Suva

 

UN offices are based in the capital, Suva, a relaxed city of around 170,000 people.  Suva has a well developed central business district with banks, ATMs, department stores, specialist shops such as electronics, household goods, and photographic stores, cafes, restaurants and cinemas. There are also a number of supermarkets and fresh produce stalls located in the suburbs, making daily shopping fairly easy.

 

Suva is located in the rain pocket of Fiji, which often results in cooler temperatures than those experienced in the “burning west” of the islands.  However, it can get very hot and humid in the summer months (December to April), with a high UV index of around 8 to 10. 

 

 

There is a sizable ex-pat population in Suva, with families from all areas of the globe making it their home for typically two to four years whilst on a posting.  Around 70 per cent of expats are from Australia or New Zealand.  Most expats are employed at the High Commissions and Embassies based here, within the UN, NGOs such as SPC, or within the private sector and banking institutions.