A family unit in the islands generally includes the extended family--aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents,etc.--instead of just parents and children.

In many island cultures, children do much of the household work, including caring for younger siblings.

Addiction to alcohol and natural narcotics such as kava are is a major debilitating problem in many island nations. These addictions leave men in particular with little purpose in life.

Several Pacific nations considered to be "paradise" countries have some of the highest teen suicide rates in the world.

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