Vanua Levu, located northeast of Viti Levu, is the second largest island and is a bit more than half the size of Viti Levu. Taveuni, the Garden Island of Fiji and a popular dive destination, lies to the east of Vanua Levu separated from it by the Somosomo Strait. Also a major scuba spot, and tied with Taveuni as the third largest island in the archipelago is Kadavu, which lies to the south of Viti Levu. A smaller cluster of islands, home to many popular resorts, is the Mamanuca Group just offshore from Viti Levu's west coast. Fiji is perhaps the most cosmopolitan of all South Pacific nations.
Fijian customs reflect an utmost dignity and courtesy toward the visitor.
Drink it down in one swallow, as the Fijians do. The second largest ethnic group are the Fiji Indians, who came to the islands as indentured laborers in the late 19th century. Many are shopkeepers, professionals and cane farmers. After the 1987 coup many Fiji Indians migrated to the US, Australia, and New Zealand. These people of mixed blood proudly trace their cultural heritage on both sides of the racial divide and may even enjoy land rights of the family group to which the Fijian parent belonged.