SI is the third largest archipelago in the South Pacific consisting of six large and 986 small islands with a total land area of 28,370 km². The islands, mostly rugged mountains with some low coral atolls, are scattered leading to major challenges in the development of infrastructure, transportation, communications networks and rural development in general. The 2005/6 Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES) estimated the population at 533,672 with 84% of the population living in rural areas. Livelihoods are based mostly on a mixture of subsistence and cash crop farming, gathering of forest products, and fishing. The only major urban centre is the capital Honiara, located on the island of Guadalcanal, with an estimated population of about 69,189 (HIES 2005/6). Between 1998 and 2002 civil unrest and ethnic tension prevailed and resulted in social upheaval and violence. During that period GDP fell by an estimated 24 percent and businesses and government services were severely disrupted. In July 2003, at the request of the Solomon Island’s Government, a Regional Assistance Mission (RAMSI) was called in to assist the country. RAMSI has helped to restore law and order, but the domestic political situation remains fragile. Since the end of the civil conflict real GDP growth has averaged over 7 percent, but this has largely been based on unsustainable logging34 and increased aid flows. Whilst there has been improved economic performance in recent years this has been offset by high population growth (2.8 % annually). With an estimated GDP per capita of around US$ 750, the Solomon Islands still ranks among the poorest countries in the Pacific.

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National Mid Term Priority Framework full report