an independent state in the SW Pacific comprising an archipelago extending for almost 1450 km (900 miles) in a northwest – southeast direction: the northernmost islands of the archipelago (Buka and Bougainville) form part of Papua New Guinea; the main islands are Guadalcanal, Malaita, San Cristobal, New Georgia, Santa Isabel, and Choiseul: a member of the Commonwealth. Official language: English. Religion: Christian majority. Currency: Solomon Islands dollar. Capital: Honiara. Pop: 611 343 (2017 est). Area: 29 785 sq km (11 500 sq miles)