The Solomon Islands economy includes subsistence and market sectors. Most persons in the subsistence sector live in isolated settlements, obtain food by root-crop gardening and fishing, and have relatively little involvement in the cash economy. The market economy depends on primary commodity production for export- principally fish, timber, cocoa, copra, and palm oil. Hogs and cattle are raised for the domestic market. Agriculture and fisheries Much of the land is forested, with only a small proportion cultivated for subsistence food production and cash crops.
Timber is a major industry.
The climate and generally fertile soils are conducive to most tropical crops, and, despite the rapidly increasing population, suitable land is available for further cultivation and livestock raising. Natural Resources Timber exploitation is second only to tuna as a source of export earnings. The tropical rain forests of the larger islands provide various hardwoods for export as logs and, increasingly, as sawn timber. Although bauxite and chromite deposits have been surveyed, the only mineral with immediate prospects for commercial exploitation is gold. Travelers should check with the nearest British Embassy or consulate to determine the latest requirements.