Republic of
Fiji
Fiji, officially the Republic of Fiji, is an island
nation in Melanesia in the South Pacific Ocean about
2,000 km northeast of New Zealand's North Island. It
is surrounded by Tuvalu to the north, the Samoas,
Wallis and Futuna to the northeast Tonga to the
east, New Zealand's Kermadec to the southeast,
France's New Caledonia to the southwest and Vanuatu
to the west.
Fiji is comprised of a group of volcanic islands in
the South Pacific lying about 4,450 km. southwest of
Honolulu and 1,770 km. north of New Zealand. Fiji’s
islands were formed through volcanic activity 150
million years ago and vary dramatically in size.
Fiji comprises an archipelago of more than 332
islands, 110 permanently inhabited, and more than
500 islets, for a total land area of approximately
18,300 square kilometres. 87% of the population of
about 855,000 people lives in the two major islands,
Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. Suva, located in Viti
Levu, is the capital and largest city. Most of
Fijians live on its coasts.
Fiji was a British colony until 1970. Its natural
resources include timber, fish, gold, copper,
offshore oil and hydropower. Because of the
abundance of forest, mineral, and fish resources,
Fiji is one of the most developed economies among
these islands. Nowadays its main sources of foreign
exchange are its tourist industry and sugar
exports.
Fiji has a significant amount of tourism and
Australia, New Zealand and the USA are among the
biggest sources of international visitors. Fiji has
a significant amount of soft coral reefs, and scuba
diving is a common tourist activity.
Regarding transportation, the Nadi International
Airport is located 9 km north of central Nadi and is
the largest Fijian centre. Nausori International
Airport is about 23 kilometres northeast of downtown
Suva. Fiji's larger islands have extensive bus
routes that are affordable and consistent in
service.
When it comes to religion, Indigenous Fijians are
mostly Christian and the Indo-Fijians are mostly
Hindu and Muslim. Christian 64.5% ( Methodist 34.6%,
Roman Catholic 9.1%, Assembly of God 5.7%, Seventh
Day Adventist 3.9%, Anglican 0.8%, other 10.4%),
Hindu 27.9%, Muslim 6.3%, Sikh 0.3%, others 0.3%,
none 0.7% ( According to 2007 census).
Fiji's culture is a result of a rich mixture of
indigenous, Indian, Chinese and European traditions
that influence all aspects of the society: language,
food (based mainly on fish and seafood, cassava, and
vegetables), costume, beliefs, architecture, arts,
craft, music, dance and sports. Rugby and football
are popular sports among the Fijian community. The
indigenous culture is present in everyday life and
is part of Fiji’s national identity.
World known for its natural beauty and marvellous
beaches, amazing blue waters and ideal tropical
climate, Fiji has everything you need. Water sports,
excursions, relaxation and adventure: here you will
find good beaches where the underwater scenery is
spectacular as well as lots of resorts, eco-parks,
waterfalls, rain forests and an inland tour local
that includes a visit to the Garden of the Sleeping
Giant, the largest orchid collection in the South
Pacific. These are only some of the entertainment
options you will find in this fabulous place.
Its ideal landscapes, well appointed resorts and lots
of entertainment options make Fiji the perfect
setting for a unique romantic wedding and
honeymoon.
When considering things to do in Fiji you will be
astonished due to all possible activities,
excursions and sports you can enjoy here.
GENERAL INFORMATION
|
Capital |
Suva, located in Viti Levu |
Language |
Fijian, English and Fiji Hindi |
Currency |
Fijian dollar |
Land Area |
18,272 square kilometres |
Population |
851,745 inhabitants (2011 est.) |
Temperature |
22 - 30°C (72 - 86°F). |
Climate |
Tropical Maritime |
Time Zone |
GTM+12:00 |
Dialling Code |
679 |
Government |
Military Appointed and Parliamentary
Republic
|
President |
Epeli Nailatikau |
Religion |
Mostly Christian, Hindu and Muslim |