101 East

An ocean divide

The tiny, isolated islands of the Pacific are in crisis; battling weak government, corruption and faltering economies.

The Pacific Islands can appear like an idyllic palm-fringed paradise. But many of these tiny and isolated countries are struggling to survive, facing weak governance, unemployment and faltering economies. 

They also face a health crisis – obesity. Until the mid-20th century, most Pacific islanders survived on a diet of fish, fruit and vegetables. But with globalisation and a more sedentary lifestyle, today the Pacific is home to eight of the 10 fattest countries on earth. 

On this edition of 101 East, we ask: What is the future of the islands of the South Pacific?

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101 East airs each week at the following times GMT: Thursday: 2230; Friday: 0930; Saturday: 0330; Sunday: 1630.

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