• Solomon Islands!

    Solomon Islands: Looking up at palm trees. Go Now!

    Solomon Islands
    This Melanesian country is best known for its many islands and beaches... and this natural landscape (pictured) is why most people go. Don't miss out on the unique Melanesian culture and foods though! Begin Your Journey!

  • Tonga!

    Tonga: Coastline. Go Now!

    Tonga
    The heart of Polynesian culture is rooted in Tonga, but most visitors just come for the natural beauty. Explore Tonga!

  • Vanuatu!

    Vanuatu: Jetty into the ocean. Go Now!

    Vanuatu
    Picturesque serenity is a good way to describe Vanuatu, but the culture offers much more, including the inspiration for bungee jumping, which remains a rite of passage for young men. Explore Vanuatu!

  • Palau!

    Palau: "70 Islands!" Go Now!

    Palau
    Few people have even heard of this small Micronesian country, but those who have often return with stories of beauty unmatched elsewhere, such as view of the "70 Islands" (pictured). Go Now!

  • Explore the: Federated States of Micronesia!

    Federated States of Micronesia: Overlooking some islands. Go Now!

    Federated States of Micronesia
    This diverse country stretches for thousands of miles and has the diversity to prove it, including the people from Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Yap among others. Begin Your Journey!

  • Samoa!

    Samoa: A traditional home. Go Now!

    Samoa
    Among the most famous of the South Pacific's many countries, Samoa sits in the heart of Polynesia and has a culture to match. Begin Your Journey!

Culture & Identity of the Solomon Islands

Introduction

There are few places in Solomon Islands that are considered to be urban centers so most people live in rural areas, but even those who do live in urban centers live in little more than a large town. For most people, this landscape is the basis of their work life as many people work off the land or seas. Even those with other occupations tend to do some farming and fishing to provide for their families. No matter the occupation of a person, most people begin the day at about 8:30 am and the work or school day generally lasts until about 5:00 pm.

Most evenings and weekends are spent with family and friends in the Solomon Islands. This involves little more than socializing and relaxing. Most Sundays are also occupied with church for most families.

Identity

On a national level many people in Solomon Islands identify as "Solomons" or "Solomon Islanders," but how this should be defined is up for debate. Some people want to define this in very broad terms, to include the country's ethnic diversity, lifestyles, beliefs, etc., essentially making this a political definition which is very inclusive of everyone who is a citizen no matter their ethnicity or beliefs. Others want to more narrowly define this identity in terms of culture that would exclude small portions of the population. These people tend to see religion, the Melanesian ethnicity, the pidgin language, or the ties the people have to the land as stronger identifying factors than citizenship. This definition would exclude the ethnic Polynesians and those who follow a different religion.

This page was last updated: November, 2013