Solomon Islands
Oceania · Melanesia
WWII history and pristine reefs; Chinese geopolitical influence is growing, very remote.
At a Glance
📈Solomon Islands's Human Development Index
0.562
Medium human development#154 of 191 countries worldwide, #15 of 15 in Oceania.
Higher than 19% of countries with data. UNDP Human Development Report.
UNDP builds the index from three dimensions: a long and healthy life, being knowledgeable, and a decent standard of living. They are measured by life expectancy at birth, mean and expected years of schooling, and gross national income per capita.
Closest indicators in this dataset
World Bank, own vintages. UNDP’s own component values are not carried here, so these are related measures rather than the index inputs.
Nearest countries by HDI
Full HDI ranking, all 191 countries →Solomon Islands
The Solomon Islands is a Melanesian archipelago in the South Pacific with one of the richest dive environments in the world, particularly in the waters around the Iron Bottom Sound with its Second World War wrecks, alongside dense jungle, traditional island cultures, and a remoteness that keeps visitor numbers very low. The culture is communal and rooted in kastom, a system of traditional custom and social obligation. It suits serious divers and those drawn to genuinely remote Pacific island culture.
- Site of Guadalcanal — one of WWII's most decisive and bloodiest Pacific campaigns.
- Has recently shifted diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China, reshaping Pacific geopolitics.
Quick Facts
Capital
Honiara
Language
English
Currency
$ SBD
Area
27,990 km²
Nomad Hub
GDP / Capita
$2K
PPP / Capita
$3K
Inflation
3.4%
Unemployment
1.4%
GNI / Capita
$2K
Tax Revenue
23.3%
FDI Inflows
2.1%
Education Spend
8.3%
Cost of Living
102.3
Price Level Index
17th pct
20-Year Trend + IMF Forecast
Income & inflation over time
HDI since 1999
0.501 → 0.562 (+0.061)Year by year →UNDP Human Development Report, 2023-24 edition. 24 annual values, none interpolated; hover any point for its year.
Twenty years here
Year by year →The world report →World Bank observations, first to last available year per indicator (roughly 2005–2024; each series has its own window).
Thinking about Solomon Islands for real?
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What is Solomon Islands's Human Development Index?
Solomon Islands's Human Development Index is 0.562 (UNDP Human Development Report), ranked #154 of 191 countries.
How expensive is Solomon Islands?
Numbeo's cost-of-living index puts Solomon Islands at 102.3 (New York = 100); that is #142 cheapest of 143 countries with data.
What is life expectancy in Solomon Islands?
Life expectancy at birth in Solomon Islands is 70.7 yrs (World Bank), ranked #129 of 195 countries.