The Solomon Islands, located in the South East Pacific, are comprised of some 992 islands, of which only 347 are inhabited. Forming a scattered archipelago of mountainous islands and low-lying coral atolls, they stretch about 900 miles in a south-easterly direction.

Although the first settlers where thought to have arrived 4000-5000 years ago, the Solomon Islands were first documented by Europeans when the Spanish explorer, Alvaro de Mendana, discovered gold on Guadalcanal (the main island). Thinking that he had discovered the source of King Solomon's great wealth (Biblical King Solomon's mine), Mendana named the islands the 'Isles of Solomon.' Great Britain declared the Southern Solomons a protectorate in 1893.

The main islands of the Solomons are volcanic in origin, covered with dense tropical forest with fast flowing rivers and streams. It is home to many endemic flora and fauna, which includes the common cardinal lorry. Current estimates put a total of 4500 plant species and 173 species of birds including the famous megapode bird.
In a landmark event for the country, part of Rennell Island, including the reefs and sea fringing the island, was proclaimed a World Heritage Site.

The nation gained independence in 1978 and it now follows the Westminster system of democracy with the British monarch retained as head of state.

The Solomon Islands remain one of the most yet-to-be explored isles in Oceania.

The Solomon Islands, somewhere completely different!