Soluku

Soluku is a small island nation in the tropical western Pacific Ocean. It comprises 12 inhabited islands, covering about 1,700 square kilometers, with a population around 420,000. The capital and largest city is Luma.

The name Soluku comes from the Solukan language, meaning "sun island".

The archipelago has a warm, humid climate with wet and dry seasons. It is ringed by coral reefs and features low hills and mangroves. Temperatures average 26–29°C with heavy rainfall.

Inhabited since the 9th century by seafaring communities, Soluku gained independence in 1963 and adopted a constitution in 1964.

Soluku is a constitutional parliamentary republic. The president is largely ceremonial, while the prime minister heads government. The unicameral House of Assembly has 60 members elected for four-year terms.

The economy is diversified and small-scale. Key sectors are fisheries, tourism, coconut and spice agriculture, and light manufacturing. Electricity is increasingly sourced from renewables such as hydropower and solar.

Ethnically diverse, Solukan is the majority language, with minorities such as Lura and Atar. Official language is Solukan; English is widely taught. Religions include Christianity, traditional beliefs, and Islam.

Culture emphasizes weaving, music, and canoe-building. Notable events include the Sun Festival and Reef Week.

About a quarter of land is protected. Biodiversity includes coral reefs and endemic birds; climate change and overfishing pose threats.