Volcanoes with varying degrees of activity are situated on some of the larger islands which are thickly vegetated with fast flowing rivers, while many of the smaller islands are simply tiny atolls covered in sand and palm trees.

The capital, Honiara, is located on the island of Guadalcanal.

The Solomon Islands are believed to have been inhabited by Melanesian people for thousands of years. The United Kingdom established a protectorate over the Solomon Islands in 1893. In the Second World War, there was fierce fighting between the Americans and the Japanese in the Solomon Islands campaign of 1942–45, including the Battle of Guadalcanal.

Self-government was achieved in 1976 and independence two years later. The Solomon Islands is a constitutional monarchy with the Queen of the Solomon Islands, at present Elizabeth II, as the head of state.

Ethnic tensions have led to political instability, including a coup in June 2000; a multinational force led by Australia helped restore order.

The Solomon Islands economy is based on agriculture, fishing, and lumbering. Tourism has been developed with cruise ships and visitors to World War II battlefields frequenting the islands.

Main Issues:

• Ethnic and social tensions
• Economy close to bankruptcy
• Law and order
• High-powered weapons in the control of renegade members of the police force
• Deforestation: lack of resources to control the activities of the logging companies operating in the country
• Malaria control

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