GUADALCANAL

largest island of the Solomon Islands, southwestern Pacific Ocean. With an area of some 2,047 square miles (5,302 square km), it is of volcanic origin with a mountainous spine (Kavo Range) that culminates in Mount Makarakomburu (8,028 feet ), the highest point in the country. Many short, rapid streams, including the Mataniko, Lunga, and Tenaru, tumble from the wooded mountains to the coast, which in some places is lined with mangrove swamps. The economy is based mainly on fishing, coconuts, timber, cocoa, and fruit; there are occasional workings in alluvial gold and silver. Guadalcanal was so named by the Spaniards, after lvaro de Mendaa de Neira visited it in 1568. The English navigator Lieutenant John Shortland explored the sheltered anchorages along the northern coast in 1788. English traders followed, and the island was annexed (1893) by the British as part of the Solomon Islands Protectorate. During World War II it was the scene of bitter land and sea fighting between U.S. and Japanese forces. Honiara (q.v.), the national capital, is on the north coast. Pop. (1986 prelim.) 80,826.