• 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!

Ethnicity, Language, & Religion of the Solomon Islands

Ethnicity

Nearly everyone in Solomon Islands is Melanesian, which is an ethnic group found on these islands as well as in some neighboring countries, including Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea. The Melanesians are likely the descendants of the Papuans and Austronesians, but each group of Melanesians has slight genetic variations from the next.

Language

English is the official language in Solomon Islands, but the language of communication is truly Melanesian pidgin or "Pijin." This language was created when many Solomon Islanders traveled to Australia or other countries and created a creole language that incorporates English with numerous languages of the South Pacific, most often Melanesian languages. Today this is the most widely used language in Solomon Islands and it is similar to Tok Pisin (in Papua New Guinea) and Bislama (in Vanuatu) as all three are creoles based on English and Melanesian.

Religion

About three quarters of the population in Solomon Islands is Protestant, many of whom belong to the Church of Melanesia. Another 20% is Catholic and nearly everyone else adheres to another form of Christianity.

Continue reading on Safari the Globe to Learn the Catholic Church's doctrines, liturgy, symbolism, traditions, & hierarchy

This page was last updated: May, 2014