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.

Fifiian ethnicity
Fiji's population, which resides mostly on the two main islands of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, is divided 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. In recent years, many Indo-Fijian families have emigrated to Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the US and indigenous Fijians are again a clear majority.

The Fijian experience
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, Cloudbreak, an incredible offshore 6m (20ft) wave at Tavarua Island, draws surfers to Fiji from around the world.