Fiji Travel Guide - Overview

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.

Fiji's population, which resides mostly on the two main islands of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, is divided almost equally between indigenous Fijians and Indo-Fijians, the descendants of indentured labourers brought from India. Mixing between the two groups is minimal, and informal segregation runs deep at almost every level of society.

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 centres. And of course, Fiji is where the Cloud Breaker, the incredible six-metre wave was found offshore at Tavarua, a place which still draws surfers from around the world.

A coup by indigenous Fijians in 1987, followed by a further coup in 2000, caused immense harm to the tourism industry and to Fiji's international reputation. Then, in December 2006, military chief Frank Bainimarama announced he had taken over the country and installed himself as interim prime minister from the start of 2007. Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase, whom he accused of mis-managing the country's affairs, was sent back to his home island.