Tulagi

Tulagi, formerly known as Tulaghi, is a small island in Solomon Islands, located within the Central Province. The island was previously the capital of the British Solomon Islands Protectorate from 1896 to 1942 and is today an administrative center of the province.

History

Tulagi was discovered by Spanish navigator Álvaro de Mendaña de Neira in 1568. The island was then chosen by the British as a comparatively isolated and healthier alternative to the disease-ridden larger islands of the Solomon Islands archipelago.

The British established a colonial administration on Tulagi in 1896, following the proclamation of a British protectorate. It served as the capital of the British Solomon Islands Protectorate until it was transferred to Honiara on Guadalcanal in 1942.

During World War II, Tulagi was occupied by the Japanese forces in 1942 but was later recaptured by the Allied forces.

Geography

Tulagi is one of the Ngella Islands in Ironbottom Sound. The terrain is flat and heavily forested. The island is surrounded by a coral reef and is known for its dive sites.

Economy

The economy of Tulagi is based on subsistence farming and fishing. The island has several small guesthouses and a dive shop.

Culture

The people of Tulagi are of Melanesian descent and speak the Gela language. The island is known for its traditional music and dance, particularly panpipe ensembles.

See also

• History of the Solomon Islands
• Geography of the Solomon Islands
• Economy of the Solomon Islands
• Culture of the Solomon Islands