Solomon Islands

Solomon Islands, island chain in the South Pacific Ocean. The islands are divided into 2 countries, one at the southern end and one at the northern end of the group. The southern portion, including Choiseul, Guadalcanal, Malaita, New Georgia, San Cristobal, Santa Isabel, and numerous smaller islands, is part of the nation of the Solomon Islands. The northern portion, including Bougainville, Buka, and various smaller islands, is part of Papua New Guinea. Together they cover a land area of about 15,700 sq mi (40,663 sq km).The Solomon Islands were the scene, during World War II (1942–44), of numerous battles between the Japanese and the Allied forces.

See also: Papua New Guinea.