GEOGRAPHY
Fiji comprises a group of
volcanic islands in the South Pacific lying about 4,450 km. (2,775
mi.) southwest of Honolulu and 1,770 km. (1,100 mi.) north of
New Zealand. Its 322 islands range in size from the large--Viti
Levu (about the size of the "Big Island" of Hawaii,
and where Suva and 70% of the population are located) and Vanua
Levu--to much smaller islands, of which just over 100 are inhabited.
The larger islands contain mountains as high as 1,200 meters (4,000
ft.) rising abruptly from the shore.
Heavy rains--up to 304 cm.
(120 in.) annually--fall on the windward (southeastern) side,
covering these sections of the islands with dense tropical forest.
Lowlands on the western portions of each of the main islands are
sheltered by the mountains and have a well-marked dry season favorable
to crops such as sugarcane.
Official
Name: Republic of the Fiji Islands
Area: 18,376 sq. km (7,056 sq. mi.).
Cities: Capital--Suva (pop. 167,000), Lautoka
(pop. 30,000), Nadi.
Terrain: Mountainous or varied.
Climate: Tropical maritime.
