Introduction
Suva is the capital of Fiji, a nation made up of about 300 islands in the South Pacific Ocean. A city that dates back to the mid-1800s, Suva is located on the southeast coast of Viti Levu, Fiji's largest island. It lies on Suva Point between the mouth of the Rewa River and Suva Harbor.
Places of interest
Suva is one of the most modern cities in the South Pacific region. It is the site of the Fiji School of Medicine and Nursing, the University of the South Pacific, and the Fiji College of Agriculture, all of which serve a large area of the South Pacific. Suva is also the site of the country's government buildings, including a parliament building and the town hall. The Fiji Museum houses artifacts from the nation's history. A variety of temples, churches, and mosques reflect the diverse cultures found in Suva.
Economy
Suva Harbor is a regular stop for ships carrying goods across the Pacific Ocean. Sugar and clothing are exported from the capital's ports. The city's other economic activities include tourism and light manufacturing such as food processing.
History
Suva was founded as a small settlement in 1849. By the 1860s a growing number of Europeans had begun arriving on the islands to set up cotton and sugarcane plantations. In 1874 Britain took control of Fiji and made it a colony, with Levuka as its capital. When Levuka could no longer expand to support the region's growing trade activities and its increasing European population, the capital was moved to Suva. After becoming the capital in 1882, Suva grew and flourished as a port city. During World War II (1939–45) the city served as an airbase for the Allies in their battle against Japan. In 1970 Fiji achieved independence, and Suva remained its capital. Government takeovers, or coups, by rival groups within Fiji have created economic and racial problems throughout the country—including Suva—into the 21st century. Population (1996 estimate), 77,370.
