Fiji

Fiji is an island country in the South Pacific Ocean, about 2000 km north-northeast of New Zealand. The archipelago is made up of around 300 islands and 540 islets, spread over some 3 000 000 square kilometers. About 100 of the 300 islands are inhabited. Suva, the capital, lies on the south-east coast of the largest island, Viti Levu. Most of Fiji was formed by volcanic activity that began 150 million years ago. Vanua Levu and Taveuni still have some geothermal activity. People have lived in Fiji since the second millennium BC. First Austronesians, later Melanesians with some Polynesian influence, then Europeans who first visited Fiji in the 17th century. Nowadays, Fiji has one of the most advanced economies in the Pacific, thanks to its abundant forest, mineral and fish resources. The islands have a large tourist industry, with the most popular regions being Nadi, Coral Coast, Denarau Island and Mamanuca Islands. With a significant number of soft coral reefs, diving is a common tourist activity in Fiji. The country's main attractions for tourists are its white sandy beaches and aesthetically beautiful islands, with tropical weather all year round. Fiji is home to many of the world's best-preserved rainforests. More than 160 unique animal species live here. Many of these are endemic to Fiji and cannot be found anywhere else in the world. The country’s national animal is the Collared Lory, a beautifully colored parrot native to the islands. They can be easily recognized by their bright red, lime-green, purple feathers, orange-yellow bill, dim purple crown, and pink-orange feet.