Solomon Islands Field Office
UNICEF Field Office
An island group of 997 islands and atolls, the Solomon Islands is one of the Pacific’s poorest countries and home to 320,026 children, with a total population of 712,100.
At least three quarters of the population resides in rural areas, with rural villages often comprising fewer than 20 households. The distance and remoteness of inhabited areas as well as the lack of infrastructure represent an enormous challenge to public service delivery.
Ranked as the 2nd most at risk country in the world in terms of natural hazards, the country is highly vulnerable to tropical storms, extreme rainfall, floods and droughts, and has more than 50 per cent probability of experiencing a natural disaster in any given year.
Agriculture, fishing and forestry are the Solomon Islands’ leading industries, all of which are negatively affected by extreme weather events.
Emerging Issues
Climate change is the most serious impediment to sustainable development in the Solomon Islands, with islands lost to rising sea levels, coastal erosion and soil salinization. As a result, displacement, migration or resettlement are expected to increase.
The increased frequency of extreme temperature and rainfall place the islands at risk of food and water shortages, flooding and landslides, which threaten public health, ecosystems and infrastructure.
Maternal mortality in the Solomon Islands remains high, while tribal customs and practices have strong social significance and reinforce gender inequality across society.
Restrictive and harmful gender norms exacerbate inequalities throughout the lives of girls and women, particularly in rural areas.
The National Youth Policy identifies the 82 per cent unemployment rate of youth as an absolute priority and concern for youth in the country, highlighting the ramification of the unemployment rate on law and order among other challenges.