Background

The Solomon Islands forms an archipelago about 1,900 kilometers northeast of Australia. Its terrain ranges from ruggedly mountainous islands to low-lying coral atolls, and stretch in a 1,450-kilometer chain southeast from Papua New Guinea across the Coral Sea to Vanuatu. With nine Provinces, Solomon Islanders comprise diverse cultures, languages, and customs. Ninety-three percent are Melanesian, 4 percent Polynesian and 1.5 percent Micronesian. In addition, small numbers of Europeans and Chinese are registered. About 120 languages are spoken.

The Solomon Islands is a parliamentary democracy within the Commonwealth, with the Queen as the Head of State represented by the Governor General for a five year term. The Solomon Islands gained Independence from Britain in 1978 and became a Member State of United Nations in the same year. Solomon Islands’ Parliament has one chamber only, consisting of 50 members that are elected for a four year term.

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Country Programme Action Plan 2008-2012