Quizzes
Quick Facts
- Also called:
- Makira Island
- Formerly:
- San Cristoval
Adding us as a Preferred Source tells Google you trust our content, so our articles show up more often in your Google Search, Discover feed, and AI Overviews.
verifiedCite
While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies.
Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.
Select Citation Style
San Cristobal
island, Solomon Islands
Also known as: Makira, San Cristoval
San Cristobal, island in the country of Solomon Islands, southwestern Pacific Ocean, 40 miles (64 km) southeast of Guadalcanal. The island is about 80 miles (130 km) long with a maximum width of 25 miles (40 km) and an area of about 1,230 square miles (3,190 square km). It is fairly rugged, with a central mountain rising to 4,100 feet (1,250 metres). Islets off the northern coast are Uki Island and the Three Sisters Islands (Olu Malau Islands); Santa Ana and Santa Catalina islands are off the southeastern tip. San Cristobal has several copra plantations and trading stations. Kirakira, on the north coast, is the largest settlement. The island’s alternate name, Makira, comes from a mission post and harbour on the northwest coast.
This article was most recently revised and updated by Lorraine Murray.
Discover the fascinating events that shaped the world, straight from our editors.
By clicking “Sign Up”, you consent to the Britannica
Privacy Policy
and
Terms of Use.