Fiji

Volcanic in origin, the Fiji archipelago is situated in the South Pacific Ocean, about 1 800 km north of New Zealand. Of Fiji's more than 800 islands and islets, a little more than 100 are permanently inhabited. The biggest island is Viti Levu, followed by Vanua Levu. Both islands are mountainous, the highest peak (Mount Tomanivi, in Viti Levu) rising to 1 324 m above the sea level.

Fiji has a tropical climate. Average monthly temperatures vary between 22 and 26 °C -—
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—-. A hot, rainy season lasts from December to April. The dryer and cooler season lasts from June to October, although the southeastern slopes of the main islands remain relatively humid year‐round. The southeastern parts of Viti Levu get up to 2 900 mm of rain per year, while in the northwestern corner of the same island the figure is around 2 000 mm. The average temperatures are also a bit higher in the northwest. Fiji can be affected by tropical cyclones, usually between November and mid‐May.

The economy of Fiji is based primarily on tourism and agriculture, and it is one of the most developed among the Pacific island economies. Sugar production has traditionally been an important economic activity, while the garment industry has also grown in importance over the years. The main trading partners are the United States of America, Australia and Japan. Around two thirds of Fiji's GDP is generated by services, while industry accounts for almost one fifth. -—
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—- According to the items attribute is mandatory, service sector jobs account for half of total employment in Fiji, while one third is employed in agriculture. The majority of Fiji's international trade in services consists of tourism‐related transport and travel services. From 2016 to 2019, tourist arrivals to Fiji have been close to one million per year, and their expenditure equalled to 24 per cent over GDP in 2019 -—
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—-. Fiji is quite rich in natural resources, with exports consisting of minerals such as copper and gold, oil, fish and wood.

Features of traditional Fijian culture are still part of important ceremonies and festivities in the country today. Traditional handicrafts, music and dancing also contribute to tourism.

Root vegetables and coconut are important ingredients in Fijian cuisine and daily nutrition. Fiji is also famous for its seafood. However, Indian curries and Chinese dishes are also very popular in Fiji. The national beverage is yaqona, more widely known as kava or grog ‐ described as a mildy narcotic drink.

Fijian sport activities include canoeing, wrestling and a local form of shuffleboard. Nowadays, rugby is also very popular, and many Fijian players play in the top leagues around the world. Fiji won the men's rugby sevens Olympic gold medal at the 2016 Summer Games. It was the first ever Olympic medal for Fiji, who has participated in the Olympic Summer Games since 1956. This special occasion was celebrated by announcing a public holiday. Fiji has participated in several Olympic Winter Games as well.