Comprised of more than 300 volcanic and coral islands, the Fiji
archipelago is at the crossroads of the South Pacific. In the days of sailing ships, it was known as The Cannibal Isles and carefully avoided by mariners because of its fierce warriors and treacherous waters. More recently, Fiji's tropical climate and location on Pacific air routes have made it a prime spot for tourists.
Fifiian ethnicity
Fiji's population, which resides mostly on the two main islands of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, is divided between indigenous Fijians and Indo-Fijians, the descendants of indentured
laborers brought from India. Mixing between the two groups is minimal, and informal segregation runs deep at almost every level of society. In recent years, many Indo-Fijian families have emigrated to Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the US and indigenous Fijians are again a clear majority.
The Fijian experience
Fijians are known as some of the friendliest people in the world. They are not judgmental of other people and rarely express a negative opinion. Customs still prevail in the more traditional villages, especially those distant from towns and urban centers. And of course, Cloudbreak, an incredible offshore 6m (20ft) wave at Tavarua Island, draws surfers to Fiji from around the world.
GeographyFiji is located in the South Pacific, 3,000km (1,875 miles) east of Australia and approximately 1,930km (1,200 miles) south of the equator. It comprises 322 islands, 105 of which are inhabited (some are little more than rugged limestone islets or tiny coral cays). The three largest are Viti Levu (Great Fiji), Vanua Levu (Great Land of the People), both of which are extinct volcanoes rising abruptly from the sea, and Taveuni. There are thousands of streams and small rivers in Fiji, the largest being the Rewa River on Viti Levu, which is navigable for 128km (80 miles). Mount Victoria, also on Viti Levu, is the country's highest peak, at 1,322m (4,430ft).
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