Fiji, archipelago and independent republic in the South Pacific Ocean, part of Melanesia, and a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. Lying about 1,800 km (1,100 mi) north of New Zealand it comprises more than 300 islands and islets, 100 of which are colonised. Fiji has a total area of 18,272 sq km (7,055 sq mi). The capital and largest city is Suva.