Fiji¶

Area

Oceania/Australia

Fiji is an archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean made up of approximately 322 islands and hundreds of islets. The population lives on 106 of the islands, but the vast majority live on two major islands (Viti Levu and Vanua Levu). The islands were occupied long before the Europeans arrived, but how they arrived and from where remains an important question. The islands became a British colony in 1874, and independence was granted in 1970. Since that time, Fiji has waded through some major political problems including several coups including one as recently as 2000 which resulted in the country being kicked out of the Commonwealth of Nations. Fiji's economy is well developed, yet many of the people still get by day to day. Sugar is the major source of economic income. Fishing, foresty, mining and tourism also play important roles. Fiji ranks 151st for size and 153rd for population (less than one million), yet has a well-developed and capable armed forces that has contributed to United Nations peacekeeping efforts around the world.

Fiji on Wikipedia