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Fiji
was once known as the 'Cannibal Isles' and its people were
believed to be fierce and hostile; a recent history of coups
has done nothing to dispel this notion in the minds of some
travellers. Despite this, Fiji is beautiful, it has a pleasant
tropical climate, the diving and snorkelling are superb and
it has excellent facilities for tourists, whether they are
on a tight budget or indulging in the luxuries of a plush
resort.
Fiji
has a unique history in the Pacific and today it is an interesting
blend of Melanesian, Polynesian, Micronesian, Indian, Chinese
and European influences. For nearly 50 years, until the military
coup of 1987, the indigenous people of Fiji represented an
ethnic minority in their own land. Fiji was the trade centre
for the South Pacific during the 19th century, and the British
claimed it as a colony in 1874. During the century or so that
Fiji remained under British colonial rule, tens of thousands
of indentured Indian labourers were imported to work on sugar
plantations. Indigenous Fijians, however, managed to hold
onto their traditional rites and practices - mekes (narrative
dances), bure (house) construction, kava ceremonies, tapa-cloth
making and pottery.
Full
country name: Republic of Fiji
Area: 18,333 sq km (7150 sq mi)
Population: 772,000
Capital city: Suva (population 141,000)
People: Indigenous Fijian 50%, Indian 45%
Languages: English is the official language, Fijian dialects
are spoken by the indigenous Fijians (Bauan is the most spoken)
and the Indian community speak Fiji-Hindi
Religion: 53% Christian, 38% Hindus, 8% Muslims, and 1% Sikhs
Government: Democracy
President: Ratu Josefa Iloilo
Prime Minister: Laisenia Qarase
GDP:
US$4.3 billion
GDP per head: US$5,700
Inflation: 1%
Major industries: Sugar, tourism, gold, fish, lumber and clothing
Major trading partners: Australia, Japan and New Zealand
Fiji
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