Why is the island nation of Fiji a wondrous place?

The island nation of Fiji lies in the South Pacific Ocean. It is an archipelago of more than 330 islands, of which 110 are inhabited. Fiji also has some 500 islets.

 The original settlers of Fiji, who came to the islands over 3000 years ago, are now called the Lapita people. After 96 years as a British colony, Fiji gained independence in 1970.

Most people live on the largest island, Viti Levu, where the capital, Suva, is located. Beaches, rainforests, and coral gardens make Fiji a wondrous place. The tagimaucia, a beautiful red-and-white flowering plant that resembles the hibiscus, blooms in only one place in the world-on the banks of the Tagimaucia River in the mountains of Taveuni Island in Fiji.

Did you know that the International Date Line runs through this island too? This means that you can stand with one foot in today, and the other in yesterday!