Population: 669,823
Poverty rate: 25.1%
The Solomon Islands is one of the poorest countries in the Pacific, ranked 151 of 189 countries on the Human Development Index. Located in an area of high volcanic activity, the Solomon Islands is vulnerable to natural disasters, including volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, tropical cyclones, and tsunamis.
Solomon Islanders face many barriers to development, including poor infrastructure, low levels of sanitation, and lack of education and employment opportunities. Rural areas, such as Guadalcanal and Makira, account for over 80 per cent of those living in poverty, with many communities struggling to connect with their government representatives and service providers to meet their basic living needs.
Gender inequality is an enormous barrier to development in the Solomon Islands. According to UNFPA, women are extremely vulnerable to violence, with 64 per cent of women reporting physical or sexual abuse by a partner. Alarmingly, 73 per cent of both men and women believe this violence is acceptable.
