Fiji is a beautiful island nation located in the South Pacific Ocean, east of Australia. Its capital city is Suva, which is located on the island of Viti Levu. The total land area of Fiji is approximately 18,274 square kilometers, and it has a population of around 913,754 people. The country is made up of over 300 islands, with the two largest islands being Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. Fiji's economy is largely based on tourism and agriculture, with the country being known for its beautiful beaches, coral reefs, and lush rainforests.
History:
The history of Fiji is intricately entwined with that of the Indo-Fijian and Indigenous Fijian communities as well as the colonial forces that ruled the islands. It is thought that the Indigenous Fijians first came to the islands around 3,000 years ago, and during the ensuing decades, they established sophisticated communities and cultural practises. Significant changes were brought about by the advent of Europeans in the 19th century, and the British Empire ruled over Fiji from 1874 until it attained independence in 1970.
Culture:
The centuries of migration, colonization, and international interchange that have molded Fiji's culture have resulted in a vibrant fusion of Indigenous Fijian, Indo-Fijian, and European influences. Fijian culture places a high value on music and dance, with the lali (a wooden drum) and meke (a sort of Fijian dance) among the instruments used in traditional Fijian music (a Fijian chant). The culture of Fiji is also heavily influenced by its cuisine, which features delicacies like kokoda (a raw fish salad), lovo (meal cooked in an earth oven), and cassava (a starchy root vegetable). Fiji's national sport is rugby, and the nation has a long history of success in the game. The national team, the Fiji Airlines Flying Fijians, is regarded as one of the greatest in the world.
Language:
The official languages of Fiji are English, Fijian, and Hindi, reflecting the country's diverse population and history. Fijian, also known as iTaukei, is the language of the Indigenous Fijian population and is spoken by around 56% of the population. Fijian is a member of the Austronesian language family and has several dialects that vary by region. Hindi, which is spoken by around 38% of the population, is the language of Fiji's Indo-Fijian community and is closely related to Hindi spoken in India. English is the language of government, commerce, and education, and is spoken by around 90% of the population.
Geography:
The terrain of Fiji is rugged and mountainous, with volcanic peaks and lush rainforests. The islands are surrounded by pristine coral reefs and crystal clear waters, making Fiji a popular destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. The climate in Fiji is tropical, with warm temperatures year-round and a rainy season from November to April. Despite being vulnerable to natural disasters such as cyclones and earthquakes, Fiji's natural beauty and rich cultural heritage continue to draw tourists from around the world.
| Official Name | Republic of Fiji |
| Capital | Suva |
| Population | 913754 |
| Area | 18,274 km2 |
| Currency | Fijian dollar (FJD) |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Language | English, Fijian, and Hindi |
| Major Cities | Nasinu, Nadi |
FAQs
Q1: What is the climate like in Fiji?
Fiji has a tropical climate with warm temperatures throughout the year. The average temperature ranges from 26°C (79°F) in June to 31°C (88°F) in January.
Q2: What is the capital of Fiji?
Suva is the capital of Fiji.
Q3: What is the currency of Fiji?
Fiji’s currency is the Fijian dollar (FJD).
Q4: Which is the largest city in Fiji?
Suva is the largest city in Fiji.
Last Updated on: January 2, 2025