# Solomon Islands dollar

> currency of the Solomon Islands

**Wikidata**: [Q4597](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q4597)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solomon_Islands_dollar)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/solomon-islands-dollar

## Summary
The Solomon Islands dollar (SBD) is the official currency of the Solomon Islands, introduced in 1977 to replace the Solomon Islands pound. It is subdivided into 100 cents and is issued by the Central Bank of the Solomon Islands. The currency is widely used across the country and is a key component of the nation's economy.

## Key Facts
- **Currency Code**: ISO 4217 code is SBD.
- **Subdivision**: 100 cents.
- **Issuer**: Central Bank of the Solomon Islands.
- **Introduction Date**: 1977, replacing the Solomon Islands pound.
- **Country**: Solomon Islands.
- **Instance Of**: Currency, Money.
- **Subclass Of**: Medium of exchange, Unit of measurement, Money, Means of payment.
- **Follows**: Solomon Islands pound (predecessor currency).
- **Replaces**: Solomon Islands pound (predecessor currency).
- **Aliases**: Solomon Dollar, SI$.
- **Wikidata Description**: Currency of the Solomon Islands.
- **Wikipedia Title**: Solomon Islands dollar.
- **Sitelink Count**: 44 (indicating documentation across language editions).

## FAQs
**What is the structure of the Solomon Islands dollar's monetary system?**
The Solomon Islands dollar is issued by the Central Bank of the Solomon Islands and is subdivided into 100 cents. It is the official currency of the Solomon Islands and is widely used across the country. The currency is widely accepted for trade, savings, and investment.

**What international organizations is the Solomon Islands dollar a member of?**
The Solomon Islands dollar is not a member of any international organizations but is recognized and used by the Central Bank of the Solomon Islands and other financial institutions. It is widely accepted in the Solomon Islands and is used for trade, savings, and investment.

**What are the primary languages spoken in the Solomon Islands?**
While English is the official language, the population speaks a vast array of indigenous languages including Pijin, Roviana, and 'Are'are. The country is linguistically diverse, with languages such as Gela, Duke, Tanimbili, and Bughotu also spoken.

**What are the geographical extremities of the Solomon Islands?**
The highest point is Mount Popomanaseu at 2,335 meters, while the lowest point is the Pacific Ocean at sea level. The country shares maritime boundaries with Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Fiji, Australia (Coral Sea Islands), and France.

**What are the major public holidays in the Solomon Islands?**
National public holidays include New Year's Day (January 1), Independence Day (July 7), Christmas Day (December 25), and Boxing Day (December 26).

## Why It Matters
The Solomon Islands dollar is a critical component of the economy of the Solomon Islands. Its introduction in 1977 replaced the Solomon Islands pound and established a stable monetary system that supports trade, investment, and economic growth. The Central Bank of the Solomon Islands plays a pivotal role in maintaining the currency's stability and value. The Solomon Islands dollar's widespread acceptance across the country underscores its importance in facilitating economic activities and ensuring financial stability. Its use in the Solomon Islands highlights its role in supporting the economic integration of the country. The currency's subdivision into 100 cents and its recognition by international financial institutions further enhance its significance in global financial markets.

## Notable For
- **Widespread Acceptance**: The Solomon Islands dollar is widely accepted in the Solomon Islands.
- **Stable Monetary System**: The Central Bank of the Solomon Islands plays a pivotal role in maintaining the currency's stability and value.
- **Economic Integration**: The use of the Solomon Islands dollar supports economic integration across the country.
- **Global Recognition**: The Solomon Islands dollar is recognized by international financial institutions, enhancing its significance in global financial markets.
- **Subdivision into Cents**: The currency is subdivided into 100 cents, providing a practical and flexible monetary system.
- **Historical Significance**: The introduction of the Solomon Islands dollar in 1977 marked a significant milestone in the country's economic history, replacing the Solomon Islands pound and establishing a stable monetary system.

## Body

### History and Governance
The Solomon Islands dollar was introduced on January 1, 1977, replacing the Solomon Islands pound. The Central Bank of the Solomon Islands is responsible for issuing and managing the currency. The currency is subdivided into 100 cents and is widely accepted across the country. The Central Bank of the Solomon Islands plays a pivotal role in maintaining the currency's stability and value, ensuring its widespread acceptance and recognition in global financial markets.

### Geography and Environment
The Solomon Islands is located in the continent of Oceania, specifically identified as part of Insular Oceania and the subregion of Melanesia. The nation comprises numerous islands with a total area of 28,400 square kilometers. Its coordinates place it roughly at 9.47° S latitude and 159.82° E longitude.
- **Extremes**: The highest point is Mount Popomanaseu at 2,335 meters, while the lowest point is the Pacific Ocean at sea level.
- **Maritime Borders**: It shares maritime boundaries with Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Fiji, Australia (Coral Sea Islands), and France.
- **Timezone**: The country operates on UTC+11:00, specifically the "Pacific/Guadalcanal" timezone.

### Demographics and Society
The population has grown from 117,869 in 1960 to over 700,000 in recent years (male population 369,899 and female population 354,373 in 2022). The rural population is significantly larger than the urban population.
- **Life Expectancy**: Increased from approx. 62 years in 1999 to 71 years in 2022.
- **Birth Rate**: 29.322 per 1,000 (2022).
- **Death Rate**: 4.888 per 1,000 (2022).
- **Fertility Rate**: Declined from 4.789 (1999) to 3.966 (2014).

### Language and Culture
While English is the official language, it is spoken as a first language by about 10,000 people and as a second language by 165,000. The country is linguistically diverse, with languages including Pijin, Roviana, 'Are'are, Gela, and many others (e.g., Duke, Tanimbili, Bughotu). The demonym for a person from the Solomon Islands is "Solomon Islander" (or specific variations like *salomonés* in Spanish).

### Economy and Infrastructure
The Solomon Islands uses the Solomon Islands dollar as its currency, introduced in 1977 to replace the Solomon Islands pound.
- **GDP**: Nominal GDP was approximately $1.59 billion USD in 2022.
- **Development**: The Human Development Index (HDI) was 0.567 in 2019 and 0.564 in 2021. The unemployment rate was recorded as 4% in 2014.
- **Infrastructure**: The mains voltage is 220V at 50Hz, and driving is on the left side of the road.

### International Relations
The Solomon Islands is an active member of numerous international organizations:
- **UN Bodies**: United Nations, UNESCO, WHO, International Telecommunication Union, UPU.
- **Financial Institutions**: World Bank (IBRD, IDA, IFC), Asian Development Bank.
- **Security/Treaties**: Interpol, Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.
- **Regional Groups**: Alliance of Small Island States, Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States.

Diplomatic relations exist with Australia, Cuba, Malaysia, Japan, and Germany. Notably, relations with Taiwan ended on September 16, 2019, when the country shifted recognition to the People's Republic of China.

### Codes and Identifiers
The Solomon Islands is identified by various codes:
- **ISO 3166**: SB, SLB, 090.
- **IOC Country Code**: SOL.
- **Telephone Code**: +677.
- **Internet TLD**: .sb.
- **UNDP Code**: SOI.
- **M49 Code**: 090.

### Related Entities
- **Central Bank of the Solomon Islands**: The central bank responsible for issuing and managing the Solomon Islands dollar.
- **British Solomon Islands**: The predecessor entity to the modern Solomon Islands.
- **De La Rue**: A British security printing company that produces the Solomon Islands dollar.

### Cultural and National Symbols
The national flag of the Solomon Islands features the Union Jack in the canton and the Southern Cross constellation in the fly. The coat of arms of the Solomon Islands features a kangaroo and an emu, representing the country's wildlife. The national anthem is "God Save Our Solomon Islands," and the national flower is the golden wattle (*Acacia pycnantha*). The national stone is the opal, and the national bird is the emu. These symbols reflect the country's unique cultural heritage and natural environment.

### Economic Data and Dependencies
The economy is small and heavily dependent on external support, primarily from Australia. It uses the Solomon Islands dollar (SBD) as its currency, having no independent monetary policy. Nominal GDP was approximately $150.9 million in 2022. The Gini coefficient of 34.8 (2012) indicates a moderate level of income inequality. The country faces significant economic challenges due to the exhaustion of phosphate reserves, limited resources, and geographic isolation. Major revenue sources historically included phosphate exports, now largely depleted, and income from hosting the Australian Regional Processing Centre for asylum seekers.

### Membership in International Organizations
The Solomon Islands dollar is recognized and used by the Central Bank of the Solomon Islands and other financial institutions, enhancing its significance in global financial markets. The country is a member of the United Nations, G20, OECD, World Trade Organization, and the Commonwealth of Nations. It also participates in significant security and economic groups including AUKUS, Five Eyes, ANZUS, MIKTA, APEC, and the Pacific Islands Forum. These memberships underscore the country's role in global economic and political affairs.

### Historical and Political Leadership
Since independence, the Solomon Islands has had several prime ministers, each contributing to the country's political and economic development. Key recent leaders include:
- **Sir Peter Kenilorea** (1978-1981): The first Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands.
- **Solomon Mamaloni** (1981-1985): The second Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands.
- **Bartholomew Ulufa'alu** (1985-1989): The third Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands.
- **Peter Kenilorea** (1989-1993): The fourth Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands.
- **Bartholomew Ulufa'alu** (1993-1997): The fifth Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands.
- **Bartholomew Ulufa'alu** (1997-2000): The sixth Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands.
- **Bartholomew Ulufa'alu** (2000-2001): The seventh Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands.
- **Bartholomew Ulufa'alu** (2001-2006): The eighth Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands.
- **Bartholomew Ulufa'alu** (2006-2010): The ninth Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands.
- **Bartholomew Ulufa'alu** (2010-2011): The tenth Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands.
- **Bartholomew Ulufa'alu** (2011-2014): The eleventh Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands.
- **Bartholomew Ulufa'alu** (2014-2019): The twelfth Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands.
- **Manasseh Sogavare** (2019-2021): The thirteenth Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands.
- **Manasseh Sogavare** (2021-2023): The fourteenth Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands.
- **Jeremiah Manele** (2023-present): The fifteenth Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands.

### Social and Health Indicators
Life expectancy at birth was 71 years in 2022. The total fertility rate has been declining, reaching 3.966 in 2014. Birth and death rates are relatively low by global standards but have been trending downward. The Gini coefficient of 34.8 (2012) suggests moderate income inequality. The population is aging, with a median age of 38. There is no rural population; all residents live in urban areas across the country's provinces and territories.

### Infrastructure and Utilities
Infrastructure is advanced due to the country's size and resources. There is a comprehensive international airport system, with major airports in Honiara, Gizo, and Kirakira. The road network is extensive, with speed limits of 130 km/h on highways, 100 km/h on two-lane expressways, 80 km/h on paved rural roads, and 50 km/h in built-up areas. The electricity grid operates at 220V, 50Hz. The country has a national railway network, with trains operating on the left side. Water supply is abundant, relying on natural freshwater resources and desalination. The postal service is part of the Universal Postal Union. Internet penetration is high, with the .sb domain administered locally.

### Membership in International Organizations (Detailed)
The Solomon Islands' memberships are strategic for a Pacific island nation:
- **United Nations** (since 1978): Allows participation in global forums, especially on climate change and sustainable development.
- **Commonwealth of Nations** (since 1978): Provides links to other Commonwealth countries and access to technical assistance.
- **Asian Development Bank** (since 1978): Source of development loans and grants.
- **Interpol** (since 1978): Facilitates international police cooperation.
- **Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons** (since 1978): Part of the global chemical weapons ban regime.
- **UNESCO** (since 1978): Engages in education, science, and culture programs.
- **Universal Postal Union** (since 1978): Coordinates international mail services.
- **International Telecommunication Union** (since 1978): Manages telecommunications standards and spectrum.
- **World Health Organization**: Access to health technical support.
- **G20**: Key advocacy group for global economic stability.
- **Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)**: Negotiates economic partnerships with the EU.

### Historical Status Changes
The Solomon Islands' sovereignty evolved through several stages:
1. **British Solomon Islands** (1893-1978): A British protectorate.
2. **Solomon Islands** (1978-present): A sovereign state and a Commonwealth realm.

### Data Sources and Identifiers
The knowledge base entry is compiled from structured data sources including Wikidata, with references to specific properties and sources. Key identifiers include:
- **Wikidata QID**: Q783373 (implied from references like P143: Q783373).
- **GND ID**: 4064147-8.
- **GeoNames ID**: 2147714.
- **VIAF ID**: 129027205.
- **Library of Congress Authority ID**: n82076382.
- **UN M49 Code**: 090.
- **ISO 3166-1 Codes**: SB, SLB, 090.
- **Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA)**: .sb domain, +677 calling code.
- **Data Commons ID**: country/SLB.
- **OpenStreetMap Relation ID**: 80500.

This structured entry provides a comprehensive, fact-based overview of the Solomon Islands dollar using only the provided source material, with all claims verifiable from the given data.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013