Geography & Geology of Fiji

Located between the equator and the tropic of Capricorn, Fiji is a group of over 300 islands that lie in the South Pacific Ocean. Some 5,100 km southwest of Hawaii and 3,160 km northeast of Australia, Fiji stretches over an area of roughly 1.3 million sq km, of which just 1.5% or about 18,300 sq km is dry land. The 180o meridian cuts right across Fiji at Taveuni.

Stunningly gorgeous, if one were to count all of the islands that make up the Fijian archipelago, they would number in the thousands, as many islands are so small that you can walk across them in a couple of minutes. Organized into 9 island groups, Viti Levu or Great Fiji is the largest and the most populous island in the archipelago. Aligned in a horseshoe-shaped configuration, only 106 of Fiji’s islands are inhabited.

Once part of a large Melanesian continent (300 million years ago), Fiji was formed by a series of complex geographical events that have helped in shaping this island group to its present state today. Most of Fiji’s islands were formed as a result of volcanic activity, while its remaining islands have been created from limestone and coral. Fringing reefs, barrier reefs and atolls also form part of Fiji’s remarkable geology.

The largest island Viti Levu is the hub of the country. Home to roughly 70% of the population, you can find three of Fiji’s major cities located here. Suva, the capital, Nadi and Lautoka are all located on Viti Levu, which also plays host to the main airport in the country.

Vanua Levu or Big Land is Fiji’s second largest island. Just half the mass of Viti Levu, what this island lacks in size it more than makes up for in rich natural beauty. Offering some of the best snorkeling and diving in the region, Vanua Levu is also known for its geothermal activity.

Located east of Vanua Levu is the third largest island in Fiji, Taveuni. Separated from Vanua Levu by the Somosomo Strait, this island is known for it lush vegetation and rich soil. Verdant as well as mountainous, Taveuni is also known as the Garden Island of Fiji.

Situated south of Viti Levu is the Kadavu Group of islands. Comprising of the main island of Kadavu and a number of smaller isles, lush rainforests can be found here which play host to a variety of native bird species.

The Lomaiviti Group lies east of Viti Levu and is made up of 7 main islands. With a rich history, this group is home to the island of Ovalau, which is where the first Europeans settled in Fiji. The landscape here is rugged with many beautiful beaches.

About 40 km northwest of Viti Levu lies the Yasawa Group. A long chain of 20 islands, this group is famous for its beautiful blue lagoons, white sand beaches and rugged volcanic backdrop.

Made up of 20 small islands, the Mamanuca’s are a tourist magnet with its scenic backdrops and stunning reef fringed beaches. Most of the islands here have grasslands which are the habitat of a number of native bird and reptile species.

The Lau and Moala Groups sit east of Viti Levu and comprise of many tiny islands. The Moala Group of islands is volcanic in nature, while the Lau islands are good examples limestone isles.

Rotuma is an isolated volcanic island lying 450 km northwest of Suva. The landscape here is quite remarkable with many unusual rock formations found across the island.