FACTS

Location: Oceania, island group in the South Pacific Ocean, about two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand

Area (only Total) total: 18,270 sq km

Climate: tropical marine; only slight seasonal temperature variation

Terrain: mostly mountains of volcanic origin

Population: 931,741 (July 2008 est.)

Main Language (only first): English (official), Fijian (official), Hindustani

Government type: republic

Capital (Name): Suva (on Viti Levu)

Capital (Time Difference): UTC+12

Independence: 10 October 1970 (from UK)

National holiday: Independence Day, second Monday of October (1970)