Let’s travel to Fiji, an archipelago of more than 300 islands in the South Pacific known for its crystal-clear lagoons, rugged landscapes, and some of the friendliest people on Earth. There are around 900,000 people living here, and the capital is Suva, located on the largest island, Viti Levu. The official languages are English, Fijian, and Fiji Hindi.

Fiji covers about 18,274 square kilometers (7,056 square miles) of land. That’s roughly the same size as the state of New Jersey in the U.S., or about the same size as Slovenia. While the land area is small, the islands are spread across a vast patch of ocean roughly the size of France!

The most popular sport is Rugby, specifically Rugby Sevens. The national team is legendary and has won multiple Olympic gold medals, bringing the entire country to a standstill whenever they play. Their national animal is the Fiji Banded Iguana, a striking emerald-green lizard found in the island’s lush coastal forests.

The flag features a light blue field with the British Union Jack in the top left corner and the national coat of arms on the right, where the blue represents the Pacific Ocean and the shield contains symbols of the country’s agricultural wealth like cocoa, sugar cane, and bananas.

The food is a delicious blend of fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and Indian-inspired spices. You must try Kokoda, a Fijian version of ceviche where raw fish is marinated in lime juice and served in a rich dressing of fresh coconut milk and chilies. Another traditional favorite is Lovo, a feast cooked in an underground earthen oven that gives the meat and vegetables a wonderful smoky flavor. You will also likely be invited to try Kava, a traditional drink made from the crushed root of a pepper plant that has a numbing, relaxing effect.

Fiji is known as the “Soft Coral Capital of the World,” offering some of the most vibrant underwater gardens on the planet, perfect for divers and snorkelers. It is also one of the first places in the world to see the sunrise each day because it sits right near the International Date Line (the line actually passes through the island of Taveuni!). For those who love a bit of luxury, Fiji is famous for its overwater bungalows and private island resorts. If you prefer the mountains, the Sigatoka Sand Dunes offer a desert-like landscape right next to the sea, where archaeologists have found pottery pieces belonging to the Lapita people from over 2,500 years ago.

From the white sandy beaches to the hidden waterfalls in the rainforest, Fiji is a land of relaxation and vibrant island culture. Vinaka! That means “Thank you!”