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Sparkling white sand beaches, blue skies, coral reefs resplendent with marine life, and total relaxation in a lush, tropical setting. These are the basic elements of a vacation in the islands of Fiji. Fiji is very much untouched by the outside world and, in places; life has changed very little for centuries. About 90% of Fijians still live in villages in the countryside and the power of the vanua (one’s land and family ties) is still the most important cultural force. Village communities own land in common through extended family units known as Matagli. Everything in the village is shared, and individual ownership is not understood or practiced. Each village has a chief who is governed by a higher chief.
By contrast, Fiji's capital, city, Suva, is the largest city in Melanesia and, after Auckland and Honolulu, the largest in the Pacific region. Suva is a cosmopolitan port city with a vibrant multi-cultural mix and many residents from other Pacific islands, including students at the University of the South Pacific.
Suva is the only real urban centre in Fiji and is home to some interesting British colonial architecture. (Fiji was a British Crown colony from 1874-1970). Suva's attractions include colorful markets, the Thurston Botanical Gardens, the Fiji Museum, the Presidential Palace, and Parliament.
The other deep water port in Fiji is the city of Lautoka. Lautoka is bordered by the blue Pacific Ocean on the western side and green gold sugar cane together with forests of pine trees on the other sides. Laukota is an important hub for Fiji's sugar cane and timber industries and is a jumping off point for the resorts on islands in the Yasawa group where the best beaches can be found.
Spectacular views and historical sites can be found in Viti Levu's largest native rainforest just 30 minutes from Lautoka. Viti Levu at 4052 square miles, and Vanua Levu at 2160 square miles are the largest of the islands. Suva, the country's capital is on the south-western coast of Viti Levu. The islands of Taveuni and Kadavu are also substantial in size, but the rest of the country is made up of small islands divided into the Lomaiviti, Lau, Moala, Yasawa, Mamanuca and Rotuma groups. Many of these islands are relatively untouched, and there are many beautiful reefs, lagoons, harbors, as well as natural vegetation.
Visitors can explore the ruins of a fascinating pre-European hill used as a battle fortification, or wander through a colonial town that has changed little in over 150 years. It is as if time stands still or no longer matters.
The Fiji islands are situated in the South Pacific, midway between Melanesia (Solomons, Vanuatu, New Caledonia and Papua New Guinea) and Polynesia (Tonga, Samoa, the Cooks and French Polynesia). They are south of the equator, just north of the Tropic of Capricorn and west of the International Dateline. About 300 islands make up the nation.
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