Solomon Islands
Estimate population 496,200 - Capital: Honiara
The Solomon Islands consist of eight large islands and island groups located about 1,600 kilometres (1,000 miles) northeast of Australia in the southwest Pacific Ocean. Beautiful mountains and forests cover most of the islands. The capital is Honiara on Guadalcanal Island. Although English is the official language some 90 local languages are also spoken. Agriculture, lumbering, fishing and tourism all play a major role on the Solomon Islands.