Fiji

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Fiji, sometimes called the Fiji Islands, is a country in the South Pacific Ocean. It lies about two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand and consists of an archipelago that includes 332 islands of which approximately 110 are inhabited.

Fiji lies just east of 180 degrees longitude and the international date line, making Fiji time the slowest in the world.

Bula Fiji (http://www.bulafiji.com/) is the official visitor's bureau site.

Table of contents
	fiji Travel Guide : 1 Regions 2 Cities 2.1 Ports and harbors 3 Other destinations 4 Understand 4.1 Climate 4.2 Terrain 4.3 History 5 Get in 5.1 By plane 5.2 By boat 6 Get around 7 Talk 8 Buy 9 Eat 10 Drink 11 Sleep 12 Learn 13 Work 14 Stay safe 15 Stay healthy 16 Respect 17 Contact

Regions

• Viti Levu - the main and largest island
• Vanua Levu - the second largest and more northern island.

Administrative divisions 

4 divisions and 1 dependency*; Central, Eastern, Northern, Rotuma*, Western

Cities

• Suva - Capital

Ports and harbors

• Lambasa
• Lautoka
• Levuka
• Malau
• Savusavu
• Vuda

Other destinations

• Nadi - International Airport (pronounced: Nan-dee).

Understand

Fiji has long been considered an attractive tourism destination.

Internal political events in the recent past resulted in a reduction in tourism. The Fiji tourism industry has responded by lowering prices and increasing promotion of the main resort areas that are far removed from the politics in and around the capital, Suva.

Climate

Tropical marine; only slight seasonal temperature variation. Tropical cyclonic storms (The South Pacific version of Hurricanes) can occur from November to January.

Terrain

Mostly mountains of volcanic origin

Highest point 

Tomanivi 1,324 m

History

Fiji became independent in 1970, after nearly a century as a British colony.

Independence 

10 October 1970 (from UK)

National holiday 

Independence Day, second Monday of October (1970)

Democratic rule was interrupted by two military coups in 1987, caused by concern over a government perceived as dominated by the Indian community (descendants of contract laborers brought to the islands by the British in the 19th century).

Government type 

republic
note: military coup leader Maj. Gen. Sitiveni RABUKA formally declared Fiji a republic on 6 October 1987

A 1990 constitution favored native Melanesian control of Fiji, but led to heavy Indian emigration; the population loss resulted in economic difficulties, but ensured that Melanesians became the majority. Amendments enacted in 1997 made the constitution more equitable.

Constitution 

promulgated on 25 July 1990 and amended on 25 July 1997 to allow nonethnic Fijians greater say in government and to make multiparty government mandatory; entered into force 28 July 1998; note - the May 1999 election was the first test of the amended constitution and introduced open voting - not racially prescribed - for the first time at the national level

Free and peaceful elections in 1999 resulted in a government led by an Indo-Fijian, but a coup in May of 2000, fronted by Melanesian Fijian George Speight, ushered in a prolonged period of political turmoil. Parliamentary elections held in August 2001 provided Fiji with a democratically elected government with Melanesian Fijians in control. Ongoing political fallout hints that the May 2000 coup was merely a side show of an ongoing power struggle within the Melanesian Fijian leadership.

Get in

By plane

Nadi International Airport is Fiji's main international airport. Suva airport also has some international flights. From the USA the only direct flights are LAX to NAN or HNL to NAN.

By boat

Get around

Talk

Languages 

English (official), Fijian, Hindustani

English is spoken by most in Nandi and Suva and any other major tourist area. On a few of the less touristy islands, English may be spoken with some difficulty. English is taught in grade school. Fijian or Hindustani is spoken by most adults and children.

Buy

Inflation in Fiji is relatively high - it has increased an estimated 12%pa since the last Lonely Planet guide books were published. Expect to pay prices similar to those of Australia in tourist regions.

Eat

Drink

A very popular drink in Fiji is Yaqona (Yang-go-na), also known as "kava" and sometimes referred to as "grog" by locals. Kava is a peppery, earthy tasting drink made from the root of the pepper plant (piper methysticum). Most Fijians drink kava every evening. Its effects include a numbed tongue and lips (usually lasting only about 5-10 minutes) and relaxed muscles.

Kava drinking in Fiji became popular during the fall of cannibalism, and originated as a way to resolve conflict and facilitate peaceful negotiations between villages.

Sleep

• Beachcomber Island 1 (http://www.beachcomberfiji.com/) is a popular backpackers resort catering to travellers who are looking for a place to relax and have a good time. Beachcomber is known as the "party island" due to its popularity with college-age travellers, and exciting entertainment every night, including Beachcomber's own "Bula Dance".

Learn

University of the South Pacific 2 (http://www.usp.ac.fj), Suva

Work

Stay safe

Fiji is a relatively safe place. There is very little major crime at all. Most takes place in Suva and Nandi. Fijian culture encourages sharing and sometimes small things like shoes will be "borrowed". Often by speaking with the village chief it can be arranged to get things returned.

Fiji operates a secret political blacklist of journalists and others in the media who may be considered politically undesirable visitors. Those whose employment involves reporting controversial political activities should take extra care to ensure that their visas are in order before visiting Fiji.

Also, be aware that homosexual sex is still a crime in Fiji. While Fiji claims to welcome gay travelers, there has been a recent case where a visitor to the country was jailed for over 2 years for having homosexual sex.

Stay healthy

Respect

Fiji, like many Pacific Island states, has a strong Christian moral society; having been colonised and converted to Christianity by Church Missionaries during the 18th century. Do not be surprised if shops and other businesses are closed on Sunday.

Also, dress modestly and appropriately. While Fiji is a tropical country, beach-wear should be confined to the beach. Take your cues from the locals as to what they consider appropriate dress for the occasion. When visiting towns and villages, you should be sure to cover your shoulders and wear shorts or sulus (sarongs) that cover your knees.

Contact

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