Pacific Jewels
Editor’s note: This post will continue to evolve as I do
Welcome back curious minds and global wanderers, to another stop in the Around the World journey. A series designed to take you on a brief but meaningful tour through every country on the planet, one post at a time. From flags to geography, names to nuance, this travel-inspired guide opens doors to places you may have never looked twice at one the map.
Today’s flight takes up deep into the Oceania. To a region where land meets sea in scattered wonder. “Pacific Jewels” is our next chapter, and as the name suggests, we’re stepping into island nations that sparkle not in size, but in soul.
Scattered like gems across the Pacific, these tiny nations shine quietly on a map. Get ready to explore the Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu. Countries where ancient traditions, resilient cultures, and ocean bound wisdom still guide the way. Let’s take a closer look at these underrated treasures.
SOLOMON ISLANDS
Official name: Solomon Islands
Pronunciation: saa-luh-muhn ai-luhndz
Capital: Honiara
Official language: English but Solomon Islands Pijin as the de facto
Location: Group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean in the Southern Hemisphere
Surrounding countries: Near Papua New Guinea, Nauru, Vanuatu
Most known for: diving, fishing, surfing
Fun fact: They have customary land ownership meaning it often belongs to a community or group of people, such as extended family, a tribe, its communal, or belongs to a clan
Recent news article: “There’s just no more land” (Human Rights Watch, 2025)
My knowledge: I’m not very familiar
TONGA
Official name: The Kingdom of Tonga
Pronunciation: TOH-ngah
Capital: Nuku’alofa
Official language: Tongan and English
Location: Island in the South Pacific Ocean in the Southern Hemisphere
Surrounding countries: Near Niue, Samoa, and Tuvalu
Most known for: Being the “Friendly Islands” due to its hospitality and strong community focus
Fun fact: Has a disappearing island. Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai is a volcanic island that forms and disappears
Recent news article: Tonga Unveils New Tourism Brand, “The Friendly Islands”, to boost Global Apparel and Showcase Its Unique Heritage (Travel and Tour World, 2025)
My knowledge: There was an earthquake or tsunami in the last few years there. Aside from that, not too much
TUVALU
Official name: Tuvalu
Pronunciation: too-VAH-loo
Capital: Funafuti
Official language: Tuvaluan and English
Location: Island nation in the West Central Pacific Ocean in the Southern Hemisphere
Surrounding countries: Near Samoa, Fiji, Tonga, and Nauru
Most known for: Being one of the world’s smallest and most remote nation’s
Fun fact: The island has no ATM’s or traffic lights. It also uses the airport runway to double as a space for community events and sports
Recent news article: The Tuvalu Vaka Cable: building connectivity and a Digital Nation (Simon Kofe, Fini Luni, Jess Marinaccio, 2025)
My knowledge: I’m family but I don’t know too much
VANUATU
Official name: The Republic of Vanuatu
Pronunciation: vaa-noo-aa-too
Capital: Port Vila
Official language: Bislama, English, and French
Location: Island country in Southwestern Pacific Ocean in the Southern Hemisphere
Surrounding countries: Near Fiji, Solomon Islands, and Australia
Most known for: Having one of the world’s most welcoming populations
Fun fact: Has the world’s only underwater, functional post office. This allows snorkelers and divers to mail waterproof postcards from under the sea
Recent news article: Drawing a line in the sand: ‘Sandroing’ brings traditional Vanuatu art form to Museum of International Folk Art (Elizabeth Secor, 2025)
My knowledge: I’ve known the geographic location and name but unfamiliar otherwise
As we wrap up our journey through the Pacific Jewels, it’s clear that even the smallest nations hold boundless depth. From resilience of Tuvalu to the cultural pride of Tonga, these islands remind us that identity isn’t measured in square miles. It’s woven into languages, rituals, and the daily rhythm of life.
In this region, slow travel isn’t just preferred, it’s respected. Take time to learn greetings, observe customs, and let the pace of the ocean guide your days. Presence matters more here than plans.
If this is your first stop or your 20th, you can always revisit the full Around the World journey starting from “Just the Beginning,” the itinerary of this entire adventure.
What surprised you the most about these nations? Have you visited, lived in, or come from one of them? I’d love to hear your stories, and don’t forget to check back soon as we prepare to land in the final chapter.
As a signature of my blog, I’d like to end this post with a suggestion to “Pass on kindness.” There’s no time like the present to Inspire Those Who Inspire You. Acts of kindness, no matter how big or small, can have a direct, positive impact on someone else. Go out there today and change someone’s life for the better!
***These are my personal opinions and may not be those of my employer.***
