Why in news?
Fiji was in the spotlight in August 2025 because its Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka visited New Delhi to strengthen bilateral ties. A review of Fiji’s geography helps understand the nation’s importance in the Indo‑Pacific region.
Geography
Fiji is an island nation in the South Pacific Ocean, east of Australia and north of New Zealand. It comprises more than 330 islands and about 500 islets spread over 1.9 million km² of ocean. The two largest islands, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, account for the majority of the population.
People and history
Indigenous Fijians are of Austronesian and Melanesian descent. In the 19th century the islands became a British colony, and indentured labourers from India were brought to work on sugar plantations. Fiji gained independence in 1970 and has since experienced periods of political instability. Today, the population is roughly half indigenous and half Indo‑Fijian, and the country is known for its cultural diversity.
Economy and significance
- Tourism: White‑sand beaches, coral reefs and tropical climate make tourism the biggest foreign‑exchange earner.
- Sugar and remittances: Sugar exports remain important, and many Fijians work abroad, sending money home.
- Strategic location: Fiji sits at the crossroads of major sea lanes in the Pacific. It hosts regional institutions such as the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat and plays a role in climate diplomacy.
Understanding Fiji’s geography and socio‑economic context provides insight into India’s engagement with Pacific island nations and the wider Indo‑Pacific strategy.