Demographics

Solomon Islands is a double-chain archipelago of more than 900 coral atolls located in the south-west Pacific about 1 800 kilometres north-east of Australia. Its total land area of 28 900 square kilometres is widely scattered over 1.3 million square kilometres (Exclusive Economic Zone) of the Pacific Ocean, with most of its smaller islands uninhabited.

The population of Solomon Islands was estimated to be 495 026 in 2007. The growing population and the relatively young population structure dominate concerns about future development. In 2005, estimated life expectancy at birth was 63.4 years (62.6 years for males and 64.3 years for females). According to the 1999 national population census, 93% of the total population are Melanesians, 4% are Polynesians and 3% are from other ethnic groups. During 2000-2005, the total population is estimated to have increased by about 59 000 persons and about 42% of the population is below 15 years of age according to United Nations population projections. This demographic trend is creating increasing pressure on infrastructures and jobs, as well as raising growing environmental issues.

Political situation

The country has continued its peaceful development since 2003 with the help of the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI). RAMSI comprises soldiers and policemen from Cook Islands, Fiji, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Samoa and Tonga, led by the Australian Army and Police. With the restoration of law and order, RAMSI has been scaled back to 302 police officers and 120 soldiers, in addition to civilian technical advisors, since the end of 2004.

The Government, led by Prime Minister Sir Allan Kemakeza since 17 December 2001, was dissolved on 20 December 2005. A national election was held on 5 April 2006.

Socioenomic situation

Since 2004, the country’s economy has shown a positive recovery along with the restoration of law and order. Total government revenue collection was SBD 625 million (around US$ 86 million) during 2005, SBD 75 million (US$ 10 million) more than expected. Contributions to government revenue were derived mainly from export duties on timber and growth in both company and personal income taxation receipts.

Vulnerabilities and hazards

No available information.

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