Fiji Facts

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A Glimpse at Fiji Facts

Fiji Facts on Geography

The archipelago of Fiji lies in the tropical Southern Hemisphere. It has about islands and islets but only are inhabited. The two main islands are Vanua Levu and Viti Levu, where majority of the population reside and where the capital city of Suva is located. The two big islands are mountainous and dense with tropical forests. The other island groups include Taveuni and Kadavu, the Lomaiviti Group and the Lau Group including the popular tourist destinations, the Mamanuca Group of Islands and the Yasawa Group. Here are some Fiji facts on its history, politics, people and society.

Fiji Facts on History

Settlers came to Fiji probably around BC. In the first half of the s, a European navigator discovered Fiji. Missionaries and shipwrecked sailors inhabited Fiji during the first part of the th century. However, the presence of these people brought tribal conflicts and warfare between the indigenous groups of Fiji. As an effort to end conflict, Paramount Chief Cakobau asked Great Britain to rule over the islands in . It was under the British rule that Fiji established its sugarcane plantations.

Fiji Facts on Government

Fiji gained its independence on October of . However, conflicts between Indians and native Fijian political parties have prompted two coups in May and October of . In , a new constitution created a permanent legislative majority and in , elections for new parliaments lower house were held and Col Sitiveni Rabuka became premier. Rabuka won another term in the elections. Rabuka created the Constitutional Review Commission, which led to a new constitution in . It was around this time that Fiji became part of the Commonwealth of Nations again. The new millennium saw another set of coups and mutinies, the most recent is a coup d'tat in December of . Fiji has a large army force and since the late s, the military has been either ruling the country or influencing government rule heavily.

Other Fiji Facts

Fijis currency is the Fiji dollar. It has a tropical climate. Fijians have their own language but most locals speak English. Fijians are a mix race of native Fijians of Melanesia descent, Indians, Chinese, Europeans, and other minorities. It is predominantly a Christian country (about to percent) with Indo-Fijians belonging to the Hindu and Muslim religions. Rugby is considered as Fijis national sport and its national rugby team has participated in the Rugby World Cups four times. Fiji has a highly communal society with strong attachment to family, the village and the land.