Cruising to the Solomon IslandsBackgroundThe UK established a protectorate over the Solomon Islands in the 1890s. Some of the bitterest fighting of World War II occurred on these islands. Self-government was achieved in 1976 and independence two years later. Ethnic violence, government malfeasance, and endemic crime have undermined stability and civil society. In June 2003, Prime Minister Sir Allen KEMAKEZA sought the assistance of Australia in reestablishing law and order; the following month, an Australian-led multinational force arrived to restore peace and disarm ethnic militias. The Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI) has been very effective in restoring law and order and rebuilding government institutions. GeographyLocation: Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, east
of Papua New Guinea Coastline5,313 km Maritime claimsMeasured from claimed archipelagic baselines ClimateTropical monsoon; few extremes of temperature and weather TerrainMostly rugged mountains with some low coral atolls Elevation extremesLowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m EconomyThe bulk of the population depends on agriculture, fishing, and forestry for
at least part of its livelihood. Most manufactured goods Prior to the arrival of the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI), severe ethnic violence, the closing of key businesses, and an empty government treasury culminated in economic collapse. RAMSI has enabled a return to law and order, a new period of economic stability, and modest growth as the economy rebuilds. TransportationAirports: 34 (2005) Sailing Specifics: Ports and terminalsHoniara, Malloco Bay, Shortland Harbor, Viru Harbor, Yandina Other Sailing Destinations in the RegionAmerican Samoa - Australia - Cook Island - Easter Islands (Chile) - Federation of Micronesia - Fiji - Guam - USA (Hawaii) - Kiribati - Marshall Islands - Nauru - New Caledonia - New Zealand - Niue - Norfolk Island - Northern Mariana Islands - Palau - Papua New Guinea - Pitcairn Island - Samoa - Solomon Island - Tokelau - Tonga - Tuvalu - Vanuatu - Wallis and Futuna Further Reading |
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