Suva << SOO vah >> (pop. 94,088) is the capital and one of the largest cities of Fiji, an island country in the South Pacific Ocean. The city lies on the southeastern coast of Viti Levu, Fiji’s largest island. Suva is Fiji’s chief seaport and commercial center. Tourist ships also stop there. Factories in Suva produce clothing, sugar, and other goods.
In 1874, Fiji became a British colony. Suva became the capital of Fiji in 1882. Fiji gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1970. Today, Suva is the headquarters of many organizations that serve the region, including the University of the South Pacific. The city’s Fiji Museum stands inside the Thurston Gardens.
