The Solomon Islands is an archipelago of nearly 1,000 islands located in the South Pacific Ocean. The topography is mountainous. The climate is tropical. Rainforests blanket most of the islands, and the jungles teem with a variety of both native and introduced species of wild life. The economy is based on agriculture, fishing and forestry.
The islands possess the South Pacific’s largest fresh water lake, Lake Te’Nggano, on the island of Rennell. Rare birds and orchids flourish around the lake, but tourist amenities are few and far between. The capital of the Solomon Islands is Honaira, located on the island of Guadalcanal. The Solomon Islands’ tourism bureau is in Honaira. Currently the capital city is experiencing a rash of criminal activity, and in April 2006, rioting prompted Australia to intervene by sending troops and police officers. Guadalcanal was the site of intense fighting during World War II, and battlefield tours are a popular diversion on the island. Offshore, the ocean offers opportunities for diving tours of World War II shipwrecks. Fishing is another option, as is swimming and cruising, though areas around Honaira are shark infested and therefore a poor choice for those seeking to splash in the waves.
