Isabel Province

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Isabel Province
Statistics
Capital:	Buala
Area:	4,136 km² Ranked 4th
Inhabitants:	20,421 (1999) Ranked 6th
Pop. density:	4.9 inh./km² Ranked 8th
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Map

Isabel Province is one of the provinces of the Solomon Islands. It has a population of around 30,000 (2004). The capital is Buala on Santa Isabel Island.

Santa Isabel is the longest Island in the Solomon Islands, South Pacific. The first European contact to the Solomon Islands was made through this province by Álvaro de Mendaña de Neira in 1568. The highest point there is Mount Kubonitu, 1120 meters (3675 feet). River Marutho runs down that mountain into the ocean at Hofi. Almost all the rivers or streams run down that center point except for those at the other tip of the Island, Katova side. Isabel Province is long but narrow. Estimation population there at the moment 2004 is 30 000. We do have lots of space for more people to come, that is, in comparative to the other provinces. It is filled with nice and friendly people. It is also the least visited province by tourists and that's because it lacks proper housing, transport, and so on.

Buala (a small town with no vehicles) is the provincial capital, Allardyce and Kamaosi (Duddley Tuti) are the two main highschools in the province, although more are currently being planned and built. Kia village is highly regarded as a good place to visit. An airstrip is located in Fera, which is the landing point for the Sol-Air service to Isabel. It is a 15 minute boat ride from Buala.

Banking is available at the National Bank of Solomon Islands (NBSI) in the province, but visitors are advised to exchange their currency while in Honiara, the capital of the Solomon islands.

Malaria is a problem on the island, but it can be prevented by using lotion or sleeping inside mosquito nets and wearing long sleeves in the evenings. Clinics are available but only for basic things.

Most areas have a "Rest House", a house where guests can seek accommodation for the night or two, but many residents are willing to take in visitors for the night.