History of Solomon Islands in Timeline
The Solomon Islands, located northeast of Australia in Oceania, is an archipelago nation comprised of over 900 islands, with the largest being Guadalcanal, home to the capital city, Honiara. Covering a total area of 28,896 square kilometers, the country has an estimated population of 734,887. The Solomon Islands archipelago includes the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, but not the Santa Cruz Islands.
1900: German Cession of Territory
As a result of the Tripartite Convention of 1899, Germany ceded control of the Northern Solomon Islands to Britain in 1900, except for Buka and Bougainville, which became part of German New Guinea.
1902: Economic Development and Limited Colonization
Despite British efforts to promote plantation agriculture, colonization in the Solomon Islands remained limited by 1902, with only around 80 European colonists residing there. Economic progress yielded mixed outcomes.
1927: Murder of William R. Bell and Unrest
The killing of colonial administrator William R. Bell in 1927 by Basiana, a member of the Kwaio people on Malaita, highlighted the tensions over colonial policies. Bell's attempt to impose an unpopular head tax sparked resistance and ultimately led to his death.
1941: Outbreak of World War II and the Pacific Campaign
The attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941 marked the United States' entry into World War II. Japan's subsequent expansion into Southeast Asia and the Pacific had significant repercussions for the Solomon Islands.
May 1942: Japanese Occupation and Operation Mo
In May 1942, as part of their Operation Mo, Japanese forces occupied Tulagi and a large portion of the western Solomon Islands, including Guadalcanal. The Japanese aimed to establish a strategic presence in the region.
August 1942: Allied Counteroffensive on Guadalcanal
August 1942 saw the commencement of the Allied counteroffensive on Guadalcanal, marking a pivotal moment in the Pacific War. The Allies sought to dislodge Japanese forces from their strategic positions.
1942: World War II and the Solomon Islands Campaign
The Solomon Islands became a battleground during World War II. In 1942, as part of their Pacific campaign, the Japanese Empire's forces invaded and occupied Tulagi and other parts of the Solomon Islands.
1943: Emergence of the Maasina Rule Movement
The Maasina Rule movement, also known as the Native Council Movement, emerged in 1943-1944 under the leadership of Malaita-based chief Aliki Nono'ohimae. This movement aimed to improve the economic and political conditions of indigenous Solomon Islanders.
1943: Turning Point in the Pacific War
The Solomon Islands campaign, including the pivotal Guadalcanal and New Georgia campaigns of 1943, proved instrumental in halting and reversing the Japanese advance in the Pacific. The tide began to turn in favor of the Allies.
1945: World War II and the Solomon Islands Campaign
The Solomon Islands campaign, marked by intense fighting between Allied forces (primarily the United States and British forces) and the Japanese, concluded in 1945 with an Allied victory. This campaign significantly impacted the course of the Pacific War.
1947: British Suppression of Maasina Rule and Civil Disobedience
The British colonial authorities, alarmed by the growing influence of the Maasina Rule movement, initiated "Operation De-Louse" in 1947-1948, leading to the arrest of numerous Maasina leaders. This crackdown ignited a campaign of civil disobedience, particularly among Malaitans.
1950: Shift in Colonial Policy and Release of Leaders
The arrival of a new Resident Commissioner, Henry Gregory-Smith, in 1950 marked a shift in colonial policy towards the Maasina Rule movement. Smith ordered the release of the movement's imprisoned leaders, although acts of civil disobedience persisted.
1952: Relocation of the Capital to Honiara
In 1952, Honiara, located on Guadalcanal, officially replaced Tulagi as the capital of the Solomon Islands. This move was influenced by the extensive development Honiara underwent during World War II, particularly by American forces.
1952: Establishment of Island Council and Capital Relocation
In 1952, following negotiations between High Commissioner Robert Stanley and Maasina Rule leaders, an island council was established, signaling a degree of political accommodation. Later that year, Stanley made the decision to formally move the territory's capital from Tulagi to Honiara.
1960: Establishment of Executive and Legislative Councils
In 1960, as decolonization efforts increased globally, Britain established appointed Executive and Legislative Councils in the Solomon Islands as a step towards self-governance.
1963: Indonesian occupation of West Papua begins
According to the International Parliamentarians for West Papua (IPWP), Indonesia has occupied West Papua since 1963, a claim that has fueled a long-running conflict.
1964: Introduction of Elected Representation
In 1964, the Solomon Islands took a step further toward self-governance with the introduction of elected Solomon Islander representation in the Executive and Legislative Councils.
1967: Expansion of Elected Representation
In 1967, the Solomon Islands saw an extension of elected Solomon Islander representation in the Executive and Legislative Councils, further paving the way for self-governance.
1969: Rugby Union Team Debuts
The Solomon Islands national rugby union team marked its entry into international rugby by playing its first international match in 1969.
1970: Establishment of Governing Council
A new constitution implemented in 1970 merged the Executive and Legislative Councils into a single Governing Council, although the British Governor still held significant authority.
1974: Creation of Chief Minister Position
Responding to discontent, a new constitution was enacted in 1974, curtailing the Governor's powers and creating the position of Chief Minister, with Solomon Mamaloni as the first to hold the office.
1975: Transition to Self-Governance and Name Change
The British administration in the Solomon Islands underwent a significant change in 1975 when its official name shifted from the "British Solomon Islands Protectorate" to "The Solomon Islands." This change reflected the move towards greater autonomy.
1976: Full Self-Government
The Solomon Islands achieved full self-government in 1976, marking a significant step toward complete independence.
1977: London Conference and Independence Agreement
A conference in London in 1977 resulted in the agreement that the Solomon Islands would become fully independent the following year, setting the stage for the formal end of British rule.
1977: Introduction of the Solomon Islands Dollar
In 1977, the Solomon Islands introduced its own currency, the Solomon Islands dollar (SBD), replacing the Australian dollar at par.
July 1978: Independence of Solomon Islands
In July 1978, the Solomon Islands gained independence from British rule. Sir Peter Kenilorea of the Solomon Islands United Party became the first Prime Minister, and Queen Elizabeth II remained the head of state.
1978: Name Change and Independence as "Solomon Islands"
In 1978, the Solomon Islands achieved independence from British rule. Reflecting the newly independent status, the country's name was formally changed to "Solomon Islands," as enshrined in its constitution.
1978: Independence and Constitutional Monarchy
Solomon Islands attained independence from British rule in 1978. Upon independence, the nation adopted a constitutional monarchy with Queen Elizabeth II as its head of state, represented by a Governor-General.
1980: Peter Kenilorea Wins Election
Peter Kenilorea's Solomon Islands United Party won the 1980 general election, returning him to the position of Prime Minister.
1981: Solomon Mamaloni Becomes Prime Minister
Following a vote of no confidence, Solomon Mamaloni of the People's Alliance Party (PAP) replaced Peter Kenilorea as Prime Minister in 1981.
1984: Kenilorea Returns to Power
Peter Kenilorea and his party won the 1984 election, returning him to the Prime Minister position for a second, albeit short-lived, term.
1986: Formation of Melanesian Spearhead Group
The Solomon Islands played a key role in the 1986 founding of the Melanesian Spearhead Group, an organization dedicated to promoting regional collaboration and trade.
1988: Outbreak of Bougainville Conflict
The eruption of conflict in neighboring Bougainville in 1988 had a significant impact on the Solomon Islands, as numerous refugees sought refuge within its borders.
1989: Mamaloni and PAP Return to Power
Solomon Mamaloni and the PAP won the 1989 election, returning Mamaloni to the forefront of Solomon Islands politics.
1990: Primary School Enrolment and Education Budget
In 1990, the gross primary school enrolment rate in the Solomon Islands was 84.5%. The government dedicated 13.2% of its budget to education during this year.
1993: Billy Hilly Elected Prime Minister
Public dissatisfaction with Mamaloni's rule led to his defeat in the 1993 election, paving the way for Billy Hilly's ascension to the position of Prime Minister.
1994: Increased Primary School Enrolment
By 1994, the Solomon Islands witnessed a significant increase in its gross primary school enrolment rate, reaching 96.6%.
1994: Mamaloni Returns to Power
Following Billy Hilly's removal from office by the Governor-General due to a loss of majority support, Solomon Mamaloni returned to power in 1994.
1997: Bartholomew Ulufa'alu Becomes Prime Minister
Widespread discontent over issues like logging practices and government corruption led to Mamaloni's defeat in the 1997 election, with Bartholomew Ulufa'alu of the Solomon Islands Liberal Party becoming the new Prime Minister.
1998: Reduced Education Budget
The Solomon Islands government's allocation for education in its budget decreased to 9.7% in 1998, reflecting a decline in investment compared to previous years.
1998: Decline in Timber Prices
The Solomon Islands' timber industry, a major source of revenue, suffered a significant setback in 1998 due to a sharp decline in global tropical timber prices.
1998: End of Bougainville Conflict
The conclusion of the Bougainville conflict in 1998 eased tensions between the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea, fostering improved relations.
1998: Formation of Isatabu Freedom Movement
The Isatabu Freedom Movement (IFM) was established in late 1998, initiating a campaign of violence and intimidation against Malaitan settlers on Guadalcanal, fueled by tensions arising from economic migration.
1998: Peace Accord Eases Tensions with Papua New Guinea
A peace accord signed in 1998 brought an end to the Bougainville rebellion, easing tensions between Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea that had been strained due to an influx of refugees and cross-border attacks.
1998: Gold Mining Begins
Gold mining operations commenced at Gold Ridge on Guadalcanal in 1998, marking the beginning of gold exploitation in the Solomon Islands.
1999: Establishment of Malaita Eagle Force and State of Emergency
In response to the IFM's actions, the Malaita Eagle Force (MEF) was formed in mid-1999 to safeguard Malaitan interests on Guadalcanal. Amidst escalating violence, Prime Minister Ulufa'alu declared a four-month state of emergency in late 1999.
June 2000: Ethnic Violence Impacts Exports
Following the outbreak of ethnic violence in June 2000, the Solomon Islands experienced a disruption in its key exports. Palm oil and gold exports ceased entirely, while timber exports saw a significant decline.
June 2000: Kidnapping of Ulufa'alu and Sogavare's Election
In June 2000, the MEF kidnapped Prime Minister Bartholomew Ulufa'alu, leading to his resignation. Manasseh Sogavare was elected as the new Prime Minister, although his election was marked by controversy.
October 2000: Townsville Peace Agreement
The Townsville Peace Agreement, a significant step towards peace, was signed in October 2000 by the MEF, elements of the IFM, and the Solomon Islands Government.
2000: Fish Cannery Closure
Solomon Taiyo Ltd., a Japanese joint venture and the sole operator of a fish cannery in the Solomon Islands, was forced to close down in mid-2000 due to the disruptions caused by ethnic strife.
2000: Increase in reliance on non-piped water sources
Between 2000 and 2010, there was a notable increase in the number of Solomon Islanders relying on non-piped water sources, underscoring the limitations in providing safe and reliable water access.
February 2001: Marau Peace Agreement
Building upon the momentum of the Townsville agreement, the Marau Peace Agreement was signed in February 2001 by the Marau Eagle Force, the IFM, the Guadalcanal Provincial Government, and the Solomon Islands Government.
December 2001: Allan Kemakeza Becomes Prime Minister
New elections held in December 2001 resulted in Allan Kemakeza becoming Prime Minister, supported by his People's Alliance Party and the Association of Independent Members.
2001: Lack of Data on School Attendance
No reliable data was available on primary school attendance rates in the Solomon Islands as of 2001, highlighting a lack of comprehensive tracking and reporting in the education sector.
December 2002: Cyclone Zoe strikes Tikopia and Anuta
In December 2002, Cyclone Zoe caused significant damage to Tikopia and Anuta in Solomon Islands. The disaster strained the country's police budget, requiring financial assistance from Australia for relief efforts.
December 2002: Resignation of Finance Minister and Request for Outside Help
In December 2002, Finance Minister Laurie Chan resigned after being coerced at gunpoint. The escalating lawlessness and ineffective police response led the Solomon Islands Government to formally request external assistance.
2002: Government Insolvency
By 2002, the Solomon Islands Government faced a severe financial crisis and became insolvent.
April 2003: Killing of Seven Christian Brothers
Tragically, in April 2003, seven Christian brothers, including Brother Robin Lindsay and Brother Nathaniel, were murdered on Guadalcanal's Weather Coast by rebel leader Harold Keke's group, highlighting the brutality of the ongoing conflict.
July 2003: Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI)
In July 2003, Australian and Pacific Islands police and troops arrived in Solomon Islands to restore order under the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI). This intervention aimed to address violence and unrest, leading to the surrender of warlord Harold Keke and a significant improvement in security.
2003: World Cup Qualification Attempt
The Solomon Islands national rugby union team participated in the Oceania qualifying tournament for the 2003 Rugby World Cup, aiming to secure a spot in the prestigious tournament.
2003: RAMSI Intervention and Budget Reform
In 2003, the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) intervened to help the country. With their assistance, the government restructured its budget, consolidated domestic debt, and began renegotiating foreign debt.
2003: Disarmament of paramilitary forces in Solomon Islands
Paramilitary units within the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) were disbanded and disarmed in 2003 under the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) intervention, aiming to restore stability after a civil war.
2004: Marine biodiversity survey reveals high coral diversity
A 2004 marine biodiversity survey identified 474 coral species in Solomon Islands, placing the country second globally in coral diversity, just behind Indonesia's Raja Ampat Islands.
2004: Border Agreement Strengthens Ties with Papua New Guinea
In 2004, Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea took a significant step towards normalizing relations by signing an agreement to regularize border operations. This agreement helped to further stabilize relations between the two countries following the Bougainville peace accord.
2004: Ban on Live Dolphin Exports
In 2004, the Solomon Islands government, facing international condemnation, imposed a ban on the export of live dolphins. This decision followed a controversial shipment of 28 live dolphins to Mexico, which sparked outrage among conservationists and countries like Australia and New Zealand.
April 2006: Riots Erupt After Election
Following the April 2006 general election, allegations of bribery against newly elected Prime Minister Snyder Rini sparked mass rioting in Honiara. The unrest, fueled by resentment towards the Chinese business community, led to widespread destruction in Chinatown and the evacuation of Chinese, Australian, and British citizens.
December 2006: Solomon Islands Blocks Return of Australian Police Chief
On December 27, 2006, the Solomon Islands government took a step that strained relations with Australia by preventing the return of the country's Australian police chief. This action signaled a growing rift between the two nations.
2006: Solomon Islands National Football Team in 2006 FIFA World Cup Qualification
In 2006, the Solomon Islands national football team, part of the OFC confederation in FIFA, competed in the qualification rounds for the 2006 FIFA World Cup. They achieved a significant victory by becoming the first team to defeat New Zealand in the qualifying stages, earning a play-off spot against Australia. However, their World Cup dreams were cut short as they suffered defeats against Australia (7-0 and 2-1).
2006: Gold Ridge Mine Closure
The Gold Ridge mine, a significant mining operation in the Solomon Islands, was forced to shut down in 2006 due to civil unrest and riots.
January 2007: Australia Replaces Expelled Diplomat in Conciliatory Move
In an effort to mend fences with Solomon Islands following a diplomatic dispute that had persisted for four months, Australia replaced its top diplomat in the country in January 2007. The move aimed to ease tensions and restore a more amicable relationship.
April 2007: 8.1 magnitude earthquake and tsunami devastate Solomon Islands
In April 2007, an 8.1 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Solomon Islands, triggering a devastating tsunami that resulted in widespread destruction, including the loss of lives, homes, and coastal areas.
December 2007: Prime Minister Sogavare Ousted in Historic Vote
In an unprecedented turn of events in Solomon Islands politics, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare was removed from office through a vote of no confidence in Parliament on December 13, 2007. This marked the first time a prime minister in the country had lost power in this manner.
2007: Sogavare Removed in Vote of No Confidence
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare was removed from office in 2007 through a vote of no confidence, highlighting political instability and challenges to his authority. This followed a previous unsuccessful attempt to oust him from power.
2007: Another Attempt at World Cup Qualification
The Solomon Islands national rugby union team made another attempt to qualify for the Rugby World Cup in 2007, competing in the Oceania qualifying tournament but falling short of qualification.
June 2008: Solomon Islands National Futsal Team Wins Oceania Championship
In June 2008, the Solomon Islands national futsal team, known as the Kurukuru, emerged victorious in the Oceania Futsal Championship held in Fiji. This victory secured their qualification for the 2008 FIFA Futsal World Cup, hosted by Brazil from September 30th to October 19th, 2008.
October 2008: Solomon Islands at the 2008 FIFA Futsal World Cup
The Solomon Islands national futsal team, the Kurukuru, participated in the 2008 FIFA Futsal World Cup in Brazil during October 2008. Notably, they experienced a significant setback with a record-breaking loss against Russia, with a final score of 31-2, marking the largest defeat in Futsal World Cup history.
2008: Truth and Reconciliation Commission
In 2008, a Truth and Reconciliation Commission was established with the goal of addressing the causes and consequences of the violence and unrest that had plagued the Solomon Islands in preceding years.
July 2009: Kurukuru Sets World Record in Futsal
In July 2009, the Solomon Islands national futsal team, the Kurukuru, achieved a remarkable feat by setting a new world record for the fastest goal in an official futsal match. Team captain Elliot Ragomo scored a mere three seconds into the game against New Caledonia.
2010: Bilikiki Boys' Dominance in Beach Soccer
By 2010, the Solomon Islands national beach soccer team, known as the Bilikiki Boys, had established themselves as a dominant force in Oceania. They had triumphed in all three regional championships held up to that point, securing their qualification for each edition of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup. Their exceptional performance earned them a global ranking of fourteenth, surpassing all other teams from the Oceania region.
2010: Danny Philip Elected Prime Minister
The 2010 Solomon Islands general election saw Danny Philip emerge as the victor. However, his tenure would be short-lived due to allegations of corruption.
2010: Peak in reliance on non-piped water sources
The year 2010 marked a peak in the number of people in Solomon Islands dependent on non-piped water sources, signaling a critical juncture in the country's efforts to ensure widespread access to safe water.
2011: Decline in access to piped drinking water observed
Data revealed a concerning trend of decreasing access to piped drinking water for Solomon Islanders after 2011, highlighting challenges in water infrastructure and distribution.
2011: Rennell Island Bauxite Mine Opens
The Rennell Island bauxite mine started its operations in 2011, extracting bauxite from Rennell Island.
2011: World Health Organization Report on Gender-Based Violence
The World Health Organization (WHO) released a report in 2011 highlighting the high prevalence of gender-based violence (GBV) in the Solomon Islands. The report attributed the root cause of GBV to deeply ingrained gender inequality and its various manifestations within society.
February 2013: Earthquake and tsunami hit Santa Cruz Islands
In February 2013, an 8.0 magnitude earthquake struck the Santa Cruz Islands in Solomon Islands, generating a tsunami that caused fatalities and substantial damage to infrastructure.
2013: World Health Organization Report on Gender Inequality and Violence
In 2013, another WHO report emphasized the persistent issue of gender inequality in the Solomon Islands. The report highlighted the tradition of bride price, where payment is made to a woman's family, as a contributing factor to gender-based violence. This practice often reinforced a sense of male ownership over women and perpetuated harmful gender norms.
2014: Family Protection Act Enacted
In a significant move to address domestic violence, the Solomon Islands government introduced and implemented the Family Protection Act in 2014. This legislation marked a crucial step towards providing legal protection and support for victims of domestic violence in the country.
2014: Sogavare Returns to Power
Manasseh Sogavare returned to the forefront of Solomon Islands politics in 2014, securing victory in the general election and assuming the role of Prime Minister once again.
2014: Second Rural Development Program launched
The Solomon Islands Second Rural Development Program was initiated in 2014, aiming to enhance infrastructure and essential services in rural communities, particularly those facing significant challenges related to water and sanitation.
2015: Millennium Development Goals target water and sanitation
The United Nations' Millennium Development Goals for 2015 included a target to significantly reduce the population without access to safe drinking water and sanitation in Solomon Islands.
2015: Adult Literacy Rate
The adult literacy rate in the Solomon Islands was recorded at 84.1% in 2015, indicating a relatively high level of literacy within the adult population. The data also revealed a gender gap, with a literacy rate of 88.9% for men and 79.23% for women.
March 2017: Vanuatu raises human rights violations in West Papua
In March 2017, Vanuatu, on behalf of Solomon Islands and other Pacific nations, brought attention to human rights violations in West Papua at the UN Human Rights Council, alleging the region has been occupied by Indonesia since 1963.
September 2017: Pacific nations reiterate human rights concerns at UN General Assembly
In September 2017, the Prime Ministers of Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu once again raised concerns about human rights abuses in Indonesian-occupied West Papua at the UN General Assembly.
2017: Tourism Numbers
In 2017, the Solomon Islands received 26,000 tourists, placing it among the least visited countries globally.
2017: Withdrawal of RAMSI and Sogavare's Temporary Removal
Marking a significant turning point, 2017 saw the withdrawal of the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) after 14 years. However, Sogavare's time in power was brief as he was ousted in a vote of no confidence, paving the way for Rick Houenipwela to become Prime Minister.
2017: Agricultural Production and Rankings
In 2017, the Solomon Islands produced a significant amount of agricultural products, ranking 18th globally in coconut production (317,682 tons), with copra making up 24% of exports. It also ranked 27th in cocoa bean production (4,940 tons) and 24th in palm oil production (285,721 tons). However, the growth of copra and cacao exports was limited by the aging trees in most plantations.
April 2019: Sogavare's Fourth Term Sparks Protests
Manasseh Sogavare's election as prime minister for a fourth time in April 2019 was met with public disapproval, leading to protests and demonstrations against his return to power.
September 2019: Solomon Islands Severs Ties with Taiwan in Favor of China
In a significant diplomatic shift, Solomon Islands ended its long-standing recognition of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in September 2019 and established formal relations with the People's Republic of China (PRC).
November 2019: National Ocean Policy Launched
On November 25, 2019, the Solomon Islands government demonstrated its commitment to environmental sustainability by launching a comprehensive national ocean policy. The policy aimed to promote the responsible and sustainable use of the nation's ocean resources for the benefit of its people.
November 2019: National Census
The Solomon Islands conducted a national census in November 2019, which revealed a total population of 721,455.
2019: Sogavare's Return and Shift in Diplomatic Alliances
The year 2019 was marked by Manasseh Sogavare's return to the prime ministership following a general election win, triggering rioting in Honiara. Adding to the political shifts, Sogavare announced the Solomon Islands' decision to switch diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China, a move with significant geopolitical implications.
2019: Tourism Numbers and Growth Target
The Solomon Islands saw 28,900 tourist arrivals in 2019. The government aimed to increase this figure to 30,000 by the year's end.
2019: New Flight Route to Boost Tourism
In a bid to boost tourism, Solomon Airlines introduced a new weekly direct flight connecting Brisbane, Australia, to Munda in the Solomon Islands in 2019.
2019: Forest Landscape Integrity Index ranks Solomon Islands
In 2019, Solomon Islands scored a mean of 7.19 out of 10 on the Forest Landscape Integrity Index, ranking it 48th globally for forest health.
2019: Rough Wood Dominates Exports
By 2019, despite efforts to diversify the economy, rough wood remained a significant export for the Solomon Islands, accounting for two-thirds of its total exports.
2020: Conclusion of the Second Rural Development Program
The Second Rural Development Program, active until 2020, focused on improving the lives of people in rural Solomon Islands by strengthening infrastructure, promoting economic opportunities, and empowering communities to manage and sustain development initiatives.
2020: Tourism Impacted by Global Events
Tourist arrivals in the Solomon Islands plummeted to 4,400 in 2020, likely due to the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
November 2021: Mass Rioting and Unrest Leads to Australian Intervention
November 2021 witnessed a surge of mass rioting and unrest in the Solomon Islands, prompting the government to seek assistance from Australia under a 2017 bilateral security treaty. Australia responded by deploying federal police and defense forces to help restore order.
2021: Solomon Islands ranked second in World Risk Report
The WorldRiskReport 2021 ranked Solomon Islands as the country with the second highest disaster risk globally, highlighting its vulnerability to natural disasters.
2021: Rennell Island Bauxite Mine Closes
The Rennell Island bauxite mine ceased operations in 2021, leaving behind a legacy of environmental damage due to multiple bauxite spills during its operational years.
2021: Population Estimate
As of 2021, the population of the Solomon Islands was estimated to be 707,851.
March 2022: Solomon Islands Strengthens Ties with China
In a move that raised concerns among Australia, New Zealand, and the United States, Solomon Islands signed a memorandum of understanding on policing cooperation with China in March 2022. Additionally, reports emerged of the Solomon Islands nearing a security agreement with China, potentially granting China a military and naval presence in the country.
2022: Solomon Islands and China Deepen Ties Amidst Regional Concerns
The year 2022 witnessed a deepening of ties between Solomon Islands and China, marked by the signing of a security pact that raised concerns among regional powers like Australia and the United States. The agreement grants Solomon Islands the option to call upon Chinese security forces to address internal unrest, signaling a potential shift in the regional security landscape.
February 2023: Protests Follow Premier's Removal
Following the removal of Malaita Province Premier Daniel Suidani from office in February 2023 after a vote of no confidence, protests erupted in the province, underscoring existing political tensions.
2023: Solomon Islands Hosts 2023 Pacific Games
In 2023, the Solomon Islands had the distinct honor of hosting the Pacific Games, a multi-sport event featuring athletes from various Pacific Island nations.
2023: Pacific island nations call for fossil fuel phaseout
Solomon Islands, along with other vulnerable island nations (Fiji, Niue, Tuvalu, Tonga, and Vanuatu), launched the "Port Vila Call for a Just Transition to a Fossil Fuel Free Pacific" in 2023, advocating for a shift to renewable energy and stronger environmental laws.
May 2024: Jeremiah Manele Elected Prime Minister
In May 2024, Jeremiah Manele was elected as the new prime minister of the Solomon Islands, succeeding Manasseh Sogavare.
2025: Long-Term Tourism Goal
The Solomon Islands government set an ambitious target to attract 60,000 tourists annually by 2025, as part of its long-term tourism development strategy.