FIJI

Geography: The 300 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). South of the equator, just north of the Tropic of Capricorn and west of the International Dateline. Viti Levu and Vanua Levu are the biggest islands. In the last 40 years, around 15% of the country's forests have been cleared. Erosion is a problem. Environmental management has not been understood, so pollution and waste materials continue to effect the waterways.

Climate: Fiji enjoys a mild and stable climate most of the year, due to the large expanses of open water that surround its islands. The wet season extends from November to April, but rain falls throughout the year. Daytime temperatures average around 25°C (77°F), and humidity is generally high. Tropical cyclones can be present between November and April.

Languages: English is the official language, Fijian dialects are spoken by the indigenous Fijians (Bauan is the most spoken) and the Indian community speak Fiji-Hindi.

Currency: Fiji dollar divided in 100 cents (AU$1 = Fiji$1.38 20080412)