The Republic of the Fiji Islands is an island nation in the South Pacific Ocean. The country occupies about 322 islands, of which a little over a hundred are permanently inhabited. The two major islands, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu are for 87% populated.
Kiribati, officially the Republic of Kiribati is an island nation located in the central tropical Pacific Ocean. It is composed and raised of coral islands, spread out over 1,351,000 square miles. The island name of Kiribati is locally pronounced as “Gilberts” which is derived from the Gilberts Islands chain.
The small island nation of the Republic of Nauru is located in the Micronesian South Pacific and sits approximately 750 miles northeast of the Solomon Islands and about 2500 miles southwest of Hawaii. Once called “Pleasant Island,” Nauru has a storied past that is steeped in phosphate mining. Today, with the mining industry dying down in Nauru, efforts are being made to increase tourism and protect the natural habitats of this 21 square-kilometer island. The population estimate of Nauru according to the latest measurement is 13.5 thousand.
New Caledonia, nicknamed “la Kanaky” and “le Caillou,” is a collection of islands located east of Australia, in the southwestern region of the Pacific Ocean. Currently New Caledonia is an overseas territory of France, but moves have been made to gradually get New Caledonia’s government up and running, independently. The largest city, chief port, and capital of New Caledonia is Noumea. According to the latest measurement the estimated population for New Caledonia is over 220 thousand.
For sparkling water adventures, visit the island of Palau. The Republic of Palau is a Pacific island nation 2,000 miles south of Tokyo and around 500 miles east of the Philippines. Formerly known to Westerners as Pelew, the island nation’s name has been changed to incorporate the local pronunciation of Belau. To be more technical about it, Palau is actually a group of islands located in Micronesia. According to the latest measurement, its population is estimated at 22 thousand. English and Palauan are the main languages.
