Soloman Islands
Geography and Climate
Archipelago consisting of many different islands. A total of 930 miles separate the western-most and eastern-most islands. There are many active and dormant volcanoes with rugged mountains. The Soloman Islands have a tropical climate with abundant rainfall.
Plants, Animals, and Natural Resources
Typical plants seen are Cyperus and Hibiscus, while common animals are the splendid white-eye and emperor rat. Natural resources are forest, fish, gold, bauxite, phosphates, lead, zinc, and nickel.
History
-Natives arrived around 30000 BC
-1568 Spanish navigator arrived
-Mid nineteenth century missionaries arrived
-Once protectorate of Germany, and then Britain
-Gained independence in 1970's
-Civil War in 1990's
Land Use and Issues
Only .62% of land in the Soloman Islands is arable with 2.25% is used for crops. None of the land is irrigated.
Issues the Soloman Islands are facing include: deforestation, soil erosion, and coral reefs off the coast are dying.
Education and Language
The Soloman Islands face many challenges in education. Only 60% of students have access to education. Many kids are taught at home by there mother. Males have the advantage in education too women. Higher education is basically non-existent.
Languages include Melanesian Pidgin and some English.
Religion and Culture
Religion is the Soloman Islands include Protestant(73.7%), Roman Catholic(19%), and other traditional religions.
Sports include rugby and beach soccer. Locals play and make wooden flutes. Arranged marriages are very common. Christmas is the biggest national holiday followed by Independence Day on July 7. Common foods are yams, panas, and seafood.