Ngulu

Ngulu is a small inhabited island that lies in the western part of the Solomon Islands archipelago. The island occupies roughly 5.2 square kilometers and is situated at approximately 10°15′S 160°45′E. It belongs administratively to the Western Province and is part of the Footscray Group of Islands, a cluster of islands that also includes Kiriwiro, Waina, and Tohali.

The population of Ngulu is estimated at around 850 residents, according to the most recent national census conducted in 2016. The inhabitants are predominantly of Melanesian descent and speak the Ngalama dialect of the Austronesian language family in addition to English, which is used in official contexts. Agriculture is the mainstay of the local economy, with copra, taro, and breadfruit being cultivated on small plots of land. Fishing and small-scale logging also contribute to subsistence and trade with neighboring islands.

Ngulu's terrain is largely low‑lying, with a central ridge that rises to approximately 110 metres above sea level. The island is surrounded by a shallow reef ecosystem that supports a diverse range of marine life, including reef fish, coral, and sea turtles, making it a modest site of ecological interest. The reef also provides local protection against coastal erosion.

Historically, Ngulu was first documented by European explorers in the late 18th century, though the island has been inhabited for centuries by the indigenous Laei people. During World War II, the island saw limited military activity as part of the broader campaign in the Solomon Islands. Today, Ngulu remains culturally significant within the Western Province, maintaining traditional practices while gradually integrating into the modern national structure of the Solomon Islands.