The distribution of some elements in soil of Hainan Island was studied with method of factor analysis based on the analytical data of the samples collected from the area.The contents of Co, Ni, Cd, Li, Cu, Cr, Mn and Pb were determined by AAS, those of Fe, Zn, Sr, and by XRF, those of As by Ag-DDTC spectrophotornetry and that of Hg by cold vapour atomic absorption method.The data from Q mode analysis showed that the soil samples were distinguished into two main types, i.e.that with higher contents of Fe, Co, Ni, Cr, Mn, Cu, and Zn and that with lower contents of these elements.While the data from R mode analysis showed that the soil samples were distinguished into several types including that with higher contents of the elements of iron family and those with higher contents of Sr, Zr, etc.