Fiji

Fiji is a collection of largely volcanic islands in the South Pacific. It has a highly-developed economy for the region, thanks to forestry, mineral resources, and fishing. The official languages are English, Fijian, and Fiji Hindi. Temperatures are warm and constant, but rainfall varies. Scuba diving and beaches are popular. The botanical Gardens of Thursten in Suva and the Colo-I-Suva Forest Park on the mainland of Viti Levu offer a change of pace.

Fijians eat a mix of local traditional dishes with a dash of modern international flavors, especially from India and China. Some of the traditional foods include pigs, birds, taro, banana leaves, and coconut milk. Try kokoda, or raw fish soaked in lime juice and coconut cream. Duruka is a spring vegetable not unlike asparagus. In various Fijian towns, you can find healthy indulgences. There are vegetarian-friendly Fijian, Italian, and Indian restaurants, juice bars, and establishments serving organic Western cuisine.