an independent republic, consisting of 844 islands (chiefly Viti Levu and Vanua Levu) in the SW Pacific: a British colony (1874–1970); a member of the Commonwealth (1970–87 and from 1997); the large islands are of volcanic origin, surrounded by coral reefs; smaller ones are of coral. Official language: English; Fijian and Fiji Hindustani are also spoken. Religion: Christian and Hindu. Currency: dollar. Capital: Suva. Pop: 905 502 (2017 est). Area: 18 272 sq km (7055 sq miles)