Simbo in Solomon Islands

The Simbo have only been reported in Solomon Islands
Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge

Introduction / History

Simbo is an indigenous Melanesian people living on Simbo Island in the Western Province of the Solomon Islands. Their island, once called Eddystone by Europeans, is volcanic and part of the New Georgia group. Like other island societies, their history includes long-standing village life, later contact with European explorers, and the arrival of Christianity through missionaries in the 19th–20th centuries.


What Are Their Lives Like?

Most Simbo people live in small coastal villages, relying on fishing, gardening, and small-scale farming of root crops like taro and yams. Family life is community-centered, with strong kinship ties and shared responsibilities. Celebrations often involve feasting, storytelling, and communal gatherings. Their diet commonly includes fish, coconut, and garden produce.


What Are Their Beliefs?

The majority identify with Christianity, especially Protestant traditions, though influences of earlier animistic beliefs may persist in their worldview. Churches play a central role in community life, yet evangelical depth and access to full Scripture remain limited.


What Are Their Needs?

Greater access to complete Bible translations in their language would strengthen spiritual growth. Deeper discipleship is needed so nominal Christianity becomes a living faith. Economic development and improved access to healthcare would help stabilize village life and reduce hardship.


Prayer Items

Pray for clear understanding of the gospel and strong local churches.
Pray asking God to raise up leaders who will disciple others and preach the gospel to their own people and beyond.
Pray for provision in daily needs, including health and education, and for resilience in times of natural disaster.
Pray for the faithful translation and wide distribution of the Scriptures, evangelism materials, and discipleship resources in the Simbo language.


Scripture Prayers for the Simbo in Solomon Islands.


References

Simbo of Solomon Islands (PGID: PG010800) - PeopleGroups.org
Simbo – Wikipedia
Religion in Solomon Islands – Wikipedia


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Simbo
People Name in Country Simbo
Alternate Names Sibo
Population this Country 5,500
Population all Countries 5,500
Total Countries 1
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale Progress Gauge
Unreached No
Frontier No
GSEC 5  (per PeopleGroups.org)
Pioneer Workers Needed
PeopleID3 14182
ROP3 Code 109016
Country Solomon Islands
Region Australia and Pacific
Continent Oceania
10/40 Window No
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Location in Country Western province: Simbo island.   Source:  Ethnologue 2016
Country Solomon Islands
Region Australia and Pacific
Continent Oceania
10/40 Window No
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Location in Country Western province: Simbo island..   Source:  Ethnologue 2016

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Primary Religion: Christianity
Major Religion Estimated Percent
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity
95.00 %
Ethnic Religions
5.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
0.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
Primary Language Simbo (5,500 speakers)
Ethnologue Language Code sbb
Ethnologue Language Familly Austronesian
Glottolog Language Family Austronesian
Written / Published Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 1
Primary Language Simbo (5,500 speakers)
Ethnologue Language Code sbb
Ethnologue Language Familly Austronesian
Glottolog Language Family Austronesian
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking Simbo

Primary Language:  Simbo

Bible Translation Status  (Years)
Bible-Portions Yes  (2007-2013)
Bible-New Testament No
Bible-Complete No
Possible Print Bibles
Amazon
World Bibles
Forum Bible Agencies
National Bible Societies
World Bible Finder
Virtual Storehouse
Resource Type Resource Name Source
Audio Recordings Audio Bible teaching Global Recordings Network
Profile Source Joshua Project 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.