Wood, pigment material. Origin Vanikoro, Solomon Islands, Mela…

Children outside Tuo school, Fenualoa, Reef Islands, Solomon Is…

Landing operations on Rendova Island, Solomon Islands, 30 June …

The U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CV-6) seen from …

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Solomon Islands

Country Information of Solomon Islands

The Solomon Islands is an archipelagic nation located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, comprising approximately 900 islands spread across the Melanesian region. Situated east of Papua New Guinea, this island country spans a strategic maritime area...

Capital

Honiara

Languages

English

UN-Member?

Yes

Major Cities

Honiara,Gizo,Buala,Lata

Major Cities

What Expats Say About Solomon IslandsBETA

Research in Progress

We're currently analyzing expat perspectives for Solomon Islands. Check back soon for insights from real experiences!

We're gradually rolling out this feature and continuously improving the insights. The data is based on real expat discussions and will become more comprehensive over time.

Demographics in Solomon Islands

Life Expectancy

70.7

Population

686,878

Religions

Christianity (Protestant)

73.4%

Christianity (Catholic)

19.6%

Christianity

2.5%

Ethnic Composition

Melanesian

95.3%

Polynesian

3.1%

Micronesian

1.2%

others

0.4%

Climate & Weather in Solomon Islands

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Safety & Security in Solomon Islands

Overall Safety Score

Calculated from crime, safety, and healthcare indices

POOR

/100

Worldwide Average

Moderate54/100

Oceania Average

Moderate53/100

Crime & Safety Metrics

Index

Compare:

Solomon Islands

Oceania Average

Safety Index

Low

Safety from Crime

Concerning

Safe Alone (Day)

Moderate

Safe Alone (Night)

Low

Safety from Violent Crime

Concerning

Safety from Property Crime

Concerning

Healthcare & Emergency Response

Index

Healthcare Index

Limited

Healthcare Quality

Limited

Emergency Response

Adequate

Emergency Services

• Emergency Number: 911 (universal emergency)

• Ambulance Response: 15-30 minutes in urban areas, up to 60 minutes in remote islands

• Hospital Coverage: Limited public healthcare system with few medical facilities

• Trauma Centers: Very limited, primarily in Honiara (capital city)

• Language Support: English and local languages available

Emergency Numbers:

• Universal Emergency: 911

• Medical: 911

• Police: 911

• Fire: 911

Response Times:

• Urban areas: ~20 minutes

• Rural areas: ~45 minutes

Hospital System:

Limited public healthcare system with minimal medical infrastructure, concentrated in Honiara

Major Trauma Centers:

Honiara

Language Support:

Emergency services primarily operate in English, with local language interpretation possible

Data Completeness: complete

Entry Restrictions in Solomon Islands

Summarizing data... just a few seconds

Visa Requirements for Solomon Islands

Photo Gallery of Solomon Islands

Living Costs in Solomon Islands

Cost of living is relatively low, with basic expenses being affordable but imported goods can be expensive. Rent and local services are quite cheap compared to Western standards.

Crime & Safety in Solomon Islands

Moderate safety concerns with higher crime rates in urban areas, particularly Honiara. Petty crime and occasional social tensions are primary safety challenges.

Safety Index: 36.10 | Crime Level: 63.90

Health System in Solomon Islands

Limited public healthcare infrastructure with basic medical facilities concentrated in Honiara. Most advanced medical treatment requires overseas referral.

Quality Rating: 3.5/10

Advantages in Solomon Islands

Beautiful tropical islands with pristine natural environments
Rich cultural diversity with numerous indigenous traditions
Excellent opportunities for diving and marine exploration
Low population density and peaceful lifestyle

Disadvantages in Solomon Islands

Limited economic opportunities and high unemployment
Underdeveloped infrastructure outside main urban centers
Vulnerability to natural disasters like cyclones and earthquakes
Challenging healthcare and education systems

Government & Politics in Solomon Islands

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Economic Overview in Solomon Islands

Index

GDP

$1.60B

HDI

0.6

Quality of Life

0/100

-43 vs NYC

Purchasing Power

5/100

-37 vs NYC

Understanding the economic landscape is essential for evaluating living costs and opportunities in Solomon Islands. This comprehensive overview covers key financial indicators including cost of living, housing markets, income levels, and fiscal policies that shape daily life and long-term financial planning.

Economic & Living Costs in Solomon Islands

Food & Dining Costs

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

25-50 SBD

Avg: 37.5 SBD

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

350-700 SBD

Avg: 525 SBD

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

85-120 SBD

Avg: 102.5 SBD

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)

13-56 SBD

Avg: 34.5 SBD

Housing & Real Estate Costs

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

3500-6000 SBD

Avg: 4750 SBD

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre

3000-10000 SBD

Avg: 6500 SBD

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

5000-40000 SBD

Avg: 22500 SBD

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

4000-25000 SBD

Avg: 14500 SBD

Transportation Costs

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

3-6 SBD

Avg: 4.5 SBD

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

39-80 SBD

Avg: 59.5 SBD

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

150-250 SBD

Avg: 200 SBD

Gasoline (1 liter)

9-16 SBD

Avg: 12.5 SBD

Utilities & Communications Costs

Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment

1000-6000 SBD

Avg: 3500 SBD

Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)

450-1000 SBD

Avg: 725 SBD

Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data

100-400 SBD

Avg: 250 SBD

Grocery Costs

Milk (regular), (1 liter)

18-30 SBD

Avg: 24 SBD

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)

10-15 SBD

Avg: 12.5 SBD

Eggs (regular) (12)

30-54 SBD

Avg: 42 SBD

Local Cheese (1kg)

20-70 SBD

Avg: 45 SBD

Entertainment & Sports Costs

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult

N/A

Avg: N/A

Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)

50 SBD

Avg: 50 SBD

Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat

20-35 SBD

Avg: 27.5 SBD

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child

1000 SBD

Avg: 1000 SBD

Last updated: 2025-11-09

Education System in Solomon Islands

Research in progress... please wait a minute

Transportation & Infrastructure in Solomon Islands

Solomon Islands presents a unique transportation landscape shaped by its archipelagic geography and developing economy. The country relies heavily on multimodal transport—road networks, maritime shipping, and limited aviation—to connect its dispersed population across numerous islands. While road infrastructure remains underdeveloped with only 2% paved roads, maritime connectivity is vital for accessing remote communities. The government is actively modernizing transport systems through the National Transport Core Initiative and Land and Maritime Connectivity Project, focusing on improving safety, sustainability, and regional connectivity to support economic growth and social development.

Public Transport

Below Average

Road Infrastructure

Below Average

Public Transport

2.5/10

Minimal formal public transport infrastructure. No metro, rail, or organized bus networks. Transportation relies on informal services, private vehicles, and maritime transport for inter-island connectivity. Limited urban transit in Honiara.

Road Infrastructure

2.8/10

Limited road network with only 1,390 km total roads and just 2% paved. Of 1,502 km of sealed and unsealed roads, significant rehabilitation needed. Government targets maintainable conditions by 2030 through National Transport Plan initiatives.

Internet Speed

2.2/10

Limited broadband infrastructure with slow average speeds typical of Pacific island nations. Mobile network coverage at 95% (2G), 45% (3G), and 20% (LTE/4G) as of 2018, indicating significant urban-rural digital divide.

Avg: 8.5+ Mbps • Minimal fiber deployment; primarily mobile-based connectivity in urban centers

Airport Connectivity

3.8/10

Limited airport infrastructure with 1 international airport (Honiara International) and 40 additional airfields. Basic domestic flight coverage to outer islands. International routes primarily connect to regional hubs in Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea.

Transportation Costs

Metro Pass: Not available
Bus Trip: Not available (informal transport)
Taxi: Not available
High-speed Train: Not available

Mobile Network

5G Coverage: No 5G deployment as of 2026

4G Coverage: 20% LTE/4G coverage (2018 data); primarily urban areas around Honiara and Noro

Mobile networks dominated by 2G coverage (95% nationwide). Limited 3G (45%) and 4G (20%) availability concentrated in urban centers. Significant rural connectivity gaps persist across outer islands.

Driving License

IDP required

Solomon Islands drives on the left side. International Driving Permit (IDP) recommended for foreign visitors. Foreign licenses may be accepted for temporary visits; verification with local authorities advised. No formal license conversion system documented.

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Work & Business in Solomon Islands

Solomon Islands presents a developing economy with significant opportunities in forestry, fisheries, tourism, and renewable energy sectors. The business environment is improving, though it remains complex with a 136th ranking in ease of doing business. The country offers potential for entrepreneurs and workers willing to navigate its regulatory framework, with a subsistence economy supporting 80% of the population and growing formal sector opportunities.

Employment Rate

48.0%

Below-average employment rate reflecting limited formal job market. Subsistence economy dominates with 80% of population engaged in informal agricultural activities. Formal sector employment concentrated in government, services, forestry, and fisheries. Youth unemployment and underemployment present significant challenges.

Startup Ecosystem

25.0%

Limited startup ecosystem with minimal venture capital and angel investor activity. Digital business environment underdeveloped; most business conducted in person. Government support emerging through Companies Act (2009) and development initiatives, but infrastructure and funding mechanisms remain nascent. Regulatory complexity poses barriers to new ventures.

Average Salary Range

SBD 15,000 - SBD 45,000 annually

Salary ranges vary significantly by sector and formality. Government and services sector typically offer SBD 25,000-45,000 annually. Informal sector and subsistence activities provide minimal cash income. Cost of living relatively high due to import dependency. Limited data on comprehensive salary surveys.

Work Visa Requirements

EU Citizens:

EU citizens require visitor visa for entry. Work permits necessary for employment; typically require employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications not available locally.

Non-EU Citizens:

All non-EU citizens require visitor visa. Work permits mandatory for employment, requiring employer sponsorship, skills assessment, and demonstration that position cannot be filled by local workers.

Solomon Islands maintains restrictive work visa policies prioritizing local employment. Both EU and non-EU citizens face similar requirements: employer sponsorship, skills verification, and labor market testing. Tourist visas typically valid 30 days; work permit processing timelines vary.

Business Registration

Timeline:

2-4 weeks

Business registration involves navigating three governance levels (national, provincial, customary). Companies Act (2009) reformed registration framework. Process requires in-person engagement with authorities; digital systems underdeveloped. Multiple permits, licenses, and fees apply depending on business type and location. Customary land considerations critical for certain ventures.

Remote Work Policies

Legal Status:

No specific remote work legislation identified. Work arrangements governed by general employment law and individual contracts.

Remote work culture minimal due to limited digital infrastructure and traditional in-person business practices. Internet connectivity inconsistent outside major centers. Co-working spaces limited. Most formal employment requires physical workplace presence. Digital nomad visas not available.

Key Industries

Forestry & Logging

Fisheries

Tourism & Hospitality

Renewable Energy

Government & Public Services

Retail & Wholesale Trade

Mining

Agriculture & Subsistence

Job Opportunities by Sector

Renewable Energy:

Growing investment priority with government support. Opportunities in solar, hydroelectric, and sustainable energy projects. International companies entering market. Demand for engineers, project managers, and technical specialists increasing.

Tourism & Hospitality:

Expanding sector with government development focus. Jobs in hotel management, tour operations, hospitality services. Multilingual skills valued. Seasonal employment patterns common. Growth potential in eco-tourism and adventure tourism.

Fisheries:

Major employment sector supporting significant population. Opportunities in fishing operations, processing, logistics, and management. Both subsistence and commercial fishing provide livelihoods. Export-oriented industry with international partnerships.

Government & Public Administration:

Largest formal employer. Positions in public service, education, healthcare, and administration. Relatively stable employment with benefits. Recruitment typically through government channels. Competition for positions significant.

Infrastructure & Construction:

Growing opportunities from government investment in transport, urban development, and logistics. International development projects creating employment. Demand for skilled tradespeople, engineers, and project managers.

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Retirement & Senior Living in Solomon Islands

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Legal & Administrative in Solomon Islands

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Environment & Sustainability in Solomon Islands

Solomon Islands, a small island developing state in the South Pacific comprising over 990 islands, faces escalating climate change threats including rising sea levels, intensifying storms, and ocean acidification. The nation maintains extensive forest cover serving as a significant carbon sink, though it confronts challenges in emissions reduction, limited climate adaptation funding, and community displacement due to climate impacts.

Air Quality Index

Good

7.5/10

Stable trend

Solomon Islands has limited air quality monitoring infrastructure. Available data from 2019 shows annual mean PM2.5 levels at 7.83 µg/m³ in urban areas, indicating relatively good air quality. However, comprehensive national air quality monitoring systems remain underdeveloped, limiting detailed trend analysis.

Water Quality

Moderate

6.5/10

Water quality in Solomon Islands presents mixed challenges. As of 2021, only 67.45% of the population had access to at least basic drinking water, and only 35.02% had access to basic sanitation facilities. Limited freshwater withdrawal data and inadequate water treatment infrastructure in many communities pose ongoing concerns for water security and public health.

Access to safe drinking water remains limited, with significant portions of the population lacking basic water infrastructure. Government water quality monitoring and treatment standards require strengthening to meet international health guidelines.

Recycling System

Solomon Islands lacks comprehensive national recycling infrastructure and data. Solid waste disposal contributes 363.1 ktCO2e to national emissions. The country faces challenges in waste management systems, with limited recycling programs and minimal documented recycling rates. Waste management remains an area requiring significant infrastructure development and policy implementation.

Green Spaces

Solomon Islands maintains extensive forest cover, with forests serving as vital carbon sinks. Forest-related removals were estimated at -26,267.7 ktCO2 in 2018, representing a 30:1 ratio of removals to emissions. The nation is implementing afforestation and reforestation programs to enhance carbon sequestration. Protected area management is being strengthened through GIS training and invasive species management initiatives coordinated by SPREP.

Forest Coverage: 78.0%

Solomon Islands is developing a network of protected areas with support from SPREP (Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme). Recent initiatives include GIS training for enhanced protected area management and invasive species management programs in collaboration with local communities.

Environmental Policies

Solomon Islands has adopted comprehensive climate and environmental policies aligned with international commitments. The nation submitted its Third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) targeting 8% emissions reduction by 2035 under a with-measures scenario, and up to 34% reduction when including forest removals. The country is committed to the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals, with specific focus on renewable energy deployment and sustainable aviation.

Key Policies:

•Third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) with 8% emissions reduction target by 2035
•Planned Relocation Guidelines for climate-vulnerable communities
•State Action Plan 2025 for reducing CO2 emissions from international aviation
•Sustainable Development Goals commitment reaffirmed in 2025
•Renewable energy transition initiatives

Renewable Energy: Solomon Islands is prioritizing renewable energy deployment as a key mitigation measure. As of early 2025, approximately 3.3 ktCO2e/yr have been mitigated through renewable energy implementation since 2015. The country aims to expand renewable energy capacity while reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

Natural Disaster Risk

HIGH

Solomon Islands faces elevated natural disaster risk driven by frequent and severe weather events. The nation experiences tropical cyclones, flooding, and storm surge impacts. Climate projections indicate intensifying hazards with increased temperatures, rainfall variability, and sea level rise. Recent community relocations from coastal areas underscore the acute threat posed by rising seas and intensifying storms.

Tropical cyclonesFloodingStorm surgeSea level rise impactsOcean acidification

Climate Change Impacts: Climate change projections for Solomon Islands indicate significant increases in land and sea surface temperatures, rainfall, sea level, and ocean acidification by 2030 and 2055 under high global GHG emissions scenarios. Rising sea levels have already forced community relocation: the Walande Indigenous community relocated from their island home to mainland Malaita due to intensifying sea level rise and storms. Between 2011 and 2021, Solomon Islanders received only US$20 per year in foreign climate adaptation aid, severely limiting adaptive capacity. The nation's remote location, high export concentration, and vulnerability to natural hazards create compounding climate risks affecting economic, social, and cultural systems.

Sustainability Initiatives

Renewable Energy Transition

Solomon Islands is implementing renewable energy deployment as a core mitigation strategy. Since 2015, renewable energy initiatives have mitigated approximately 3.3 ktCO2e/yr. The country prioritizes renewable energy expansion to reduce fossil fuel dependence and achieve emissions reduction targets outlined in its NDC 3.0.

Sustainable Aviation

Solomon Islands submitted a State Action Plan 2025 to reduce CO2 emissions from international aviation. Mitigation measures include aircraft technology improvement, operational efficiency enhancements, airport infrastructure upgrades, sustainable aviation fuel deployment, and market-based measures. The nation contributes to ICAO's long-term global aspirational goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions from international aviation by 2050.

Forest Conservation and Carbon Sequestration

Solomon Islands maintains vast existing forests as vital carbon sinks. Forest-related removals totaled -26,267.7 ktCO2 in 2018, representing a 30:1 ratio of removals to emissions. The nation is implementing afforestation and reforestation programs to enhance carbon sequestration and expects forest removals to continue exceeding GHG emissions well beyond 2035.

Protected Area Management and Invasive Species Control

Solomon Islands is strengthening protected area networks through GIS training and field data collection initiatives. SPREP and the Pacific Regional Invasive Species Support Management Service (PRISMSS) collaborate with the Solomon Islands Government and local communities to manage invasive species and enhance biodiversity conservation across protected areas.

Community-Led Climate Adaptation and Planned Relocation

Solomon Islands adopted Planned Relocation Guidelines to support communities facing acute climate impacts. The Walande Indigenous community successfully relocated from their island to mainland Malaita with support from Australia. However, relocated communities face ongoing challenges including insecure land tenure and limited access to land, highlighting the need for enhanced government and international support for adaptation measures.

Sustainable Tourism Development

Solomon Islands is positioning itself as a sustainable tourism destination with focus on environmental stewardship and community participation. The nation recognizes tourism's potential as a development driver while addressing environmental risks to reefs, forests, and cultural sites. Strategic investments prioritize infrastructure, education, environmental protection, and inclusive community engagement.

Wildlife & Nature

Solomon Islands Skink (Corucia zebrata)Vulnerable

Pacific Parrotlet (Forpus coerulicapillus)Common

Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus)Recovering

Coconut Crab (Birgus latro)Vulnerable

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Geography in Solomon Islands

Coastline

N/A

Highest Point

Mount Popomanaseu

Lowest Point

Pacific Ocean

National Flag

Quick Facts for Solomon Islands

Population

686,878

Currency

SBD

Timezone

UTC+11:00

Calling Code

+677

Week starts on

monday

Gini Coefficient

37.1 (2012)

Drives on the

left side

Location

Data Source: Safety, crime, and quality metrics are sourced from Numbeo, a crowd-sourced global database of reported data.

All scores are relative comparisons on a 0-100 scale, where 50 = global average. Higher scores mean better than average, lower scores mean worse than average.

Solomon Islands

Capital

Languages

UN-Member?

Major Cities

Life Expectancy

Population

Religions

Ethnic Composition

Overall Safety Score

Crime & Safety Metrics

Healthcare & Emergency Response

Emergency Services

GDP

HDI

Quality of Life

Purchasing Power

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

Gasoline (1 liter)

Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment

Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)

Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data

Milk (regular), (1 liter)

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)

Eggs (regular) (12)

Local Cheese (1kg)

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult

Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)

Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child

Public Transport

Road Infrastructure

Public Transport

Road Infrastructure

Internet Speed

Airport Connectivity

Transportation Costs

Mobile Network

Driving License

Employment Rate

Startup Ecosystem

Average Salary Range

Work Visa Requirements

Business Registration

Remote Work Policies

Key Industries

Job Opportunities by Sector

Cultural Integration Score

Expat Community

Social Activities

Religious Facilities

Volunteer Opportunities

Dating & Relationships

Professional Networking

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Air Quality Index

Water Quality

Recycling System

Green Spaces

Environmental Policies

Natural Disaster Risk

Sustainability Initiatives

Wildlife & Nature

Coastline

Highest Point

Lowest Point

Overall Safety Score

Crime & Safety Metrics

Healthcare & Emergency Response

Emergency Services