Solomon Islands - Society

Population: 507,000 (2008); 18% lives in urban areas; growth 3.4% p.a. 1970–90 and 2.7% p.a. 1990–2006; birth rate (2006) 31 per 1,000 people (46 in 1970); life expectancy 63 years (54 in 1970). About 93% of the people are Melanesian and 4% Polynesian. There is a small expatriate population.

Religion: Mainly Christians (Church of Melanesia Anglicans 45%, Roman Catholics 18%, Methodists, Presbyterians, Baptists and Seventh Day Adventists).

Language: The official language is English. Pidgin, which is based on a typical Melanesian syntax, is the most widely spoken language. There are more than 80 indigenous languages.

Media: Solomon Star is a daily newspaper, and Solomon Times and Solomons Voice are weekly. TV broadcasting is available via satellite, and Australia’s ABC, BBC World and other satellite stations can be received. Radio is a more influential medium than the press. Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) is a public broadcaster, operating Radio Happy Isles and Wantok FM, which are national radio stations, as well as the provincial stations Radio Happy Lagoon and Radio Temotu.

There are 12 TV sets (2005), 41 personal computers (2004) and 16 internet users (2007) per 1,000 people.

Education: There are six years of primary education and seven years of secondary. The school year starts in January.

Solomon Islands College of Higher Education offers teacher training, finance, nursing and secretarial studies, and a range of technical subjects related to Solomon Islands’ economy such as marine and fisheries studies, forestry and agriculture. The college also gives some first-year university courses. Solomon Islands is a partner in the regional University of the South Pacific, which has its main campus in Suva, Fiji Islands.

Health: The government runs six hospitals, as well as clinics and clinical aid posts. The churches run two hospitals as well as clinics. 70% of the population uses an improved drinking water source and 32% have access to adequate sanitation facilities (2006). Infant mortality was 55 per 1,000 live births in 2006 (120 in 1960). Malaria remains the main health problem.

Communications: Country code 677. Mobile phones are available to hire from Solomon Telekom, though coverage is limited to Honiara, Gizo and Munda. Satellite phones can also be hired. There are a few internet cafes in Gizo and Honiara.

There are 16 main telephone lines and 22 mobile phone subscriptions per 1,000 people (2007).

Public holidays: New Year’s Day, Queen’s Official Birthday (June), Independence Day (7 July), Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Each province has its own holiday, some of which continue for several days.

Religious and other festivals whose dates vary from year to year include Good Friday, Easter Monday and Whit Monday.