Fiji is an island nation in Melanesia, Oceania, made up of 322 islands, of which 216 are uninhabited due to the lack of drinking water or too little space. About 110 islands of Fiji are permanently inhabited, the most famous and large among which are Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. Capital of Fiji is Suva and for its major city with an international airport is considered Nadi.
Among other more important cities of Lautoka island is Viti Levu, Mbua and Vanua Levu of Lambasa and Vunisea. Fiji stands at about 2100 km from New Zealand.
The vast majority of the exotic islands of Fiji are surrounded by incredibly beautiful coral reef, home to innumerable fish and sea creatures. Besides attractive for the huge number of tourists and diving enthusiasts from around the world, this coral reef acts as a natural breakwater. Historically, this factor determines Bay Suva to be desirable place to stop, rest and recharge with provisions during the great geographical discoveries.
At that time, before Europeans set foot on these tropical paradises, Fiji were inhabited by cannibals. They were even called cannibal islands, because the local population acquired fame of fierce and cruel people. For the first time Fiji Islands were discovered in 1643 by the Danish explorer Abel Tasman. In 1774 Captain Cook dropped anchor off the coast of Fiji. But their popularity comes because of Captain William Blig.
Fiji is located on the crossroads of the Pacific Ocean, between Melanesia and Polynesia, India and the Pacific. This is a prerequisite Fiji today to be a collaboration of all these cultures. The main islands of the archipelago are about 87% of the population of Fiji (about 900,000 people). Their main source of income is tourism, because Fiji is one of the most desirable holiday destination. Amazing villas and hotel complexes on the coast of the ocean or even in the water itself are the reason Fiji to be one of the most popular places for honeymoon.
The locals also deal with the production of sugar and clothing. In the archipelago there was discovered also gold, and the flora and fauna are a prerequisite for Fiji to have a large resource of coconut oil, seafood and lumber.
The clear emerald waters of Fiji are what attracts thousands of tourists from around the world. The destination is known as one of the most attractive dive sites in the world. Guests of the islands enjoy a special and nice attention from the hosts. Besides luxury resorts and hotels, Fiji offers an interesting walk to historic sites, and countless options for entertainment – surfing, diving, fishing, etc. One of the attractions of Fiji is the opportunity to tour the island with a small plane, but you can also go around an outdoor bus or boat.
Local customs and culture are no less attractive for visitors. Many of the traditions and customs of the islands have remained intact over the years and centuries, and today locals charm you with their music and dance. More about the traditions of the “former cannibals” can be learned at the National Museum of Fiji.
Be sure to walk around the capital Suva, which will enchant you with its mixed architecture of colonial buildings and modern skyscrapers.
Be sure to try the specialties of the local cuisine and to feel most fully to the local customs take a tour to a local village, such as Navala in Nausori Highlands.
We recommend: Guide to Fiji
