Fiji Islands
a group of over 250 islands belonging to Great Britain, in the South Pacific Ocean. Their total area is 7,083 square miles. The two largest are the Viti Levu, with an area of 4,053 square miles, and the Vanua Levu, with an area of 2,130 square miles. The islands are mostly mountainous, and have FILIBUSTER a fertile soil, and luxuriant vegetation.
The forests contain valuable timber.
There is a tropical tropical climate, but it is healthy for Europeans, of whom there are about 3,500. In 1874 the group was voluntarily ceded to England by the king and chiefs. The government is administered by a governor and an executive council. The legislative council consists of 7 elected and 12 nominated members, appointed by the governor. The principal exports are sugar, copra, and fruit. Besides two government grammar schools, there are many mission schools.
The pop. on Dec. 31, 1919, was 163,847. or