand, follows indecision and avoidance of battle (which could not be resisted if the armies were together and Barclay was not the commander), on the other hand, more and more indignation against the Germans and excitement of the patriotic spirit.
Finally, the sovereign leaves the army, and as the only and most convenient pretext for his departure, the idea is chosen that he needs to inspire the people in the capitals to initiate a people's war. And this trip of the sovereign and Moscow triples the strength of the Russian army.
The sovereign leaves the army in order not to hamper the unity of power of the commander-in-chief, and hopes that more decisive measures will be taken; but the position of the army command is even more confused and weakened. Bennigsen, the Grand Duke and a swarm of adjutant generals remain with the army in order to monitor the actions of the commander-in-chief and arouse him to energy, and Barclay, feeling even less free under the eyes of all these sovereign eyes, becomes even more careful for decisive actions and avoids battles.
Barclay stands for caution. The Tsarevich hints at treason and demands a general battle. Lyubomirsky, Branitsky, Wlotsky and the like are inflating all this noise so much that Barclay, under the pretext of delivering papers to the sovereign, sends the Poles as adjutant generals to St. Petersburg and enters into an open fight with Bennigsen and the Grand Duke.
In Smolensk, finally, no matter how Bagration wished it, the armies are united.
Bagration drives up in a carriage to the house occupied by Barclay. Barclay puts on a scarf, goes out to meet him and reports to the senior rank of Bagration. Bagration, in the struggle of generosity, despite the seniority of his rank, submits to Barclay; but, having submitted, she agrees with him even less. Bagration personally, by order of the sovereign, informs him. He writes to Arakcheev: “The will of my sovereign, I cannot do it together with the minister (Barclay). For God's sake, send me somewhere, even to command a regiment, but I can’t be here; and the entire main apartment is filled with Germans, so it’s impossible for a Russian to live, and there’s no point. I thought I was truly serving the sovereign and the fatherland, but in reality it turns out that I am serving Barclay. I admit, I don’t want to.” The swarm of Branitskys, Wintzingerodes and the like further poisons the relations of the commanders-in-chief, and even less unity emerges. They are planning to attack the French in front of Smolensk. A general is sent to inspect the position. This general, hating Barclay, goes to his friend, the corps commander, and, after sitting with him for a day, returns to Barclay and condemns on all counts the future battlefield, which he has not seen.
While there are disputes and intrigues about the future battlefield, while we are looking for the French, having made a mistake in their location, the French stumble upon Neverovsky’s division and approach the very walls of Smolensk.
We must take on an unexpected battle in Smolensk in order to save our messages. The battle is given. Thousands are being killed on both sides.
Smolensk is abandoned against the will of the sovereign and all the people. But Smolensk was burned by the residents themselves, deceived by their governor, and the ruined residents, setting an example for other Russians, go to Moscow, thinking only about their losses and inciting hatred of the enemy. Napoleon moves on, we retreat, and the very thing that was supposed to defeat Napoleon is achieved.
The day after his son’s departure, Prince Nikolai Andreich called Princess Marya to his place.
- Well, are you satisfied now? - he told her, - she quarreled with her son! Are you satisfied? That's all you needed! Are you satisfied?.. It hurts me, it hurts. I'm old and weak, and that's what you wanted. Well, rejoice, rejoice... - And after that, Princess Marya did not see her father for a week. He was sick and did not leave the office.
To her surprise, Princess Marya noticed that during this time of illness the old prince also did not allow m lle Bourienne to visit him. Only Tikhon followed him.
A week later, the prince left and began his old life again, being especially active in buildings and gardens and ending all previous relations with m lle Bourienne. His appearance and cold tone with Princess Marya seemed to say to her: “You see, you made it up about me, lied to Prince Andrei about my relationship with this Frenchwoman and quarreled me with him; and you see that I don’t need either you or the Frenchwoman.”
Princess Marya spent one half of the day with Nikolushka, watching his lessons, herself giving him lessons in the Russian language and music, and talking with Desalles; she spent the other part of the day in her quarters with books, the old woman’s nanny, and with God’s people, who sometimes came to her from the back porch.
Princess Marya thought about the war the way women think about war. She was afraid for her brother, who was there, horrified, without understanding her, by human cruelty, which forced them to kill each other; but she did not understand the significance of this war, which seemed to her the same as all previous wars. She did not understand the significance of this war, despite the fact that Desalles, her constant interlocutor, who was passionately interested in the progress of the war, tried to explain his thoughts to her, and despite the fact that the people of God who came to her all spoke with horror in their own way about popular rumors about the invasion of the Antichrist, and despite the fact that Julie, now Princess Drubetskaya, who again entered into correspondence with her, wrote patriotic letters to her from Moscow.
“I am writing to you in Russian, my good friend,” wrote Julie, “because I have hatred for all the French, as well as for their language, which I cannot hear spoken... We in Moscow are all delighted through enthusiasm for our beloved emperor.
My poor husband endures labor and hunger in Jewish taverns; but the news I have makes me even more excited.
You probably heard about the heroic feat of Raevsky, who hugged his two sons and said: “I will die with them, but we will not waver!” And indeed, although the enemy was twice as strong as us, we did not waver. We spend our time as best we can; but in war, as in war. Princess Alina and Sophie sit with me all day long, and we, unfortunate widows of living husbands, have wonderful conversations over lint; only you, my friend, are missing... etc.
Mostly Princess Marya did not understand the full significance of this war because the old prince never talked about it, did not acknowledge it and laughed at Desalles at dinner when he talked about this war. The prince's tone was so calm and confident that Princess Marya, without reasoning, believed him.
Throughout the month of July, the old prince was extremely active and even animated. He also laid out a new garden and a new building, a building for the courtyard workers. One thing that bothered Princess Marya was that he slept little and, having changed his habit of sleeping in the study, changed the place of his overnight stays every day. Either he ordered his camp bed to be set up in the gallery, then he remained on the sofa or in the Voltaire chair in the living room and dozed without undressing, while not m lle Bourienne, but the boy Petrusha read to him; then he spent the night in the dining room.
On August 1, a second letter was received from Prince Andrei. In the first letter, received shortly after his departure, Prince Andrei humbly asked his father for forgiveness for what he had allowed himself to say to him, and asked him to return his favor to him. The old prince responded to this letter with an affectionate letter and after this letter he alienated the Frenchwoman from himself. Prince Andrei's second letter, written from near Vitebsk, after the French occupied it, consisted of a brief description of the entire campaign with a plan outlined in the letter, and considerations for the further course of the campaign. In this letter, Prince Andrei presented his father with the inconvenience of his position close to the theater of war, on the very line of movement of the troops, and advised him to go to Moscow.
At dinner that day, in response to the words of Desalles, who said that, as heard, the French had already entered Vitebsk, the old prince remembered the letter from Prince Andrei.
“I received it from Prince Andrei today,” he said to Princess Marya, “didn’t you read it?”
| Solomon islands | |||
| English Solomon Islands | |||
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| Motto: "To Lead is to Serve" (To Lead means to Serve)" |
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| Hymn: "God Save Solomon Islands" | |||
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| Independence date | July 7, 1978 (from) | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| official languages | English | ||
| Capital | |||
| The largest city | |||
| Form of government | a constitutional monarchy | ||
| Queen | Elizabeth II | ||
| Governor General | Frank Kabui | ||
| Prime Minister | Rick Houenipwela | ||
| Territory | 142nd in the world | ||
| Total | 28,450 km² | ||
| % water surface | 3,2 | ||
| Population | |||
| Score (2009) | 515,870 people (170s) | ||
| Density | 18.13 people/km² | ||
| GDP | |||
| Total (2011) | $840 million | ||
| Per capita | $1522 | ||
| HDI (2013) | ▲ 0.530 (low; 143rd place) | ||
| Currency | Solomon Islands dollar (SBD) | ||
| Internet domain | .sb | ||
| ISO code | S.B. | ||
| IOC code | SOL | ||
| Telephone code | +677 | ||
| Time Zones | +11 | ||
This article is about the state. For the archipelago, see Solomon Islands (archipelago).
Solomon islands(eng. Solomon Islands) - a state in the southwestern part of the Pacific Ocean, occupying most of the archipelago of the same name, as well as some other island groups. It consists of 992 islands, the total area of which is 28,450 km² (land - 28,400 km²). The capital of the Solomon Islands is the city.
Geography
Solomon islands
The state occupies most of the archipelago of the same name in the Pacific Ocean, to the east of the island. Largest islands: Guadalcanal, Santa Isabel, Malaita, San Cristobal, Choiseul, New Georgia. It also occupies the island groups of Duff, Santa Cruz, Swallow and the islands of Bellona, Rennell, etc.
The islands are predominantly of volcanic origin; active volcanoes. The country's highest point is Popomanaseu Peak on Guadalcanal at 2,335 meters. Short high-water rivers.
The climate is subequatorial, very humid. Average monthly temperatures range from 26 to 28 °C. Precipitation ranges from 2300 to 7500 mm per year. From May to October the southeast trade wind predominates, from December to March the northwest equatorial monsoon prevails.
Most of the islands are covered with evergreen forests (palm trees, ficus trees, etc.); in the driest places - savannas; along the banks there are mangroves. Fauna: rats, bats, crocodiles, snakes, giant frogs; birds - wild pigeons, parrots, etc.
Seismology
The Solomon Islands are located in a seismically dangerous region where earthquakes occur frequently. In January 2010, an earthquake occurred, the magnitude of which was 7.2, the tremors provoked the appearance of a tsunami with a maximum wave height of 2.5 meters. In total, about a thousand people were left homeless. On April 23, 2011, an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.9 was recorded. On February 6, 2013, an earthquake of magnitude 8.0 occurred.
History and etymology
The first settlers speaking Papuan languages began arriving in the Solomon Islands around 3000 BC. e. Speakers of Austronesian languages - approximately 4000 years ago. They brought with them cultural elements such as a canoe with an outrigger. Between approximately 1200 and 800 BC. e. The ancestors of the Polynesians (people of the Lapita culture) from the Bismarck Archipelago, who knew pottery production, arrived on the Islands.
The Solomon Islands were discovered in 1568 by the Spanish navigator A. Mendaña de Neira, who exchanged gold from local residents and named these Solomon Islands after the legendary biblical king Solomon, comparing them with "Golden Country of Solomon". Founded in 1595 by Mendaña by decree of King Philip II on the island of Santa Cruz, the Spanish colony did not last long and was soon abandoned due to conflicts with warlike natives.
For the next century and a half, the islands were not visited by Europeans. They were discovered a second time by the Englishman F. Carteret in 1767.
Since the mid-1840s, Catholic and Protestant missionaries have repeatedly tried to settle in the Solomon Islands, but for a long time they did not succeed: many of them were killed by the aborigines.
The development of the Solomon Islands by Europeans began only in the 1860s, when the first white traders began to establish themselves there. The natives tried to kill these traders, but they, unlike the missionaries, managed to organize their defense.
In 1893, Britain declared a protectorate over the Solomon Islands. Since 1907, English entrepreneurs began to create coconut palm plantations in the British Solomon Islands. Since the beginning of the 20th century, missionaries have again appeared on the islands, converting the aborigines to Christianity.
During World War II, part of the islands was occupied by the Japanese. From 1942 to 1945, bloody battles were fought on the islands between the Japanese and the countries of the Anti-Hitler Coalition (, Australia and), ending in the victory of the latter.
In July 1978, the Solomon Islands gained independence from. Peter Kenilorea became the first Prime Minister.
Since 1998, tribal tensions have sharply increased in the Solomon Islands, leading to armed clashes. As a result, on June 5, 2000, a coup took place in the country, Prime Minister Bartholomew Ulufaalu was arrested, then resigned, giving way to Manassa Sogavare.
In June 2003, Prime Minister Allan Kemakeza asked Australia to restore law and order in the country. The following month, military and police forces of Australia and several countries (, etc.) arrived in the Solomon Islands - "Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands"(RAMSI), a total of about 2,200 police and military personnel. They restored order and disarmed the tribal militants.
One of two UN member countries (2nd -) that do not have diplomatic relations with Russia (not established).
Administrative divisions of the Solomon Islands
The territory of the Solomon Islands is divided into 9 provinces; the capital, located on the island of Guadalcanal, is allocated to a special administrative unit - the Capital Territory.
Population
Population - 515,870 people. (2009 census).
Annual population growth is 2.3% (2009 census).
Birth rate - 26.9 per 1000 (fertility - 3.4 births per woman)
Mortality rate is 3.7 per 1000.
Average life expectancy is 71 years for men, 76 years for women.
Ethnic composition: Melanesians - 95.3% (491,466 people), Polynesians - 3.1% (15,911 people), Micronesians - 1.2% (6446 people), Chinese - 0.1% (654 people .), Europeans - 0.1% (721 people), others - 0.1% (672 people) (according to the 2009 census).
Data on the literacy level of the population of the Solomon Islands is not available.
Urban population - 19.7% (101,798 people) (2009 census).
Languages
Languages: English (official) - it is spoken by 1-2% of the population; one of the varieties of Melanesian pidgin is used as the language of universal communication - Solomon Islands pidgin (neo-Solomonik, Solomon pidgin), which is actually a Creole language. There are a total of 120 local languages in the country.
Religion
Religions: Church of Melanesia - 31.9% (164,639 people), Catholics - 19.6% (100,999 people), South Sea Evangelists - 17.1% (88,395 people), Seventh-day Adventists - 11, 7% (60,506 people), united church - 10.1% (51,919 people), Christian Fellowship Church - 2.5% (13,153 people), other Christians - 4.4%, others - 2, 7% (14,076 people). (according to the 2009 census).
Approximately 97% of the population of Solomon Islands professes the Christian faith. The largest Christian denominations: 31.9% of the population belong to the Church of Melanesia, 19.6% belong to the Roman Catholic Church, 17.1% to the South Seas Evangelical Church, 11.7% to Seventh-day Adventist Church, 10.1% - United Church of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands, 2.5% - Christian Fellowship Church. 2.9% of the population practices indigenous religious beliefs. There are approximately 350 Muslims (2007 data).
Policy
The political system of the Solomon Islands is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system of government. Queen Elizabeth II is the monarch of the Solomon Islands and head of state. Its power is exercised through the Governor-General, who is elected by Parliament for a term of five years.
The parliament is unicameral, consists of 50 representatives, and is elected every four years. According to the results of the last elections (August 2010), there are 19 independent deputies and representatives of 12 political parties in parliament (the largest party has 13 deputies, the rest have from 3 to 1 deputies). Parliament can be dissolved early by a majority vote of its members.
Any citizen over 21 years of age has the right to vote in elections. The head of government is the prime minister, he is elected by Parliament and appoints other ministers. The Cabinet of Ministers consists of 20 people. Each ministry is headed by a minister, who is assisted by a Permanent Secretary, who supervises the ministry's employees.
Solomon Islands' political parties are weak and parliamentary coalitions are extremely unstable. Votes of no confidence are often announced in the government, as a result of which the composition of the government often changes.
There are no military units as such in the Solomon Islands, although the police force, numbering about 500 people, includes a border security unit. The police function as firefighters, assist in emergency situations and carry out maritime patrols. The police are led by a commissioner appointed by the governor general. The Commissioner is under the control of the Prime Minister.
On April 23, 2006, the inauguration ceremony of the new government, headed by Snyder Reaney, took place. The new government is intended to step up the fight against corruption, which has been at the root of recent riots that saw several metropolitan areas, most notably Chinatown, burnt to the ground.
On the same day, the mass evacuation of ethnic Chinese from the country began, who previously numbered about 2 thousand. It was they who became the main object of discontent of the indigenous population. Snyder Reaney, who had previously served as Deputy Prime Minister, had close business contacts with the Chinese community and was largely dependent on it.
International relationships
Solomon Islands is a member of the UN, the Commonwealth of Nations, the Secretariat of the Pacific Community, the Pacific Islands Forum, the International Monetary Fund and the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP).
Relations with, which became tense due to the influx of refugees from the island. Bougainville, after the rebellion and attacks on the northern islands of the state by the pursuing rebels, were restored. A peace agreement on Bougainville was reached in 1998, and border issues were resolved between Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands in an agreement signed in 2004.
Economy
The basis of the country's economy is agriculture, fishing, and logging.
Three-quarters of the workforce is employed in agriculture, as well as fishing and logging. The industrial sector (fish processing, timber) employs 5%, and the service sector - 20%.
GDP per capita (in 2009) - 2.5 thousand dollars (177th place in the world).
Cocoa, coconuts, rice, potatoes, vegetables, and fruits are cultivated. Livestock is raised.
The country has large deposits of lead, zinc, nickel and gold, as well as bauxite and phosphates, but these are not mined.
International trade
Exports - $0.24 billion in 2008 - timber, fish, copra, palm oil, cocoa.
The main buyers (in 2009) are China 54.1%, South Korea 6.2%, Philippines 6%, Spain 4.9%.
Imports - $0.26 billion in 2008 - food, industrial goods, fuel, chemical products.
The main suppliers (in 2009) are Singapore 24.7%, Australia 23.1%, New Zealand 5.2%, Fiji 4.5%, Papua New Guinea 4.3%, Malaysia 4%.
Culture
The Solomon Islands have largely retained their former cultural appearance.
The villages are dominated by houses of the traditional type: light, rectangular huts on pillars with wicker walls and a gable roof made of palm leaves. However, in large settlements there are many buildings of European type.
In clothing, European elements have significantly supplanted the tradition, but some local residents continue to wear loincloths and short skirts.
In the spiritual culture of the islanders, tradition is also closely intertwined with modernity. Folklore, original songs and dances, and applied arts are relatively well preserved among the local population, but modern culture is also being introduced.
Sport
Football
The national football team made history by becoming the first team to defeat New Zealand and enter the qualifying playoffs for the 2006 FIFA World Cup. However, in the first match of the playoffs, they were defeated by Australia with a score of 7:0.
Mini football
On June 14, 2008, the Solomon Islands national futsal team won the Oceania Championship in and received the right to participate in the World Championship, which was held from September 30 to October 19, 2008 in. The Solomon Islands beach soccer team is considered the best team in Oceania and has taken part in the last three World Cups.
Rugby
The national rugby team is ranked in the IRB Top 100 teams but has never played at a Rugby World Cup.
see also
- Literature of the Solomon Islands
Notes
- World Atlas: Maximum detailed information / Project leaders: A. N. Bushnev, A. P. Pritvorov. - Moscow: AST, 2017. - P. 93. - 96 p. - ISBN 978-5-17-10261-4.
- HON. RICK HOU IS NEW PRIME MINISTER. National Parliament of Solomon Islands (16 November 2017). Retrieved November 16, 2017.
- Population census (Recensement national de 2009).
- Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the Solomon Islands, 1970-2011
- Human Development Report 2013. UN (2013). Retrieved March 14, 2013. Archived May 10, 2013.
- Mount Popomanaseu, Solomon Islands. peakbagger.com. Retrieved May 6, 2012. Archived June 23, 2012.
- Kirch, Patrick Vinton. On the Road of the Winds: An Archaeological History of the Pacific Islands. - Berkley, California: University of California Press, 2002. - ISBN 0-520-23461-8.
- Census - Solomon Islands National Statistics Office (en-gb). www.statistics.gov.sb. Retrieved October 24, 2017.
- Solomon Islands National Statistical Office. Ministry of Finance and Treasury. 2009 POPULATION & HOUSING CENSUS. NATIONAL REPORT (Volume 2) (English) (pdf). Solomon Islands National Statistics Office (SINSO) P. 83 (2009). - Solomon Islands Population and Housing Census (2009). Retrieved October 25, 2017.
- Solomon Islands Census (2009). Pacific Regional Statistics | Secretariat of the Pacific Community (en-gb). www.spc.int. Retrieved October 24, 2017.
- International Religious Freedom Report 2007
- CIA - The World Factbook - Central Intelligence Agency - Solomon Islands (English). www.cia.gov. Retrieved October 24, 2017.
Literature
- Oceania. Directory. - M.: Nauka, 1982.
- Rubtsov B. B. Oceania. - M.: Nauka, 1991.
Links
- Solomon islands- article from the Krugosvet encyclopedia
- Solomon islands// Encyclopedic Dictionary of Brockhaus and Efron: in 86 volumes (82 volumes and 4 additional). - St. Petersburg. , 1890-1907.
Where are the Solomon Islands on the world map. Detailed map of the Solomon Islands in Russian online. Satellite map of the Solomon Islands with cities and resorts. Solomon Islands on the world map is an island nation that is located in the Pacific Ocean and includes more than 992 islands. The capital of the islands is Honiara. The official language is English.
Map of the Solomon Islands in Russian:
Solomon Islands - Wikipedia:
Population of the Solomon Islands- 599,419 people (2016)
Capital of the Solomon Islands- Honiara
Solomon Islands dialing code - 677
Internet domains of the Solomon Islands- .sb
Language used in the Solomon Islands- English language
Almost all the islands that are part of the archipelago are of volcanic origin. On Solomon Islands There are also several active volcanoes. For example, the volcanoes of Bagan and Balbi. The highest point above sea level is 2743 meters. Most of the islands are occupied by evergreen forests. In the driest regions there are savannas, and near the coast there are mangrove forests.
Climate on the islands it is very humid with a subequatorial climate zone in most of the territory. The weather is characterized by a large number of sunny days and high annual temperatures. On average, the air warms up to +26...+29 C. Seasons are divided into important and dry. During the rainy season, up to 7,500 mm of precipitation can fall on the islands.
Solomon islands famous for their traditions, culture and exotic nature. One of the most interesting places in the state is Beticama, a church school complex where various workshops for making pottery, metal and wood carvings are open and operating, as well as a museum with exhibits from the Second World War.
From natural attractions One of the most beautiful is the 60-meter-high waterfall, located near the village of Tenaru. Also attractive and fascinating are the double-sided Mataniko waterfalls, which can be seen if you drive 10 km from the capital. In general, each of the islands of the archipelago is a treasure trove of unique, interesting and beautiful places.
Tourism on the islands is quite well developed. The main and most visited resort beach holiday - the capital of Honiara with a large number of hotels, restaurants, cafes and shops.
What to see in the Solomon Islands:
Mataniko and Tenaru Falls, Honiara City, Aola Bay Harbour, Rennell and Bellona Provinces, Santa Cruz Island, Guadalcanal, Honiara, Malaita Island, Gizo Island, Plum Pudding Island, Rennell Island.
