Solomon Islands
Solomon Islands
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: +2.37%
Situated in Melanesia, Solomon Islands has a population of approximately 819.2k—a modestly sized nation in population terms. The country extends across 28,896 km², translating to a density of 28 people per km². Its capital is Honiara, and English is the official language, while the Solomon Islands dollar serves as the national currency.
Population
819,198
Area
28,896 km²
Density
28/km²
World Rank
#166
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
Population growth has effectively stalled at 0% annually, suggesting the country is approaching or has reached a demographic plateau. A birth rate of 26.9 per thousand far outpaces the death rate of 5.1 per thousand, driving strong natural increase. A youthful age structure is evident: 37% of the population is under 15, while only 3.6% is over 65.
General Information
- Capital
- Honiara
- Region
- Oceania
- Subregion
- Melanesia
- Continent
- Oceania
- Languages
- English
- Currencies
- Solomon Islands dollar ($)
- Calling Code
- +677
- Top-Level Domain
- .sb
- Landlocked
- No
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC+11:00
Population Details
- Total Population
- 819,198
- Land Area
- 28,896 km²
- Population Density
- 28 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- +2.37%
- Annual Growth
- +19,415 people
- Daily Growth
- +53 people
- World Population Share
- 0.01%
- Coordinates
- -8.00°, 159.00°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
At around $1.9k per person, the economy falls into the lower-middle-income tier, reflecting ongoing development needs. The labor market is notably tight, with unemployment at just 1.4%—well below the world average. The Gini index of 37.1 indicates a moderate level of income inequality.
Life Expectancy
70.5 years
GDP per Capita
$1,934
Birth Rate
26.9 per 1,000
Death Rate
5.1 per 1,000
Urban Population
30.7%
Fertility Rate
3.56 births/woman
Infant Mortality
16.5 per 1,000
Unemployment
1.4%
Literacy Rate
76.6%
Internet Users
42.5%
Under 15
37.0%
Over 65
3.6%
Health Spending
5.4% GDP
Gini Index
37.1
Age Distribution
0-14 years
303K
15-64 years
487K
65+ years
30K
Urbanization
Only 30.7% of the population lives in urban areas, reflecting a predominantly rural way of life that shapes access to services and markets. Honiara serves as the administrative heart of the country and concentrates much of its commercial and civic life. Net inward migration of 1631.0 per thousand is contributing to urban growth and reshaping community demographics.
251,166
30.7%
568,032
69.3%
Health & Education Indicators
Average life expectancy of 70.5 years is roughly in line with the global benchmark of 72.8. Infant mortality stands at 16.5 per thousand live births, somewhat higher than the global average. The literacy rate of 76.6% is roughly in line with the world average, reflecting the current state of educational investment.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Infant Mortality
World avg: 27.5
Literacy Rate
World avg: 86.7
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Population Projections (2026-2050)
Near-zero growth suggests that Solomon Islands is entering a period of demographic stability—or, depending on policy responses, the early stages of decline. As a United Nations member state, Solomon Islands participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 819,198 |
| 2030 | 895,652 |
| 2035 | 992,255 |
| 2040 | 1,089,653 |
| 2045 | 1,187,594 |
| 2050 | 1,285,947 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Solomon Islands?
The population of Solomon Islands is approximately 819,198 as of 2026, making it #166 in the world by population.
What is the capital of Solomon Islands?
The capital of Solomon Islands is Honiara.
What languages are spoken in Solomon Islands?
The main languages spoken in Solomon Islands are English.
How big is Solomon Islands?
Solomon Islands covers an area of 28,896 km² with a population density of 28 people per km².
Is Solomon Islands growing or shrinking?
Solomon Islands is growing at a rate of 2.37% per year, adding approximately 19,415 people annually.
What is the life expectancy in Solomon Islands?
The average life expectancy in Solomon Islands is 70.5 years.
What is the GDP per capita of Solomon Islands?
The GDP per capita of Solomon Islands is $1,934.