Solomon Islands

Solomon Islands is an archipelagic state in the southwestern Pacific Ocean composed of nearly 1,000 islands, with a total land area of about 28,400 km² and an Exclusive Economic Zone of roughly 1.6 million km². The islands are largely of volcanic origin and are characterised by rugged mountain ranges, dense tropical rainforests and narrow coastal plains. The tropical climate brings high humidity and abundant rainfall, typically exceeding 3,000 mm annually, which supports extensive vegetation but also limits the expansion of large-scale agriculture.

Human settlement dates back several thousand years, with traditional subsistence farming and fishing forming the basis of local livelihoods. The islands later became a British protectorate before gaining independence in 1978. Today, the primary sector remains central to the economy, providing employment and export income.

Agriculture contributes around 15–20% of GDP and employs a large share of the population, mostly in smallholder systems. Coconut cultivation dominates rural production and supports copra output, which typically ranges between 20,000 and 40,000 tonnes annually. Palm oil has become an increasingly important commercial crop, with production often exceeding 50,000 tonnes per year. Cocoa is another key export commodity, usually producing around 4,000–5,000 tonnes annually. Staple crops such as sweet potatoes, taro, cassava and bananas are widely grown for domestic consumption. Livestock production is modest, consisting mainly of pigs and poultry raised on a small scale.

Forests cover approximately 75–80% of the land area, making the Solomon Islands one of the most heavily forested countries in the Pacific. The forestry sector is a major contributor to export earnings, producing roughly 3–4 million cubic metres of logs annually, primarily from tropical hardwood species. Logging has been a significant driver of economic activity, though sustainability concerns are increasingly important.

Marine resources are also vital. The country’s surrounding waters support rich tuna fisheries, and total fish production is estimated at around 150,000–200,000 tonnes annually, combining coastal subsistence fishing and offshore commercial operations. A substantial share of economic value comes from licensing agreements with foreign fishing fleets.

Aquaculture remains relatively small but includes initiatives in seaweed and clam farming. Overall, the Solomon Islands’ primary sector reflects the interaction between fertile volcanic landscapes, extensive forest resources and rich marine environments, with agriculture, logging and fisheries forming the foundation of rural livelihoods and export revenues.

Gerold and Klaudia were 2018 for 13 days on Solomon Islands. We have been in the capital Honiara and on the small Florida Island,