Fiji

=Fiji's Population = []

The population of Fiji today is 944,720. Fiji’s population density is 46 per km2 (119 per square mile). The population growth rate is 1.4 percent. The birth rate is 22.15 births per 1,000 population, and the death rate is 5.66 per 1,000 population. Each woman bears 2.68 children on average. According to the CIA World Factbook, the life expectancy in Fiji is 67.9 years for males and 73.1 years for females. The Population in Fiji was reported at 0.88 millions persons in 2009, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). In 2015, Fiji's Population is expected to be 0.89 millions persons. In 2009, Fiji's economy share of world total GDP, adjusted by Purchasing Power Parity, was 0.01 percent. In 2015, Fiji's share of world total GDP is forecasted to be 0.01 percent.

heres a graph showing the average or precentage of people in fiji..

Fiji's Culture Fijian culture is a blend of Melanesian and Polynesian backgrounds, although Fiji is also influenced by other vibrant cultures, including Chinese, Indian, European and other South Pacific cultures, particularly Rotuman and Tongan. Indigenous Fijian culture is made up of a great variety of traditional language, art, music, food, clothing and folklore. This culture also gives high importance to the family unit. Family values in Fiji Traditional Fijian culture highly regards the family unit, the village and the land (or vanua). Villages, tribes and clans are led by a chief. The position of chief is inherited; when a chief dies, a male family member takes his place, though it does not necessarily have to be his son. The largest social unit in Fiji is known as a yavusa, from which the members are thought of as the direct descendents. Each brother in a family then forms his own branch of yavusa, which is called the mataqali. The mataqali consists of different levels, which are based upon the duty performed by the member:

Fiji's Food!!

Traditional Fijian food is a wonderful amalgam of fresh, local ingredients found in the tropics and the traditional preparations and cooking methods passed down the generations. Coconut, fish, rice, taro, sweet potatoes, cassava and breadfruit are the main components in local Fijian dishes.

//Lovo// is a Fijian delicacy prepared for communal events such as a weddings and festivals. A makeshift underground oven is fashioned by digging a hole into the ground and lining it with coconut husks, which are then lit on fire and covered by stones. Meats, fish and vegetables wrapped in banana leaves are then placed on top of the heated stones and cooked for about two and a half hours. Most large resorts in Fiji have a lovo night once a week.

Another national delicacy is //kokodo//, raw mahi mahi (a type of fish) marinated in coconut cream, lime, onions and tomatoes. Coconut cream is an important ingredient in two other Fijian delicacies: //Rourou//, a dish made of taro leaves, and //tavioka//, a baked dish made of tapioca and mashed bananas. //Duruka//, an unusual asparagus-like vegetable that is seasonal during the months of April and May, is also a popular traditional Fijian dish. The national drink of Fiji is //kava//, which was traditionally prepared by virgins, who chewed the root of the pepper plant before mixing it with water, but is now made in a more hygienic fashion: by pounding the root in a wooden bowl.

The Fiji Islands are speckled with restaurants that serve traditional fare. Some noteworthy restaurants for local Fiji cuisine are Riley’s Restaurant in Suva, Makuluva Delights on Coast Road in Waiyevo and Bounty’s Bar and Restaurant in Nadi, whose specialty is //palusami//, which is fish or pork steamed with coconut milk and taro leaves. Old Mill Cottage Café in Suva is a popular spot among expats.

As a significant portion of Fiji’s population is of Indian origin, Fiji’s cuisine also includes traditional Indian cooking. Suva’s metropolitan area has a host of choices for delicious, affordable Indian food, such as Maya’s Dhaba, which is famous for its wide array of Indian cooking – from Madrasi masala dosa to Punjabi tandoori chicken – and Curry House on Waimanu Road, which offers an all-you-can-eat vegetarian thali lunch. A favorite amongst locals is Tata’s Restaurant, an open-porch restaurant located in Nadi, across the street from an Indian temple.

Chinese food is very popular in Fiji as well, and Chinese restaurants can be found in many villages, towns and cities. Kim's Paak Kum Loong Restaurant in Levuku is famous for its Sunday evening buffet, and Chopsticks Restaurant in Nadi is a local, traditional dive that is preferred amongst the local Chinese. And while most Indian restaurants are “dry,” Chinese restaurants usually serve alcohol.

Victoria Parade in Suva is a street lined with many varied options for food, including international cuisine, such as pizza and steak. Visitors craving continental food will find what they’re looking for at Fiji’s many resorts and high-end hotels, whose restaurants are usually open to non-guests

=History of Fiji! = = = The first inhabitants of Fiji date back to ancient times. According to Fijian legend, the great chief Lutunasobasoba led his people across the seas to the newly-discovered islands of Fiji. Most experts agree that the first people to land on Fiji were from Southeast Asia and that they had entered into the Pacific via the Malay Peninsula. The Polynesians most likely arrived in Fiji over 3000 years ago, although they were conquered by Melanesian invaders around 1500 B.C. Both the Polynesians and the Melanesians mixed to create a unique culture and a highly developed society long before the first Europeans settled on the islands. = European Arrival in Fiji = The first European arrivals in Fiji had been accidental. The first discovery was made in 1643 by a Dutch explorer, Abel Tasman. The second to land on Fiji was English navigator Captain James Cook in 1774, and he also continued to explore the islands during the 18th century. However, much of the credit of the discovery and recording of the Fiji Islands went to Captain William Bligh, who sailed through Fiji in 1789 after the mutiny on the //Bounty//, a British Royal Navy ship. At around the early 19th century, shipwrecked sailors and runaway convicts from the Australian penal settlements were the first Europeans to land and live among the Fijians, while missionaries and sandalwood traders came around at mid-century. The name //Fiji// was first conceived by Cook. The Fijians had called their land “Viti,” but the Tongans called it “Fisi,” and so it was by the differences in foreign pronunciation that the islands are known as they are today. As European populations in Fiji increased, they gained greater influence on Fijian culture as well, and it was during this time that houses and canoes were built, Western-style clothing was first adopted, confederations were formed and wars were fought on a larger scale without precedent but ended more abruptly. Christianity had also spread throughout the islands, and cannibalism, which had once been practiced in Fiji, soon ended. However, the “golden age” of Fiji took a turn for the worst in 1874, when Fiji was ceded to Great Britain, and deadly epidemics nearly wiped out the entire indigenous Fijian population. The colonial government, though, took the Fijians’ side, and the population was eventually restored.

**20th Century and Today** The 20th century brought about major economic and political changes in Fiji. A major sugar industry was developed, as well as productive copra milling tourism, and other secondary industries. Fiji’s economy has been strengthened by these important industries, which have helped pay for medical services, education, infrastructure and an expansion in other public services and works. In 1970, Fiji gained its independence from Great Britain, although it has dealt with some governmental and racial issues. A military coup took place in 1987 to prevent the shifting of power to an Indian-dominated coalition party. In 1990, a constitution was granted that gave non-ethnic Fijians a disproportionate say in the government, although they were given greater rights when the constitution was amended in 1997. Another coup occurred in 2000 after the first Indo-Fijian Labor Party leader Mahendra Chaudhry was elected as Prime Minister of Fiji a year earlier. Chaudhry had been taken hostage by a Fijian businessman, George Speight, who demanded an end to Indian political participation. An ethnic Fijian-dominated government led by Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase took over after the incident, although the government was later ruled unconstitutional in 2003 because it did not include members of the Labor Party as they had refused to join after Chaudhry was excluded from the new government. In 2006, Commodore Bainimarama executed a third coup against the government of Qarase and declared himself Acting President of Fiji. The coup was ruled illegal in 2009, and all members of his cabinet were suspended. However, Bainimarama was later reappointed his position as Prime Minister, and all Cabinet members had their positions returned to them as well. Governmental and political issues still take place in Fiji today, though they do not affect visitors to the islands. Fiji is also now recognized as the focal point of the South Pacific and plays a major role in regional affairs as a result of its recent developments in sea and air transport and communication.

=Fiji Economy = = = **Industry** Fiji is one of the most developed of the Pacific Island economies. However, it still remains a developing country with a large subsistence agricultural sector. It relies very heavily on its sugar industry, as well as its travel and tourism and fishing industries. Sugar exporting makes up one-third of the country’s industrial activity, and that, along with a growing tourism industry, are Fiji’s major sources of foreign exchange. There are approximately 250,000 tourists visiting the islands each year, though political uncertainty, drought and other natural disasters have contributed to considerable fluctuations in earnings from both the tourism and sugar industries. There have also been less skilled workers immigrating to Fiji. Because of the islands’ tropical South Pacific location, Fiji consists of various rich natural resources, including abundant water bodies, rainforests and excellent mineral resources. These resources are very useful for economic reasons as well. Many edible fish swim near the coastal areas of the islands, including sailfish, barracuda, big-eyed and dog tooth tuna, numerous species of marlin fish and many others, so fishing is a large and very important economic aspect in Fiji. This is also good for its tourism industry, since Fiji has a number of fishing programs to entertain its visitors. Because of its mineral resources, gold is another important export industry, though it is facing some problems as well. The country also has extensive mahogany timber reserves. However, these have recently started to become exploited. Some other export crops include ginger and coconuts, though both of their production levels are declining. Another industry that has declined in Fiji is its textile industry due to the end of the quota system under the Agreement on Textiles and Clothing (ATC) and the full integration of textiles into WTO General Agreement on Trade and Tariffs. Profits from the textile industry had dropped by 47% in 2005 after the end of the ATC quotas. Now garments make up approximately 12% of the country’s exports. A more successful industry is the export of the Fiji Still Mineral Water, which, since 2000, is primarily imported into the United States. By the end of 2006, the industry had taken in about $52 million per year, a 775% increase since 2000.

=Fiji Geography = **Fiji****’s location and size** The Fiji Islands are located in the Southern Hemisphere, surrounded by the South Pacific Ocean. What is unique about Fiji’s location is that even though the 180th degree meridian line cuts right through the Fijian archipelago, the International Date Line goes around it to the east, so that all islands can share the same date. Fiji is one of the first countries to experience a new calendar day. Fiji lies 5,100 km (3,169 miles) southwest of Hawaii and 3,150 km (1,957 miles) northeast of Sydney. Its exact geographic location is at latitude 15-22 degrees south and 177 degrees west to 175 degrees east. The archipelago encompasses 1,290,000 square km (498,072 square miles) of the South Pacific Ocean. Less than 1.5 percent of this is dry land, or about 18,272 square km (7,054 square miles). Fiji’s two largest islands, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, make up 87 percent of Fiji’s total landmass. About 75 percent of the population lives on Viti Levu, and about 18 percent live on Vanua Levu. <span style="color: #4418e7; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Viti Levu is the largest of the Fiji Islands, spreading out over 10,388 square km (4,011 square miles). It is also the most populated and developed island. The other main island, Vanua Levu, is the second largest in Fiji, encompassing 5,587.1 square km (2,157.2 square miles). <span style="color: #4418e7; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">If one counted every single island that belongs to the Fijian archipelago, this number would be in the thousands. However, only about 322 are seen as big enough to support human habitation. Of these 322 islands, only 106 are inhabited. The other islands are either just too isolated or lack freshwater.

=<span style="color: #00ff00; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">Fiji Language = <span style="color: #00ff00; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">The Fijian language spoken in Fiji is a type of Austronesian langauge and is part of the Malayo-Polynesian family. The Austronesian languages are normally found among islands in continental and Southeast Asia along with islands in the Pacific. However, less than half of Fiji’s population (450,000) speak Fijian as their primary language, while 200,000 speak it as a second language. <span style="color: #00ff00; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">Fijian has many dialects, though the official one is the speech of Bau. Along with Bau Fijian, the other official languages in Fiji are English and Hindustani. The Fijian people have constitutional rights to communicate in any of the three official languages, though the primary language in Fiji is English. It is also the main language used in the courts, the educational system and in business and association.

=<span style="color: #00e5ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">Fiji Music = = = <span style="color: #00e5ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">Fijian music combines the traditional Melanesian and Polynesian styles, as much of Fiji is influenced by these two cultures. However, other cultures, including the Indo-Fijians, have played a part in Fijian music as well. Folk music, traditional dances and different instruments are also largely involved with this type of music. The songs of Fiji are upbeat with beautiful rhythms and harmonies, and even the more modern music styles still convey aspects of ritualistic and traditional patterns.

<span style="color: #00e5ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">Fijian Folk Music
<span style="color: #00e5ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">Fijian folk music includes a variety of instruments that give the music its unique and beautiful sound, along with traditional dances. Like their Polynesian neighbors, modern Fijians play the ukulele, guitar, mandolin and different indigenous instruments, most commonly the lali drums. These types of drums were once used as a form of communication to announce important events, such as births, deaths, wars and victories. Now the larger lali drums are used to call people to church or for social gatherings, while the smaller version (//lali ni meke//) is used to play music. The derua, which is made up of tubes of bamboo stamped onto mats or on the ground, is another Fijian percussion instrument. <span style="color: #00e5ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">The Meke is a complex traditional Fijian spiritual folk dance that is combined with voices. The various types of Meke include the war dance, men’s or women’s fan dance, men’s spear dance, men’s club dance, women’s standing dance and men’s or women’s sitting dance. Men’s dance movements are vigorous, while the women display graceful and controlled movements. The Meke can be performed to narrate important events, such as the installment of a chief or a war. =<span style="color: #19f5e4; font-family: 'comic sans ms',cursive; font-size: 120%;">Fiji Resorts = = = <span style="color: #19f5e4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">You have found the treasure… the real Fiji, the Fiji Islands of the movies and the lost paradise featured in your vacation dreams. <span style="color: #19f5e4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">Fiji’s tropical islands with gently swaying palm trees, surrounded by white sand beaches, set among deep blue waters with fringing coral reefs of turquoise and pastel green. These are the famous Mamanuca Islands of Fiji. <span style="color: #19f5e4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">Some of the Mamanuca Islands in Fiji are still uninhabited, some are still the traditional homes of the Fijian people and others offer a range of Fiji Island resorts, some just for day trips from Nadi, and others providing over night resort style accommodations. <span style="color: #19f5e4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">Every Fiji island resort in the Mamanuca Islands (pronounced Mamanutha) is what an island vacation should be about. Each of these special islands is different from each other and was created for those who want to forget the pressures of their busy lifestyle. <span style="color: #19f5e4; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">You can make your Fiji Island resort dream come true either by choosing an island that will encourage you to immerse yourself in a dream of peace and tranquility or one that will encourage you to socialise and party in paradise.Home to almost twenty island resorts

= Religion in Fiji = **Fiji** is an island nation situated in the South Pacific. The rich culture of Fiji is truly incredible. Fiji is a beautiful place with some of the stunning landscapes. The best part about the land is the overwhelming warmth of the inhabitants that simply goes without saying. Fiji draws tourists from all corners of the globe every year. **Religion in Fiji** plays quite a formidable part in Fijian lifestyle. And speaking of **religion in Fiji,** you will find many diverse religions. From Christianity to Hinduism or even Islam for that matter, everything religion is found here. Christianity plays a dominant role as far as Fijian society is concerned. The political affairs are much influenced by the Methodist church here in Fiji. Catholics, Anglicans and many more have also found place in Fiji. Hinduism is another accepted **religion in Fiji**, thanks to the Indian contingents. Consequently, you will come across many temples as religious festivities are celebrated in true spirits in this land. However, the minority Muslim population is also found here. As many as 60,000 people constitute the Muslim community here, which stands for 7% of the total populace. The people of Fiji are proud of their religions. There are many churches in Fiji. Church in Pepjei on Rotuma is one of the prominent churches in town. The churches in Fiji are fine structures as people in scores come over to offer their prayers. It is found that hymns are sung by each member present in the church. Gospel churches are much popular in this part of the world. Communal feasting is what follows next. Sri Siva Subramaniya temple is a Hindu temple in Fiji. This sacred place pulls millions of followers from all over every year. Elaborate religious ceremonies and rituals are conducted here all year round. Suva Fiji Temple is another sacred place of worship in Fiji.

=<span class="H2" style="color: #4418e7; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">Fiji Islands Sports = <span class="text" style="color: #4418e7; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">Rugby is undoubtedly the sport of Fiji. From the beaches of the fishing villages to the town parks around the islands, Fijians of every age gather each evening as the sun sets to play touch rugby. And that's why they excel at 7's. Waisele Serevi is a household name and reputed the best 7's player ever. The national 7's team enjoyed most of the 1990's as the team to beat, winning many International tournaments around the world. But whilst the 7's team enjoys success, the national 15's team struggles in the world arena with individual brilliance being down-played by technical team cohesion. Rugby is played all year round and almost exclusively by Fijians with perhaps just a handful of Indian representatives throughout the country.

<span class="text" style="color: #4418e7; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">Perhaps one of Fiji's biggest and best sporting events is the national school athelitic competition held at the national Stadium: The Twistie Games is the junior school event whilst the Coca Cola Games, held in April, is for senior school students and ranks amongst the largest school atheletics event in the world.

<span class="text" style="color: #4418e7; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">Fiji also has a world champion at Golf. Vijay Singh held the world number 1 spot for 27 weeks, displacing Tiger Woods in 2004 but losing it in March 2005 back to the American. There are three championship golf courses in Fiji, with another one planned for Natadola and to be designed by Vijay Singh himself, along with a youth acadamy.

<span class="text" style="color: #4418e7; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">Football is also played widely in Fiji and the National League has 16 teams which battle each year for the title from February to November. The Western teams of Viti Levu dominate, being supported and sponsored mostly by Indian companies, although players are of both Fijian and Indian race.

<span class="text" style="color: #4418e7; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">Netball is the sport for women and Fiji competes well against its neighbours but is usually outplayed by its Polynesian rivals, and is overshadowed by the world champions New Zealand. Indian women seldom compete in sport.

<span class="text" style="color: #4418e7; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">Cricket is played as a social sport from December to March with lawn bowling popular in Suva and Rakiraki.

<span class="text" style="color: #4418e7; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">Public tennis courts can be found at Nadi and Suva. A number of resorts have their own courts. There are three championship golf courses in Fiji at Denarau (west Viti Levu), Pacific Harbour (south Viti Levu and Suva (south-east Viti Levu). Other public courses include Nadi and Lautoka, both on Viti Levu. Several resorts have their own private 9-hole courses.

=<span class="text" style="color: #4418e7; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">Fijis Living conditions = According to government estimates, Fiji requires more than 4,200 new houses each year to maintain adequate housing standards. Natural disasters such as cyclones and tropical storms have caused problems in creating and maintianing adequate housing stock. The Fiji Housing Authority provides accommodations for urban workers and extends credit for houses it builds and sells. At last estimate, housing stock exceeded 126,000 units, of which 30% were made of corrugated iron or tin; 30% were concrete; more than 25% were wood; and nearly 10% were bure. The water supply was mostly either individually piped (53%), communally piped (20%), or obtained from wells (13%). Roughly 32% of all dwellings had private flush toilets while 42% used latrines, and 49% had electricity.

Works Cited [|www.fijiisland.com/touristinfor/sports.html] [] [|www.fijisports,com] [|www.fijisreligon.com] [|www.fijislivingcondition.com]