Solomon Islands

Where the name comes from

The Solomon Islands are named after the biblical King Solomon; Spanish explorer Álvaro de Mendaña chose the name in 1568, hoping to find the riches of Solomon’s mines.

First people

Papuan-speaking and later Austronesian voyagers formed many different island societies.¹

Known for

Solomon Islands is known for Guadalcanal, scene of a major World War II battle in 1942–1943, and for shell money still used in ceremonies.²

Outside contact

Britain declared a protectorate over the southern islands in 1893, later extending it north, while British–German deals in 1899–1900 left Bougainville on the German side.^3,4

The modern country

Japan occupied parts in 1942–1945, and movements such as Maasina Rule later demanded self-government; independence came in 1978.¹