Archaeological evidence suggests that the Solomon Islands were first inhabited around 3,000 years ago, possibly by Neolithic Austronesian-speaking peoples. Later, the Polynesians arrived and over time the groups intermixed. The first European contact was in 1568 by Spanish explorers. During the 17^th and 18^th centuries, missionaries and settlers from Europe began arriving. In the later part of the 19^th century, European powers took ownership of the islands, first Germany and then in 1885, Britain. During World War I, the islands were occupied by Australian troops. During World War II, the Battle for Guadalcanal was one of the longest and most intense of the war, with around 30,000 Japanese and U.S. troops being killed. Following the war, Solomon Islands remained a British Protectorate until independence in 1978.

The period since independence has been marred by almost continual political unrest, fuelled by racial tensions. The main racial groups represented are Melanesian, Polynesian, Micronesian, Chinese and European. There are 63 separate languages spoken, reflecting the depth of the cultural and racial diversity. Prior to European settlement, these groups were at continual war with each other so that raiding and warring was a way of life. Missionary provision of basic education and medical care led to gradual conversion to Christianity. However, the inculcated values of battle honour and bravery in the peoples translated into acts of great bravery by individuals during the Battle for Guadalcanal. Local inhabitants fought alongside Allied troops to stave off the attempted Japanese invasion between 1941 and 1943.

The RAMSI initiative has brought peace to the Solomon Islands as the nation seeks to rebuild its capacity for government and economic management and development.