Where are Solomon's? Solomon Islands map in Russian
The climate on the islands is predominantly humid, with an average annual temperature of 26-27 degrees Celsius. The Solomon Islands have many active volcanoes, which have long been the end point of many tourist routes.
In the 18th and even 19th centuries, the indigenous people of the Solomon Islands became famous for the murders of European missionaries and early colonists. True, the modern state of the Republic of Solomon Islands no longer poses a threat to Europeans and tourists from other countries. Here, in the southwestern part of the Pacific Ocean, travelers come for the exotic, excellent diving conditions and natural attractions.
The largest and at the same time the “capital” island of the state is Guadacanal, where the country’s capital, the city of Honiara, is located. There are also several large volcanoes on this island: Popomanaso, Mount Gallego, Makarakomburu, Kaichui, Tatuve. Moreover, all these volcanoes are quite high, over 2 thousand meters above sea level. Despite the mountainous terrain and the presence of active volcanoes, more than 1/3 of the total population of the Solomon Islands lives on this island. The capital of the state is a fairly small town with a population of just over 50 thousand people. According to seasoned tourists, there is almost nothing to see in Honiara except for the noisy and colorful bazaars. However, there is an excellent beach very close to the capital, and avid fishermen can have an interesting time casting their fishing rods directly from the shore. The island's unique waterfalls will delight all wildlife lovers.
In the central part of the Solomon Islands there are places of remarkable beauty: the islands of Anuha, Savo and Florida. The shores of Anukha Island are an almost continuous strip of beach covered with white coral chips. The same can be seen on the island of Florida, and you can also visit the headquarters of the former colonial British administration. For experienced divers, Savo Island is of undoubted interest. There is practically no tourist infrastructure on it (in the meaning of this expression familiar to Europeans), but diving around World War II warship wrecks can be a real adventure.
The eastern region of the country is of great interest to avid travelers who love the exotic. Firstly, some islands in the eastern part of the state are artificial. They were created by local residents by filling the coastal waters with crushed coral. Over 10 thousand Solomon Islanders live on such artificial islands. Secondly, it is in this part of the country that the cult of shark worship is widespread. According to ancient Melanesian beliefs, the souls of ancestors inhabit the bodies of sharks.
The western part of the Solomon Islands is the most developed part of the country in terms of tourism and recreation infrastructure. Some of the picturesque coral beaches of the western islands are included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. On the islands of Vangunu, New Georgia and Gizo, several modern hotels have been built that are quite decent in terms of service.
Lovers of exotic things should definitely visit the Solomon Islands, get acquainted with the life and way of life of the islanders, who were once the irreconcilable enemies of the first white settlers.
The Solomon Islands are an archipelago largely untouched by tourism. Quite a few people visit this poor country. But, despite this, they attract with the genuine naturalness of everything that you will either see or visit.
Back in the 16th century, these islands were discovered by the Spaniard A. Medanya. It was the Spaniards who held the opinion and put forward the assumption that in ancient times this archipelago belonged to Solomon, the biblical king. Hence the origin of the name. Already in the 20th century, Great Britain established its power over the islands. But soon the Solomon Islands gained internal self-government and then independence.
This area is attractive because there is practically nothing that has been created artificially in order to please tourists. Therefore, it will be very comfortable and interesting here, first of all, for those travelers who are looking for natural extraordinary
After all, every part of this small country will not disappoint its guests, as it has rightfully earned a reputation as the best place in the world, where it is as if nature itself has created all the conditions for fishing, snorkeling and diving. Here the water and air are particularly clean. And the flora and fauna will surprise any tourist with its diversity and beauty.
The Solomon Islands are quite home to their own taboos. And all visitors should know about them. Thus, on the islands of Bu-su and Laulasi, the taboo colors are red and black, since they are considered the colors of blood. They should be avoided when choosing jewelry or clothing for a trip.
Certain taboos still surround the life of villages on the islands. It is impossible to explain the meaning of all. But when visiting any local settlements, you must exercise some caution and limit your curiosity as much as possible. Since the term “taboo” here is given the meaning not only of prohibition, but also of sacredness or holiness. And you shouldn’t forget about this.
Apart from this, property rights are also very important here. Therefore, it is most likely that the flower, fruit or tree by the side of the road belongs to someone. Since many islanders live by selling what they grow, when you pick the fruit, be prepared to leave the owner a decent compensation.
Guests on the islands must be fully clothed. While local residents' clothing may be different or absent altogether. A woman should not be or stand above a man. It is also prohibited to swim under a canoe containing women. After all, after this it is subject to destruction. And for many residents it is the only means to get food.
The Solomon Islands have preserved a tradition in which, as in all world cultures, taboos are designed to protect their society, playing the role of certain codes or moral precepts. Following them, it is not customary to punish uninitiated people. Although foreigners belong to this category, it is nevertheless advisable to respect local customs.
For those who love a varied and eventful holiday, the Solomon Islands are an ideal option. Mainly because their entire territory consists of nine provinces, each of which has something to show even the most jaded visitor.
Consider those provinces where local residents, despite the rapid development of civilization in general and the predominance of European elements in clothing in particular, continue to wear short skirts and
Not all resort islands, like the Solomon Islands, have largely retained their primitive cultural appearance. All the villages here are predominantly dominated by traditional houses. They are rectangular lightweight huts with wicker walls on pillars and made of palm leaves.
Although buildings of the European type are found here, they are only found in large populated areas. Traditionality is also quite closely intertwined with modernity. The local population preserves applied arts, original dances and songs, and folklore relatively well, but modern culture is still being introduced.
The Solomon Islands have a high good rating for diving. Beautiful coral reefs and colorful fish inhabit the waters around the Solomon Islands. The underwater beauty of this island is a real treasure in the ocean. In addition, when diving in this place, you can find debris left over from the Second World War.
The Solomon Islands are an island nation located in the South Pacific Ocean, east of Papua New Guinea. The Solomon Islands comprise 1,000 islands with a total area of 28,400 sq. km. The capital of the island of Honiara, it is the main tourist destination in the Solomon Islands.
Sights of the Solomon Islands
1. Mataniko and Tenaru Falls
The city of Honiara, which is the capital of the Solomon Islands, is famous for its various attractions. Motaniko and Tenaru waterfalls are one of the best places in Honiara. The natural pool with clear water is a good place for swimming. As you walk and explore this area, you will be able to enjoy the beauty of its landscape.
Another place that attracts tourists is the National Cultural Center and Museum. It is located in the center of the island's capital. The cultural center and national museum focuses on the traditional culture of the island.
Here you can find special sections dedicated to dance traditions, jewelry and the currency of the island. In addition, many are attracted by sections where traditional weapons used by local residents and various archaeological finds are presented.
2. Aola Bay Harbor
Aola Bay Harbor is one of the most important ports and sea gates of the Solomon Islands, which is also the first place from which exploration of the islands usually begins before heading to other cities and regions.
3. Provinces of Rennell and Bellona
Rennell and Bellona are provinces of the Solomon Islands, which are two inhabited atolls, Rennell and Belona or Mu Nggava and Mu Ngiki respectively in Polynesian. In addition, they include an uninhabited Obligatory Reef. Rennell and Bellona are included in the UNESCO list, and the islands of Florida and Russell are known as the sites of many shipwrecks.
They are among other famous places visited by local and foreign tourists. This place offers many fascinating and amazing places to visit.
4. Santa Cruz Island
The most important attraction of St. Croix is the Vanuatu rainforests. They are part of the Australian ecological zone and a wide variety of tropical and subtropical moist deciduous trees can be found here. Therefore, you should not miss the opportunity to gain knowledge about the different types of trees growing in this amazing region.
Score (2009)
Density
515,870 people (170s)
18.13 people/km²
Total (2011)
Per capita
$840 million
$1522
Geography
The state occupies most of the archipelago of the same name in the Pacific Ocean, in Melanesia, east of the island of New Guinea. Largest islands: Guadalcanal, Santa Isabel, Malaita, San Cristobal, Choiseul, New Georgia. Also occupies the island groups of Duff, St. Croix, Swallow and the islands of Bellona, Rennell, etc.
The islands are predominantly of volcanic origin; active volcanoes. The country's highest point is the 2,335-meter Popomanaseu Peak on Guadalcanal. Short high-water rivers.
The climate is subequatorial, very humid. Average monthly temperatures range from 26 to 28 °C. Precipitation ranges from 2300 to 7500 mm per year. From May to October the southeast trade wind prevails, from December to March the northwest equatorial monsoon prevails.
Most of the islands are covered with evergreen forests (palm trees, ficus trees, etc.); in the driest places - savannas; along the banks there are mangroves. Fauna: rats, bats, crocodiles, lizards, snakes, giant frogs; birds - wild pigeons, parrots, etc.
Seismology
The Solomon Islands are located in a seismic region where earthquakes occur frequently. In January 2010, an earthquake occurred, the magnitude of which was 7.2, the tremors provoked the appearance of a tsunami with a maximum wave height of 2.5 meters. In total, about a thousand people were left homeless. On April 23, 2011, an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.9 was recorded. On February 6, 2013, an earthquake of magnitude 8.0 occurred.
Story
The first settlers speaking Papuan languages began arriving in the Solomon Islands around 3000 BC. e. Speakers of Austronesian languages - approximately 4000 years ago. They brought with them cultural elements such as the outrigger canoe. Between approximately 1200 and 800 BC. e. The ancestors of the Polynesians (people of the Lapita culture) from the Bismarck Archipelago, who knew pottery production, arrived on the Islands.
The Solomon Islands were discovered in 1568 by the Spanish navigator A. Mendaña de Neira, who exchanged gold from the local residents and named these islands Solomon, comparing them with "Golden Country of Solomon". Founded in 1595 by Mendaña by decree of King Philip II on the island of Santa Cruz, the Spanish colony did not last long and was soon abandoned due to conflicts with warlike natives.
For the next century and a half, the islands were not visited by Europeans. They were discovered a second time by the Englishman F. Carteret in 1767.
Since the mid-1840s, Catholic and Protestant missionaries have repeatedly tried to settle in the Solomon Islands, but for a long time they did not succeed: many of them were killed by the aborigines.
The development of the Solomon Islands by Europeans began only in the 1860s, when the first white traders began to establish themselves there. The natives tried to kill these traders, but they, unlike the missionaries, managed to organize their defense.
Data on the literacy level of the population of the Solomon Islands is not available.
Urban population - 19.7% (101,798 people) (2009 census).
Languages
Religion
Religions: Church of Melanesia - 31.9% (164,639 people), Catholics - 19.6% (100,999 people), South Sea Evangelists - 17.1% (88,395 people), Seventh-day Adventists - 11, 7% (60,506 people), united church - 10.1% (51,919 people), Christian Fellowship Church - 2.5% (13,153 people), other Christians - 4.4%, others - 2, 7% (14,076 people). (according to the 2009 census).
Approximately 97% of the population of Solomon Islands professes the Christian faith. The largest Christian denominations: 31.9% of the population belong to the Church of Melanesia, 19.6% belong to the Roman Catholic Church, 17.1% to the South Seas Evangelical Church, 11.7% to Seventh-day Adventist Church, 10.1% - United Church of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands, 2.5% - Christian Fellowship Church. 2.9% of the population practices indigenous religious beliefs. There are approximately 350 Muslims (2007 data).
Policy
The political system of the Solomon Islands is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system of government. Queen Elizabeth II is the monarch of the Solomon Islands and head of state. Its power is exercised through the Governor-General, who is elected by Parliament for a term of five years.
The parliament is unicameral, consists of 50 representatives, and is elected every four years. According to the results of the last elections (August 2010), there are 19 independent deputies and representatives of 12 political parties in parliament (the largest party has 13 deputies, the rest have from 3 to 1 deputies). Parliament can be dissolved early by a majority vote of its members.
Any citizen over 21 years of age has the right to vote in elections. The head of government is the Prime Minister, he is elected by Parliament and appoints other ministers. The Cabinet of Ministers consists of 20 people. Each ministry is headed by a minister, who is assisted by a Permanent Secretary, who supervises the ministry's employees.
Solomon Islands' political parties are weak and parliamentary coalitions are extremely unstable. Votes of no confidence are often announced in the government, as a result of which the composition of the government often changes.
There are no military units as such in the Solomon Islands, although the police force, numbering about 500 people, includes a border security unit. The police function as firefighters, assist in emergency situations and carry out maritime patrols. The police are led by a commissioner appointed by the governor general. The Commissioner is under the control of the Prime Minister.
The main buyers (in 2009) are China 54.1%, South Korea 6.2%, Philippines 6%, Spain 4.9%.
Imports - $0.26 billion in 2008 - food, industrial goods, fuel, chemical products.
The main suppliers (in 2009) are Singapore 24.7%, Australia 23.1%, New Zealand 5.2%, Fiji 4.5%, Papua New Guinea 4.3%, Malaysia 4%.
Culture
The Solomon Islands have largely retained their former cultural appearance.
The villages are dominated by houses of the traditional type: light, rectangular huts on pillars with wicker walls and a gable roof made of palm leaves. However, in large settlements there are many buildings of European type.
In clothing, European elements have significantly supplanted the tradition, but some local residents continue to wear loincloths and short skirts.
In the spiritual culture of the islanders, tradition is also closely intertwined with modernity. Folklore, original songs and dances, and applied arts are relatively well preserved among the local population, but modern culture is also being introduced.
Sport
see also
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Notes
Literature
- Oceania. Directory. - M.: Nauka, 1982.
- Rubtsov B. B. Oceania. - M.: Science, 1991.
Links
- - article from the Krugosvet encyclopedia
- // Encyclopedic Dictionary of Brockhaus and Efron: in 86 volumes (82 volumes and 4 additional). - St. Petersburg. , 1890-1907.
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Excerpt describing the Solomon Islands
Napoleon started the war with Russia because he could not help but come to Dresden, could not help but be overwhelmed by honors, could not help but put on a Polish uniform, could not succumb to the enterprising impression of a June morning, could not refrain from an outburst of anger in the presence of Kurakin and then Balashev.
Alexander refused all negotiations because he personally felt insulted. Barclay de Tolly tried to manage the army in the best possible way in order to fulfill his duty and earn the glory of a great commander. Rostov galloped to attack the French because he could not resist the desire to gallop across a flat field. And so exactly, due to their personal properties, habits, conditions and goals, all those innumerable persons who took part in this war acted. They were afraid, they were conceited, they rejoiced, they were indignant, they reasoned, believing that they knew what they were doing and that they were doing it for themselves, and all were involuntary instruments of history and carried out work hidden from them, but understandable to us. This is the unchangeable fate of all practical figures, and the higher they stand in the human hierarchy, the more free they are.
Now the figures of 1812 have long since left their places, their personal interests have disappeared without a trace, and only the historical results of that time are before us.
But let’s assume that the people of Europe, under the leadership of Napoleon, had to go deep into Russia and die there, and all the self-contradictory, senseless, cruel activities of the people participating in this war become clear to us.
Providence forced all these people, striving to achieve their personal goals, to contribute to the fulfillment of one huge result, about which not a single person (neither Napoleon, nor Alexander, nor even less any of the participants in the war) had the slightest aspiration.
Now it is clear to us what was the cause of the death of the French army in 1812. No one will argue that the reason for the death of Napoleon’s French troops was, on the one hand, their entry at a late time without preparation for a winter campaign deep into Russia, and on the other hand, the nature that the war took on from the burning of Russian cities and the incitement of hatred towards the enemy in the Russian people. But then not only did no one foresee that (which now seems obvious) that only in this way could the army of eight hundred thousand, the best in the world and led by the best commander, die in a clash with the Russian army, which was twice as weak, inexperienced and led by inexperienced commanders; not only did no one foresee this, but all efforts on the part of the Russians were constantly aimed at preventing the fact that only one could save Russia, and on the part of the French, despite the experience and so-called military genius of Napoleon, all efforts were directed towards this to stretch out to Moscow at the end of summer, that is, to do the very thing that should have destroyed them.
In historical works about 1812, French authors are very fond of talking about how Napoleon felt the danger of stretching his line, how he was looking for a battle, how his marshals advised him to stop in Smolensk, and give other similar arguments proving that it was already understood there was danger of the campaign; and Russian authors are even more fond of talking about how from the beginning of the campaign there was a plan for the Scythian war to lure Napoleon into the depths of Russia, and they attribute this plan to some Pfuel, some to some Frenchman, some to Tolya, some to Emperor Alexander himself, pointing to notes, projects and letters that actually contain hints of this course of action. But all these hints of foreknowledge of what happened, both on the part of the French and on the part of the Russians, are now exhibited only because the event justified them. If the event had not happened, then these hints would have been forgotten, just as thousands and millions of opposing hints and assumptions that were in use then, but turned out to be unfair and therefore forgotten, are now forgotten. There are always so many assumptions about the outcome of every event that takes place that, no matter how it ends, there will always be people who will say: “I said then that it would be like this,” completely forgetting that among the countless assumptions, completely opposite.
Assumptions about Napoleon's awareness of the danger of stretching the line and on the part of the Russians - about luring the enemy into the depths of Russia - obviously belong to this category, and historians can only attribute such considerations to Napoleon and his marshals and such plans to Russian military leaders only with great reserve. All the facts completely contradict such assumptions. Not only throughout the war was there no desire on the part of the Russians to lure the French into the depths of Russia, but everything was done to stop them from their first entry into Russia, and not only was Napoleon not afraid of stretching his line, but he rejoiced at how triumph, every step forward, and very lazily, unlike in his previous campaigns, he looked for battle.
At the very beginning of the campaign, our armies are cut up, and the only goal to which we strive is to unite them, although in order to retreat and lure the enemy into the interior of the country, there does not seem to be any advantage in uniting the armies. The emperor is with the army to inspire it to defend every step of the Russian land, and not to retreat. The huge Dries camp is being built according to Pfuel's plan and it is not intended to retreat further. The Emperor reproaches the commander-in-chief for every step of retreat. Not only the burning of Moscow, but the admission of the enemy to Smolensk cannot even be imagined by the emperor, and when the armies unite, the sovereign is indignant because Smolensk was taken and burned and was not given a general battle before the walls of it.
The sovereign thinks so, but the Russian military leaders and all Russian people are even more indignant at the thought that ours are retreating into the interior of the country.
Napoleon, having cut up the armies, moves inland and misses several occasions of battle. In August he is in Smolensk and thinks only about how he can move on, although, as we now see, this movement forward is obviously detrimental for him.
The facts clearly show that neither Napoleon foresaw the danger in moving towards Moscow, nor Alexander and the Russian military leaders then thought about luring Napoleon, but thought about the opposite. The luring of Napoleon into the interior of the country did not happen according to anyone’s plan (no one believed in the possibility of this), but occurred from the most complex game of intrigues, goals, desires of people - participants in the war, who did not guess what should be, and what was the only salvation of Russia. Everything happens by accident. The armies are cut up at the start of the campaign. We are trying to unite them with the obvious goal of giving battle and holding off the enemy’s advance, but even in this desire to unite, avoiding battles with the strongest enemy and involuntarily retreating at an acute angle, we lead the French to Smolensk. But it’s not enough to say that we are retreating at an acute angle because the French are moving between both armies - this angle is becoming even sharper, and we are moving even further because Barclay de Tolly, an unpopular German, is hated by Bagration (who will become under his command ), and Bagration, commanding the 2nd Army, tries not to join Barclay for as long as possible, so as not to become under his command. Bagration does not join for a long time (although this is the main goal of all commanders) because it seems to him that he is putting his army in danger on this march and that it is most profitable for him to retreat to the left and south, harassing the enemy from the flank and rear and recruiting his army in Ukraine. But it seems that he came up with this because he did not want to obey the hated and junior German Barclay.
The emperor is with the army to inspire it, and his presence and lack of knowledge of what to decide on, and a huge number of advisers and plans destroy the energy of the 1st army’s actions, and the army retreats.
It is planned to stop at the Dris camp; but unexpectedly Paulucci, aiming to become commander-in-chief, influences Alexander with his energy, and Pfuel’s entire plan is abandoned, and the whole matter is entrusted to Barclay. But since Barclay does not inspire confidence, his power is limited.
The armies are fragmented, there is no unity of leadership, Barclay is not popular; but from this confusion, fragmentation and unpopularity of the German commander-in-chief, on the one hand, follows indecision and avoidance of battle (which could not be resisted if the armies were together and Barclay was not the commander), on the other hand, more and more indignation against the Germans and excitement of the patriotic spirit.
Finally, the sovereign leaves the army, and as the only and most convenient pretext for his departure, the idea is chosen that he needs to inspire the people in the capitals to initiate a people's war. And this trip of the sovereign and Moscow triples the strength of the Russian army.
The sovereign leaves the army in order not to hamper the unity of power of the commander-in-chief, and hopes that more decisive measures will be taken; but the position of the army command is even more confused and weakened. Bennigsen, the Grand Duke and a swarm of adjutant generals remain with the army in order to monitor the actions of the commander-in-chief and arouse him to energy, and Barclay, feeling even less free under the eyes of all these sovereign eyes, becomes even more careful for decisive actions and avoids battles.
Barclay stands for caution. The Tsarevich hints at treason and demands a general battle. Lyubomirsky, Branitsky, Wlotsky and the like inflate all this noise so much that Barclay, under the pretext of delivering papers to the sovereign, sends the Poles as adjutant generals to St. Petersburg and enters into an open fight with Bennigsen and the Grand Duke.
In Smolensk, finally, no matter how Bagration wished it, the armies are united.
Bagration drives up in a carriage to the house occupied by Barclay. Barclay puts on a scarf, goes out to meet him and reports to the senior rank of Bagration. Bagration, in the struggle of generosity, despite the seniority of his rank, submits to Barclay; but, having submitted, she agrees with him even less. Bagration personally, by order of the sovereign, informs him. He writes to Arakcheev: “The will of my sovereign, I cannot do it together with the minister (Barclay). For God's sake, send me somewhere, even to command a regiment, but I can’t be here; and the entire main apartment is filled with Germans, so it’s impossible for a Russian to live, and there’s no point. I thought I was truly serving the sovereign and the fatherland, but in reality it turns out that I am serving Barclay. I admit, I don’t want to.” The swarm of Branitskys, Wintzingerodes and the like further poisons the relations of the commanders-in-chief, and even less unity emerges. They are planning to attack the French in front of Smolensk. A general is sent to inspect the position. This general, hating Barclay, goes to his friend, the corps commander, and, after sitting with him for a day, returns to Barclay and condemns on all counts the future battlefield, which he has not seen.
While there are disputes and intrigues about the future battlefield, while we are looking for the French, having made a mistake in their location, the French stumble upon Neverovsky’s division and approach the very walls of Smolensk.
We must take on an unexpected battle in Smolensk in order to save our messages. The battle is given. Thousands are being killed on both sides.
Smolensk is abandoned against the will of the sovereign and all the people. But Smolensk was burned by the residents themselves, deceived by their governor, and the ruined residents, setting an example for other Russians, go to Moscow, thinking only about their losses and inciting hatred of the enemy. Napoleon moves on, we retreat, and the very thing that was supposed to defeat Napoleon is achieved.
The day after his son’s departure, Prince Nikolai Andreich called Princess Marya to his place.
- Well, are you satisfied now? - he told her, - she quarreled with her son! Are you satisfied? That's all you needed! Are you satisfied?.. It hurts me, it hurts. I'm old and weak, and that's what you wanted. Well, rejoice, rejoice... - And after that, Princess Marya did not see her father for a week. He was sick and did not leave the office.
To her surprise, Princess Marya noticed that during this time of illness the old prince also did not allow m lle Bourienne to visit him. Only Tikhon followed him.
A week later, the prince left and began his old life again, being especially active in buildings and gardens and ending all previous relations with m lle Bourienne. His appearance and cold tone with Princess Marya seemed to say to her: “You see, you made it up about me, lied to Prince Andrei about my relationship with this Frenchwoman and quarreled me with him; and you see that I don’t need either you or the Frenchwoman.”
Princess Marya spent one half of the day with Nikolushka, watching his lessons, herself giving him lessons in the Russian language and music, and talking with Desalles; she spent the other part of the day in her quarters with books, the old woman’s nanny, and with God’s people, who sometimes came to her from the back porch.
Princess Marya thought about the war the way women think about war. She was afraid for her brother, who was there, horrified, without understanding her, by human cruelty, which forced them to kill each other; but she did not understand the significance of this war, which seemed to her the same as all previous wars. She did not understand the significance of this war, despite the fact that Desalles, her constant interlocutor, who was passionately interested in the progress of the war, tried to explain his thoughts to her, and despite the fact that the people of God who came to her all spoke with horror in their own way about popular rumors about the invasion of the Antichrist, and despite the fact that Julie, now Princess Drubetskaya, who again entered into correspondence with her, wrote patriotic letters to her from Moscow.
“I am writing to you in Russian, my good friend,” wrote Julie, “because I have hatred for all the French, as well as for their language, which I cannot hear spoken... We in Moscow are all delighted through enthusiasm for our beloved emperor.
My poor husband endures labor and hunger in Jewish taverns; but the news I have makes me even more excited.
You probably heard about the heroic feat of Raevsky, who hugged his two sons and said: “I will die with them, but we will not waver!” And indeed, although the enemy was twice as strong as us, we did not waver. We spend our time as best we can; but in war, as in war. Princess Alina and Sophie sit with me all day long, and we, unfortunate widows of living husbands, have wonderful conversations over lint; only you, my friend, are missing... etc.
Mostly Princess Marya did not understand the full significance of this war because the old prince never talked about it, did not acknowledge it and laughed at Desalles at dinner when he talked about this war. The prince's tone was so calm and confident that Princess Marya, without reasoning, believed him.
Throughout the month of July, the old prince was extremely active and even animated. He also laid out a new garden and a new building, a building for the courtyard workers. One thing that bothered Princess Marya was that he slept little and, having changed his habit of sleeping in the study, changed the place of his overnight stays every day. Either he ordered his camp bed to be set up in the gallery, then he remained on the sofa or in the Voltaire chair in the living room and dozed without undressing, while not m lle Bourienne, but the boy Petrusha read to him; then he spent the night in the dining room.
On August 1, a second letter was received from Prince Andrei. In the first letter, received shortly after his departure, Prince Andrei humbly asked his father for forgiveness for what he had allowed himself to say to him, and asked him to return his favor to him. The old prince responded to this letter with an affectionate letter and after this letter he alienated the Frenchwoman from himself. Prince Andrei's second letter, written from near Vitebsk, after the French occupied it, consisted of a brief description of the entire campaign with a plan outlined in the letter, and considerations for the further course of the campaign. In this letter, Prince Andrei presented his father with the inconvenience of his position close to the theater of war, on the very line of movement of the troops, and advised him to go to Moscow.
At dinner that day, in response to the words of Desalles, who said that, as heard, the French had already entered Vitebsk, the old prince remembered Prince Andrei’s letter.
“I received it from Prince Andrei today,” he said to Princess Marya, “didn’t you read it?”
For many centuries, life on the Solomon Islands, scattered by volcanic eruptions across the expanses of the Pacific Ocean, was relatively quiet and peaceful. The tropical diversity of flora and fauna here was complemented by a diverse ethnic picture.
This island world was discovered for Europeans by the Spaniards Alvaro Mendaña de Neira (1541-95) and Pedro Sarmiento de Gamboa (153-92). It was not accepted then to copy complex local names, so the islands were called Solomon, since it seemed to the Spaniards that this was the legendary country of Ophir, where the treasures of King Solomon were hidden.
Mendaña in 1595 became the founder of the first colony on the islands, but at the same time made a serious mistake: during the development of new lands, one of the local leaders was killed. After this, a war began with the natives, who had not previously been aggressive. Mendaña soon died of nervous strain, and his wife became the leader of the colony, but was soon forced to flee with the remaining soldiers.
The next visit of Europeans to the islands took place in 1767. The Englishman Philip Carteret (1733-96), getting lost in the ocean, ended up in the Solomon Islands.
However, the first European inhabitants began to move to the islands only in the middle of the 19th century. The first settlers were missionaries. An unenviable fate awaited them: they were eaten by the islanders: here cannibalism was part of the rituals. Moreover, human skulls were important sacred symbols and served as money until the beginning of the 20th century!
Realizing that more determined people needed to penetrate the island, the Europeans changed their tactics. First, businessmen strengthened themselves here under the cover of soldiers, then in 1893 England declared its protectorate over the Solomon Islands, and only then it came to missionaries.
During World War II (1939-45), part of the islands was occupied by the Japanese and large and very stubborn battles took place here. The most famous is the Battle of Guadalcanal, which began on August 7, 1942 and lasted until February 9, 1943. During the battle on land, on water and in the air, soldiers showed fierce persistence, resulting in heavy losses on both sides. Many ships were then sunk and ended up at the bottom of the Sealark Strait, which after these events became known as Iron Bottom (from English “Iron Bottom”). The ship graveyard remains there to this day and attracts divers from all over the world.
The US victory was of strategic importance. Although on some islands Japanese troops continued to fight even after the surrender of their country in 1945. Post-war reality dictated changes throughout the world. In July 1978, the Solomon Islands gained independence from Great Britain, remaining a member of the British Commonwealth. This organization unites former colonies. The Queen of England is symbolically considered the head of the Commonwealth, but real power does not belong to her.
The young independent state has many problems. Natural elements haunt him. In April 2007, a tsunami up to three meters high hit the islands, causing destruction and loss of life. Ethnic conflicts occur between island residents. A low standard of living remains the norm for the majority of the population. The Solomon Islands problem requires truly Solomonic wisdom to solve difficult problems. 
The list of exotic advantages in the Solomon Islands is typical for any tropical places - rich flora, diverse and, in some cases, dangerous fauna, a wonderful ocean and beautiful beaches, a combination of modern civilization (in hotels) and traditional culture of the natives (on the street).
The natural and climatic features of these places do not require people to take extreme care of food, supplies and communal needs, such as preparing for the change of season. The weather here is not too dependent on the calendar. Only the intervention of civilization gradually destroys the island way of life that has developed over centuries.
Nature and natural resources are the main wealth of the islands. About 80% of their territory is still covered with forests. Some trees reach a height of 40-50 meters. In drier places there are savannas, on the sea coast there are mangrove forests and swamps.
The Solomon Islands are home to more than 170 bird species, many giant butterflies (Victoria, Urveliana), and thriving populations of lizards, giant frogs, snakes and rats. The coastal waters are home to dolphins, green turtles, and fish: shark, marlin, tuna, barracuda, and giant eel. There are more than 4,500 plant species in the Solomon Islands, with about 230 species of orchids alone.
Even today the islands are fraught with mysteries for scientists and delight them with new discoveries. Among these discoveries are various species of the horned frog, a local endemic that takes pride of place in the tropical chorus in the evenings.
Meeting local nature is fraught with not only pleasant discoveries, but also dangers. One of them is blood-sucking insects that carry diseases; the Javan centipede and scorpions, about 20 species of reptiles, poisonous fish and sea snakes, even forest ants and leeches are dangerous.
In the eastern part of Rennell Island, UNESCO has established a National Wildlife Park. There are few places on Earth with as much biodiversity as the Solomon Islands. But the harmonious combination of nature and modern civilization here remains a complex and unresolved problem.
The islands have industrial reserves of bauxite, copper, gold, silver, and nickel. But so far their development is hampered by a lack of capital and personnel. Most residents are employed in agriculture, with fishing and logging playing an important role.
The government is focusing on the development of tourism. So far, most guests come here from Australia. But, as you know, island exoticism attracts many people not only from neighboring countries. There are many surprises prepared for tourists. The traditions of the natives will help the inhabitants of the cities forget about the present day and be transported to distant past eras. For example, on the islands today there are masters of the deadly act who master the art of luring sharks, putting them to sleep right in the water and lifting them to the surface. Here, old traditions and modernity are intertwined at every step. A manifestation of this is the juxtaposition of traditional and modern buildings, European and native clothing, traditional and modern art.
The island “feng shui” (the art of wind and water) that has developed over centuries is not very easy to combine with the achievements of the modern world. It has always been painfully difficult for humans to escape from the embrace of nature.
general information
Official name:
Form of government: a constitutional monarchy.
Administrative division: nine provinces and a special Capital Territory.
Capital: Honiara, 78,190 people. (2009).
Languages: official - English, the majority of the population speaks Melanesian Pedgin, a special dialect of English. There are 120 local languages in the country.
Ethnic composition: Melanesians - 94.5%, Polynesians - 3%, Micronesians - 1.2%, other peoples - 1.3%.
Religions: about 96% Christian (Anglican Church of Melanesia - 32.8%, Catholics - 19%, South Sea Evangelists - 17%, Seventh Day Adventists - 11.2% and others), indigenous religious beliefs - about 4%.
Currency unit: Solomon Islands dollar.
Largest islands: Guadalcanal, New Georgia, Santa Isabel, Malaita, Santa Cruz.
The largest city: the capital is Honiara, there are no other major cities.
Most important airport: in Honiara.
Numbers
Square: 28,450 km.
Population: 610,000 people (2010).
Population density: 21.4 people/km 2
Highest point: Mount Makarakomburu (Guadalcanal Island), 2447 m.
Time zone: MCK +7 hours.
Economy
GDP (PPP): $1514 million (2009).
GDP per capita:$2818 (2009).
Industry: timber processing, food.
Agriculture: cocoa, coconuts, rice, potatoes. Fishing.
Service sector: tourism.
Climate and weather
Equatorial-tropical.
Average January temperature:+32ºС.
Average temperature in July:+27ºС.
Average precipitation: 2500-4300 mm, in the area of the capital Honiara - 2100 mm, in some places up to 8000 mm.
Attractions
■ Honiara: Point Cruise Marina, Parliament, International Airport, National Museum, Water Pump Village, world of shipwrecks in coastal waters.
Coral reefs. Beaches.
■ Rennell Island National Park.
Curious facts
■ In the lagoons of Langa Langa and Lau, off the island of Malaita, far from land, the cult of shark worship is very developed. No other island has so many holidays and rituals dedicated to this predator. Local residents even tame sharks. Despite this, it is here that shark fishing is practiced, when a man, armed only with a rag and a spear, lures the fish and fights with it.
■ The cultural traditions of the peoples of the world can differ significantly from each other. In the Solomon Islands, among the inhabitants of the Laulasi and Busu islands, black and red are a taboo color, a symbol of blood. On many islands it is considered taboo for a woman to stand taller than a man. It is also forbidden to swim under a canoe in which there are women, after which it must be destroyed.
Curious facts
■ Despite long distances, quite a lot of people in the world come into indirect contact with distant islands because they are susceptible to certain diseases. The H1N1 (A) influenza strain was first isolated in the Solomon Islands and received their name.
■ Islander ownership often does not come with legal guarantees or “private ownership” signs. But often a tree, fruit or flower near the road may turn out to be someone’s private property. Therefore, once on the islands, you need to pick seemingly wild fruits with caution or not do it at all.
