An INTRODUCTION to the FIJI Islands
| In the middle of the pacific… | The Fijians |
| The Government | Languages |
| The Economy | Religion |
| Business Hours | Climate |
| The Currency | Clothing |
| Electricity | Immigration |
An INTRODUCTION to the FIJI Islands
| In the middle of the pacific… | The Fijians |
| The Government | Languages |
| The Economy | Religion |
| Business Hours | Climate |
| The Currency | Clothing |
| Electricity | Immigration |
The Fiji Islands lie approximately halfway between Australia and the Hawaiian Islands in the middle of the South Pacific. The population of 800,000 people live on its 300 islands-- not all inhabited--spread over an area of 200,000 square miles.
Fiji is an archipelago where the two main islands are: Viti Levu, the largest island in mass and population, where are located Nadi (pronounce nan-di) international airport and Suva, the capital city; and Vanua Levu which main city is Labasa (lam-bah-sa).
Suva tends to be lush, rainy, and close to rivers, lakes, waterfalls, and rainforests. The international airport and most transit to other islands is via Nadi, the other major city on the opposite side of Viti Levu Island. It is more cosmopolitan and commercial due to the large influx of tourists which pass through the area. Nadi is more dry and sunny, closer to the nice beaches and resorts. Fiji offers some of the most incredible coral reefs, diving, and beaches.
Other islands include, clockwise around Vanua Levu from Nadi: the Mamanuca Group (just off Nadi), Yasawa Group (North West), Vanua Levu and Taveuni (North), Ovalau (East), the Lau Group (further East) and Kadavu in the South.
Fiji is probably one of the friendliest countries you will ever visit. If the beauty of the scenery doesn't overwhelm you, the hospitality of the people surely will. Bula! (Hello, how are you, welcome) Vinaka! (Thank you, goodbye, your welcome), these words will welcome you and follow you everywhere. Traditionally, Fijians enjoyed a communal way of life and they still exhibit it daily in their friendly mannerisms.
The people are traditionally of melanasian-for most of them--and polynesian races by settlers who came to the South Pacific from Southeast Asia around 3500 years ago; today however, there is a healthy amount of Indian-42%--and Chinese-2%--inhabitants who migrated to Fiji over a century ago as indentured servants to work in the sugar fields. The first European to site Fiji was Dutch explorer Abel Talsman, followed by Captain Cook in 1774, and Captain Bligh in 1789. There is therefore a fair amount of Europeans who are descendants from the missionaries, sailors, and runaway convicts from Australia. Fijians used to be cannibals, but need not worry, they did away with this practice years ago and often joke about it.
The country is today fairly racially integrated and the new constitutional reforms have secured equal civil
rights for all. A former colony of the British Empire, Fiji gained its independence in 1970 as a sovereign Republic
and remained a part of the Commonwealth until it was dismissed following two bloodless coups in 1987. Fiji was
reembraced back in to the Commonwealth following the Heads of Government meeting in Edinburgh in 1997. The present
Cabinet is trying to promote a stable, multicultural image.
Fiji is enriched with a fusion of many indigenous and ethnic groups, namely Melanesian, Polynesian, Indian,
European and Chinese. A population estimated at 800,000 comprising approximately 46% ingenous Fijian, 43% Indian
and the balance representing other races such as other Pacific nationals, Chinese, Malays, and Europeans. The British
brought the Indian indentured labourers to work on the sugar plantations and their descendants are now fourth-generation
Fiji Indians. While Fiji once had a fearsome reputation as the 'Cannibal Isles', paradoxically it is now renowned
for its easy going and friendly people. The indigenous Fijian culture and social structure has remained strong.
Many rural people live a semisubsistence village lifestyle under the authority of a local chief.
The official language is English with native Fijian (with regional dialects) and Hindustani which is also prevalent
and you will probably witness an interchange between Fijian, Hindi and English among the people on the streets.
There is a great diversity of religions in Fiji. The Methodist and Catholic churches have strong followings
whilst Hinduism, Islam and Buddhism are also very well represented. Fiji, being a vibrant multicultural society,
has a plethora of annual festivals predominantly celebrated by the two major faiths followed in Fiji--Christianity
and Hinduism. Other festivals include Muslim festivals, the English New Year and the Chinese New Year.
The Republic of Fiji enjoys a parliamentary democracy and has at its head of state the President. The government
is presently headed by the Prime Minister. The cabinet consists of 52 members. Fiji remained a British colony for
almost 100 years, gaining independence in 1970.
Traditionally, since colonialism, sugar was considered the main pillar of the economy and employed the largest amount of workers. In addition, tourism was the nation's major foreign currency earner. The past ten years were a time of hardship for Fiji: The effects of the coups and Fiji's alienation from the international community were felt by a devalued dollar, tourism fell due to the negative impact associated with the coups, inflation was high, and wages were low.
Today, the government is working hard to diversify its economic base and welcome foreign direct investment. Fiji's sugar and exports enjoy preferential price treatment under the Lome signatory agreement and also have been protected by tariffs associated with Fiji's membership in SPARTECA. The price controls are questionable for the future and the tariffs are slowly creeping down in Australia and New Zealand, Fiji realizes it will have to compete harder in the local market and must increase its export base through diversification and a search for new markets.
The government offers many incentives to investors, such as a 13 year income tax break, trade free zones, and many others which you can find out by visiting the Fiji Trade Investment Board.
Some of the new and upcoming industries are:
The effect of the South East Asian crisis was hard felt by Fiji and in an effort to remain competitive in the region, the government devalued the Fijian dollar by 20% in January 1998. Although the effects are supposed to be positive towards the exports and tourism.
Government policy includes down-sizing of the public sector, tax reform, encouragement of overseas investment
and increased indigenous Fijian participation in business.
Generally, shops are open from 8am to 5pm, mondays through fridays with some supermarkets extending beyond these
times. Banks are opened 9:30-3:00 mondays to thursdays; 9:30-4:00 on fridays. General retail trading on Saturdays
is from 8am-1pm, but all government departments and businesses are closed. Sunday is considered a day of rest and
recreation, so no trading takes place on this day.
The currency is the Fijian Dollar (F$). Travellers Cheques and all major credit cards are widely accepted and can usually be exchanged at banks, hotels or any authorised Bureau de Change.
Visa: Tel. +679-301 755.
Fiji is on 240V, 50Hz AC electricity. Plugs and sockets are of the three-pin type of the Australian type.
Fiji has a mild and sunny tropical oceanic climate tempered by prevailing south-east tradewinds; and mostly
stable throughout the year due to the large expanse of ocean surrounding the island. The cooler dry season (winter)
is from May to October where temperatures range from 20C-26 C. The warm-wetter season is from November to April
where temperatures are in the 25 C -30 C range (80-85 degrees Fahrenheit) with a higher level of humidity. The
hurricane season is from January to March. There are not many mosquitoes in Fiji, and they do not carry malaria.
Being a tropical island, light cotton clothing is encouraged for comfort.
For dining, casual dress code (bula dress) is recommended. Very few restaurants require formal attire for dining.
Fijians sometimes wear jumpers in the winter months of august and september, but you should not need to do so.
You do not need to pack too much, as you will probably spend most of your time in a sulu.
The sulu is an article of clothing worn by people in Fiji. It is simply a rectangular piece of cloth that is kept on the body by tying a knot at the ends. The basic unisex sulu is wrapped once around the body and secured with a knot either at the waist. Some Asian countries call it a sarong. Sulu material is available in a wide variety of patterns and fabrics and men often wear a more formal version of the sulu called 'sulu va taga'-literally meaning a sulu with pockets.
You will need little footwear either but it is a good idea to bring runners, sandshoes or flip-flops for your
walks on the reef. Ladies are asked to cover their shoulders and thighs for village visits. In the more remote
areas of Fiji, conservative standards of modesty prevails.
Visitors must have a current passport valid for more than three months from the date of entry, adequate funds to support themselves and a return ticket. Visas are granted on arrival for four weeks to four months and may be extended for up to six months.
The departing airport tax if F$20- for all passengers over 12 years of age.
