Fiji

Attractions

Description Republic of the Fiji consists of the 330 islands in the Pacific Ocean, famous for its crystal-blue lagoons, pristine lakes, scenic hills and evergreen forests. The coastline looks like broken as a plan of some great architect, drew and attracts the most famous people in the world. Here you can fulfill the dream of a civilized Robinson – to settle on a separate island-hotel or in traditional bungalows, roofed with palm leaves. Wonderful service and hospitality of the islanders during your Fiji vacations are combined with natural exotic. Fiji islands are a salvation from the hustle and stress of modern life, the noise of cities, and from the winter cold of the northern hemisphere. Rent a place where a divine harmony of pristine nature is, where an unrelenting time slows, and children’s dreams of far far away islands romance have become a reality. Also for guests there are specially arranged visits to the village of natives, learning their customs and ceremonies, including the famous ritual dances on live coals. Fans of pastime can snorkeling, fishing, surfing or go to the fascinating sea cruise. Geography The Republic of Fiji is located on the same named islands in the South Pacific between Vanuatu and Samoa. Fiji is approximately 3000 km distanted from the east of Australia, 5100 km south-west of Hawaii and about 1930 km for south of the equator, forming a kind of “horseshoe” around the Inland Sea Koro. Islands spread over the surface of the sea in an irregular square, west and north-western part of which form the major islands of Viti Levu (10,390 sq. km.) and Vanua Levu (5,538 sq km. Both islands occupy 85% of the total land area) and south and east – the smaller islands: Kandava, Taveuni, Moala, Vanua Vatu, Lakemba, Titian, Toto, Fulanga and others, as well as numerous coral reefs, included in the Lau island groups (East), Lomaiviti, Yasawa, Mamanuca, Simon and Ono Ilau. Fiji belongs to the island of Rotuma, which lies 400 kilometers north of the archipelago, as well as numerous reefs around them. Just a group of Fiji combined about 322 relatively large islands and approximately 500 reefs, of which is inhabited almost the tenth part.

Islands spread over the surface of the sea in an irregular square, west and north-western part of which form the major islands of Viti Levu (10,390 sq. km.) and Vanua Levu (5,538 sq km. Both islands occupy 85% of the total land area) and south and east parts are formed by the smaller islands: Kandava, Taveuni, Moala, Vanua Vatu, Lakemba, Titian, Toto, Fulanga and others, as well as numerous coral reefs, included in the Lau island groups (East), Lomaiviti, Yasawa, Mamanuca, Simon and Ono Ilau. The island of Rotuma belongs to Fiji too. It lies for 400 kilometers to the north of the archipelago, as well as numerous reefs around them. Just a group of Fiji combined about 322 relatively large islands and approximately 500 reefs, of which is inhabited almost the tenth part.

The total area of the country is only 18.3 thousand square meters. km with a total coastline of 1129 km, but Fiji’s territorial waters cover about 1.3 million square meters. km, which is equal to the area several European countries combined.

History

Fijians are descendants of Melanesians and Polynesians who settled the islands over three thousand years ago. Morehalf the population are descendants of Indians , whom the British imported here to work on sugar plantations .

Fiji Islands were discovered in 1643 by Dutch navigator Tasman AV. Only two hundred years later, in 1835 there appeared the first English Christian mission. In 1874 the British colonized Fiji, and October 10, 1970 the island was granted independence within the Commonwealth. Head of State became the Queen of England, which was presented on the archipelago by the her appointed Governor General.

September 25, 1987 at the Fiji was a military coup headed by the Sitiveni Rabuka. Power passed into the hands of the military, and Governor-General dismissed. After some time, Fiji was proclaimed a republic and expelled from the Commonwealth. In October 1997, after changing the constitutional provisions relating to racial discrimination membership was renewed.

Climate

The climate in Fiji is tropical marine, hot and humid. South-east trade winds in winter, the period from May to October and November brings the islands sunny and dry weather. The air temperature over the central islands varies during this period from +18 C to +26 C.

In the period from December to April, the air temperature significantly increased (+28-32 C), but the rainy season begins, characterized by heavy tropical downpours. Mountainous ridges of the larger islands cause the difference in the amount of moisture precipitating between windward and leeward slopes. On the windward (eastern) side is observed from 3000 to 6000 mm of rainfall per year, while on the leeward – from 1700 to 3500 mm.

Small islands receive different amounts of precipitation, according to their location and size, typically from 1500 to 3500 mm per year. The maximum amount of rain on all the islands is on the period from November to January. At the same time over the country there are powerful tropical cyclones that bring strong winds, storms and heavy rainfall.

Population

In the Fiji Islands there are about 893 thousand people. Approximately 50% of them are Fijians (belong to the intermediate group between the Melanesian and Polynesian families of the Eastern Austronesian group). Up to 44% of the population are Indians (Indo-Fijians belong to the Indo-Aryan group). The remaining inhabitants of the islands are from China, Europe and the Pacific Islands.

The typical feature of the local ethnic group is minimal mixing between groups of Fijians and Indians, as well as unofficial segregation observed at almost all levels of society. Most of the local population (nearly 78%) live on two main islands of the archipelago – Viti Levu and Vanua Levu.

The official language of Fiji is English, it is being taught in all schools.  Local dialects are commonly used.

Religion

More than a half (52%) of Fijians are Christian (Methodist – 37%, Roman Catholic – 9%). There are also Hindus (38% of the population), Islam (8%) and other religions. Strong enough old totemic beliefs of the Fijians, for the most part merged with the Christian or Hindu canons.

Cuisine

For many centuries, the local cuisine was based only on three pillars – seafood, root vegetables like taro or sweet potato and coconut. Today, more and more enhanced effect cosmopolitan trends of the pressure which fast food, Chinese, Japanese and Latin American cuisine is rapidly replacing local traditions. Fijian cuisine is hardly to be found in restaurants and cafes.

In the village conditions and on remote islands – yams, cassava and taro root still remains the basis of the local cuisine, especially. For typical local meals refers “kakonda”or “Kokoda” – marinated in lime juice local fish, “rourou” – a kind of salad leaves taro, cassava “- fried or baked tapioca with coconut milk, sugar and bananas (usually in the form of puree ), “duruka” (boiled vegetables, like asparagus), breadfruit in all forms.

The national drink of Fiji is yagona. This non-alcoholic drink, rich in flavonoids, is made from the root of Yangon (kava) – shrubs of the genus pepper. Its effects on the body rather complex and strongly resembles the action of drugs, but because of the outward signs of intoxication that accompany its use, kava is considered an alcoholic beverage, the more so because the consequences of excessive drinking of kava and alcohol are quite similar.

Safety

Need to take common measures to protect against insects, especially to wear clothing with long sleeves, wide-brimmed hats and boots, not shoes.

Since the climate is very hot, and solar radiation aggressively, it is necessary to take certain measures against solar radiation, thermal damage and dehydration.

In the water around the islands is found several varieties of sharks and lots of poisonous sea creatures. Some types of fish contain a meat poisonous toxins, so you should always consult with local residents about the safety of a product. When swimming is better to use wetsuits, and to enter the water at the coast unequipped shoe sturdy footwear, protective feet on the needles of marine animals and the sharp edges of coral rubble.

Additional Information

Fiji offers a wide range of opportunities for recreation and tourism. Fiji Resorts and Hotels get a lot of positive feedback from tourists who go on tour or get last-minute trips. Holidays in Fiji guarantees a good impression and vivid photos.

Unique Features

Ray, cassava, corals, bungalows, tuna

Fiji Map