Pacific Island Paradises

— F i j i — – 27 – www.paradises.com The Fiji archipelago is comprised of 333 islands, located at the crossroads of the South Pacific. Fiji's main and largest island is Viti Levu, the next largest is Vanua Levu, and together they make up 85 percent of the country's total land area, of which a little over a third of Fiji's 333 islands are inhabited. All the islands have picturesque coastlines, tall coconut palms nodding over still waters of brilliant turquoise, lagoons fringed by coral reefs and soft white sandy beaches. Capital and major centres Fiji's capital city, Suva, is located on the south-east corner of Viti Levu, although most visitors have their first taste of Fiji via the international airport at Nadi, one of the other major towns on the main island. From there it is only a quick seven minute hop to one of the offshore island resorts, or less than an hour of f lying time to Vanua Levu or Taveuni, the second and third largest islands. Nearby are the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands that offer picture- postcard beautiful lagoons and beaches. The old capital of Levuka on Ovalau Island has been carefully preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The people Fiji is the 'hub' of the South Pacific, a melting pot of both the Polynesian and Melanesian races. The nation comprises of many different races and people. From 1879 to 1916, under British Colonial rule, Indians came as indentured labourers to work on the sugarcane plantations. After the indentured system was abolished, many Indians stayed on as independent farmers and businessmen. The principal language is English, however, Fijian, Hindustani, Chinese and other Pacific island languages are spoken. Most of the population is bilingual. Nature Fiji's larger islands are volcanic while smaller islands are coral, limestone or sand cays. Coral reefs and lagoons abound. High mountain ridges in the centre of the two main islands manipulates rainfall leaving regions with marked vegetation. The rain-drenched eastern regions are carpeted in thick, vine- covered forest while the drier, western regions showcase rolling grasslands and pine-covered hinterland. Typical coastal trees like coconuts and pandanus hug the coastal regions of every island. Fiji's unique land fauna includes native bats, birds, lizards and frogs. Fiji is free of all serious plant and animal pests and diseases that plague other countries and endeavours to remain that way. Preserving the beautiful environment is an exercise that the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forests takes very seriously, strictly regulating the importation of any matter that may affect the country's plant and animal life. The sights A striking feature in Nadi is the Hindu temple at the southern end of town. This is the largest Hindu temple in the southern hemisphere and the traditional Dravidian architecture is rarely seen outside of India. Natadola Beach is one of the most outstanding beaches in F I J I Ba Lautoka Sigatoka Nadi Korolevu Suva Rakiraki Pacific Harbour Coral Coast VITI LEVU OVALAU NIAGANI MAMANUCA GROUP YASAWA GROUP VANUA LEVU VATULELE BEQA KADAVU Savusavu Waiyevo TAVEUNI KORO SEA NORTHERN LAU GROUP SOUTHERN LAU GROUP NORTHERN ISLANDS Namale Labasa

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