Fiji is an island nation located in the South Pacific Ocean. The country consists of 29 islands, including nine major islands. The capital is Suva on the island of Viti Levu. The population of Fiji was approximatelly 805,000 in 2017. The first Europeans to visit Fiji were the Portuguese, who claimed the island for Portugal in 1512. Britain obtained a colonial rights to the country in 1874. It became a colony of Great Britain and later New Zealand, with British administration until 1970. Indo- Fiji relations improved after independence from Britain and New Zealand. In 2000, Fiji joined the United Nations as a full member. Fiji is made up of nearly 100 languages and dialects belonging to 14 different cultural groups. English is the primary language spoken by the majority of residents, although many also understand French or Samoan. Christianity is the predominant religion, followed by Islam and Hinduism. Western values are widely accepted and enjoyed by most Fijians. As an independent nation, Fiji has been able to build strong relationships with foreign nations, primarily Australia and New Zealand. A significant part of Fiji's economy is tourism, which accounts for about 10 percent of GDP and employs about