Fiji's territory is comprised of 332 islands although some sources have... 2) Fiji was once under British rule. If, for example, war had been declared, Fijians would be sharpening their knives (and forks) in preparation of meeting their enemies. When Fiji’s first settlers arrived from the islands of Melanesia at least 3,500 years ago, they carried with them a wide range of food plants, the pig, and a style of pottery known as Lapita ware. The southwestern Pacific island nation of Fiji was a crown colony of Great Britain for 96 years until it won independence in 1970. The most important islands are Vanua Levu and Viti Levu. Fiji is a small country in the Pacific Ocean. Fiji is in the tropics about 500 miles (800 kilometers) southwest of Samoa and 1,100 miles (1,800 kilometers) north of New Zealand. Fiji gained independence from the British Empire in 1970 after 96 years as a British colony. Fiji is the hub of the South West Pacific, midway between Vanuatu and Tonga. google_ad_width = 728; The first European settlers to Fiji were beachcombers, missionaries, whalers, and those engaged in the then booming sandalwood and bêche-de-mer trade. It is an archipelago, or group of islands, having several hundred islands. Descendants of these Indian labourers are called Indo-Fijians and currently make up around 40% of the population. Sugarcane is a delicious fruit. //-->. Ratu Seru Epenisa Cakobau was a Fijian chief and warlord from the island of Bau, off the eastern coast of Viti Levu, who united part of Fiji's warring tribes under his leadership. For more information, check out maps of Fiji or take a closer look at the Fijian flag. Fiji is made up of 333 islands, with 223 of them being uninhabited. Fiji - Fiji - Land: Fiji has a complex geologic history. google_ad_slot = "5655995158"; The Botanical Gardens of Thursten in Suva, Sigatoka Sand Dunes, and Colo-I-Suva Forest Park are three options on the mainland (Viti Levu). The official languages of Fiji are Fijian, English and Hindustani (a mix of Hindi and Urdu).Fiji is part of the Pacific Rim. Eastern 3. It is an archipelago, or group of islands, having several hundred islands. The warm season is from November to April and the cooler season lasts from May to October. A nation of many islands. Fiji is divided into Four Major Divisions: 1. In 2005, the Qarase government amid much controversy proposed a Reconciliation and Unity Commission with power to recommend compensation for victims of the 2000 coup and amnesty for its perpetrators. Fiji competes in the Pacific Tri-Nations and the IRB Pacific Nations Cup. How Did Fiji Get Its Name. Endowed with forest, mineral, and fish resources, Fiji is one of the most developed of the Pacific island economies, though still with a large subsistence sector. Within the matangali are a number of smaller collectives, known as the mbito. google_ad_height = 90; Peel the tough outer layer and chew on the woody insides to squeeze out the sweet juice. This is known as an archipelago. Fiji is part of the Pacific Rim. Because of the success of Fiji's national basketball teams, the popularity of basketball has experienced rapid growth in recent years. Across 1,000 kilometres (620 mi) from east to west, Fiji has been a nation of many languages. The two coups and the accompanying civil unrest contributed to heavy Indo-Fijian emigration; the resulting population loss resulted in economic difficulties and ensured that Melanesians became the majority. For a country of its size, Fiji has fairly large armed forces, and has been a major contributor to UN peacekeeping missions in various parts of the world. The official languages of Fiji are Fijian, English and Hindustani (a mix of Hindi and Urdu). Fiji is officially called the Republic of Fiji. For a cool few million you too can have your own slice of paradise. Fiji is an island country in Melanesia in the South Pacific Ocean. Here is a brief list of interesting facts about Mount Fuji for kids: List of interesting facts about Mount Fuji Tallest Mountain in Japan: Rising to about 12,388 feet, Mount Fuji earns the distinction of being the tallest among over 1,200 mountains in Japan. Fiji has several popular tourism destinations. Around 110 of these islands are inhabited, although 87% of the population lives on the two biggest islands Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. People live on only about 100 of the islands. Facts about tourism in Fiji. The International Date Line runs through Fiji’s island of Taveuni, where you can stand with one foot in today, and the other in yesterday or tomorrow! The Nadi International Airport is located 9 kilometres (5.6 mi) north of central Nadi and is the largest Fijian hub. There is also a small but significant group of descendants of indentured labourers from the Solomon Islands. Racial … The tourism sector recovered quickly, however, with visitor arrivals reaching pre-coup levels in 2002, resulting in a modest economic recovery which continued into 2003 and 2004 but grew by a mere 1.7% in 2005 and by 2.0% in 2006. Fijian is an Austronesian language of the Malayo-Polynesian family spoken in Fiji. Netball is the most popular women's participation sport in Fiji. Here are some facts about Fiji. Learn some interesting information about Fiji while enjoying a range of fun facts and trivia that's perfect for kids! ; Pawpaw or papayas are a large refreshing fruit. With the exception of Rotuma, the Fiji group lies between 15° 42′ and 20° 02′ south. Fiji has also won the Rugby World Cup Sevens twice — in 1997 and 2005. The Fiji Islands developed many dialects, which may be classified in two major branches — eastern and western. The Fiji Republic is actually not just one beautiful island but an archipelago of some 333 islands and over 500 islets. Major industries in Fiji are tourism and sugar. Fiji's national sport is Rugby sevens. Check out our ACCOMODATION options, there’s something for every budget from our air-conditioned dormitory to our beachfront villas. [8] The team again qualified in the 2007 Rugby World Cup when they upset Wales 38–34 to progress to the quarter-finals where they lost to the eventual Rugby World Cup winners, South Africa. In April 2009, the Fiji Court of Appeal ruled that the 2006 coup had been illegal. Missionaries in the 1840s chose an Eastern dialect, the speech of Bau Island off the southeast coast of the main island of Viti Levu, to be the written standard of the Fijian language. Fiji is a major tourist location, with its white sandy beaches, beautiful islands, all-year-round tropical weather and stunning coral reefs it is a popular destination for tourists from countries such as Australia, New Zealand and the USA. Europeans settled on the islands permanently beginning in the 19th century. Fiji is definitely in line for the most stunning place on Earth as well. Cricket Fiji is an associate member of the International Cricket Council ("ICC"). Sugarcane is a delicious fruit. In 1874, an offer of cession by the Fijian chiefs was accepted, and Fiji was proclaimed a possession and dependency of the British Crown. Over the next 40 years, more than 60,000 indentured laborers from India were brought to the island to work the plantations. The Fiji national rugby league team, nicknamed the Bati (pronounced [mˈbatʃi]), represents Fiji in the sport of rugby league football and has been participating in international competition since 1992. Read on to discover some interesting facts about Fiji. There is a boulder ledged in this cleft, high above the water. Fiji is definitely in line for the most stunning place on Earth as well. Fiji is in the tropics about 500 miles (800 kilometers) southwest of Samoa and 1,100 miles (1,800 kilometers) north of New Zealand. Other sports played include rugby 7's, rugby league and football (soccer). About three quarters of the over 800,000 people live on its largest island of Viti Levu. Exports also include garments, gold, timber and fish. Viti Levu hosts the capital city of Suva, and is home to nearly three-quarters of the population. The islands are mountainous, with peaks up to 1,324 metres (4,341 ft), and covered with thick tropical forests. A major attraction on the outer islands is scuba diving. Temperatures in the cool season still average 22 °C (72 °F). 10 Interesting Facts About Fiji 1) Fiji is composed of more than 300 islands. Some progress was experienced by this sector when Marion M. Ganey, S.J., introduced credit unions to the islands in the 1950s. 2. Since becoming independent, Fiji has experienced times of democracy and military dictatorship. Read on to discover some interesting facts about Fiji. Fiji Fun Facts and Trivia Until the mid-19th century, the practice of eating one’s enemy was an accepted and honored tradition in Fiji. google_ad_slot = "9761313702"; 2. Honeymoons are very popular as are romantic getaways in general. The capital city of Fiji is Suva, and the city with the most people is Nadi. Under British rule, Indian servants were brought to Fiji to work in the sugarcane fields. /* sci facts 728 */ The level of political tension varies among different regions of the country. The archipelago is located between 176° 53′ east and 178° 12′ west. There are approximately 250,000 tourists visiting the islands each year. The main official language of Fiji is Fijian. Want more incredible content from Getty Images? The team also competes in the Pacific Cup. Fiji's culture was showcased at the World Exposition held in Vancouver, Canada, in 1986 and more recently at the Shanghai World Expo 2010, along with other Pacific countries in the Pacific Pavilion. Fiji or Republic of Fiji is actually an island nation with about 332 (though some sources have said 333) islands and 110 are inhabited. These clans, based on the spiritual leader, are known as a matangali. There are also family friendly resorts with facilities for young children including kids' clubs and nanny options. The climate in Fiji is tropical marine and warm year round with minimal extremes. The first settlements in Fiji were started by voyaging traders and settlers from the west about 5000 years ago. Cricket is a minor sport in Fiji. Fiji gained independence from the British Empire in 1970 after 96 years as a British colony. This began the 2009 Fijian constitutional crisis. Since the 1930s the population of Fiji has increased at a rate of 1.1% per year. So this year we want to make life easier for 75 families and put smiles on little faces at Christmas. Official statistics show that in 2012, 75% of visitors stated that they came for a holiday/vacation. Fiji have also produced stars like Akuila Uate, Jarryd Hayne, Kevin Naiqama, Semi Tadulala, Marika Koroibete, Apisai Koroisau, Sisa Waqa and the Sims brothers Ashton Sims, Tariq Sims and Korbin Sims.