Fiji
Etymology
The main island of Fiji is Viti Levu and it is the source form which the name Fiji has been derived. Fijians are described as the ferocious cannibals and formidable warriors, good builder of boats but there are not at all considered as great sailors.
History
The settlement of Fiji is considered around or before 1000 BC. In 1643, the country was visited by Abel Tasman who was a Dutch explorer. The island became the part of British control in 1847. British government rules the country around 100 years.
Demography
Ethnic groups
Fijians are the native of the Fiji and they cover most of the population of the country. 54.3% Melanesians themselves dominating the Fijian people and apart from them, 38% Indo Fijians and few Polynesian ancestry are also accompany thecountry’s population.
Religion
The religion is the factor that differentiates Fijians form the Indo Fijians. Christianity is the dominating religion in the country and the second dominating religion in the country is Hindu. Muslim people also have great contribution in the country’s population.
Culture
The culture of Fiji is diverse and rich with European, Chinese and Indian traditions, language, costume, food, society, belief systems, arts, crafts, architecture, sports dance and music. Being living and active, the indigenous culture is very much prominent in thecountry and majority of the people are indulge in it.
Economy
Fiji is gifted with mineral, forest and fish resources and they play a significant role in the economy of Fiji. During 1960 to 1970, the countries experienced the faster growth and in 1980 the growth was stagnated. In 1987, the country got great development in the garment as well as sugar industry that made the country more strong in terms of economy. Tourism industry also contributes greatly to the economy of the country.
Education
Education is not considered compulsory in Fiji but till the first 8 years it is provided free from the government. Country is rich with many government school and the private schools running by government, mission or by individual. In 1990, the expenditure made by public over the education was estimated as 4.6 percentage of the GDP. In 1968, the University of the South Pacific opened at Suva that is providing education to more than 3600 people. Form several state, the students comes to the university to get higher education.
Geographical setting
Fiji includes 322 islands along with 522 small islets. All most all the islands are gifted with mountains and tropical forests. Viti Levu is the home of the capital city called Suva and is the homing 75 percent of the country’s population. As far as the climate of the country is concerned, it is warm and tropical through out the year.
Freedom
Fiji was under the occupation of British regime for around 100 of years and 1970 is the year when the country got its independent but the democratic rules took place in the country in the year 1987.
Capital City
The capital city of Fiji is Suva that is the biggest city in the country. The city is located at the south and west coast of Viti Levu Island within the Central Division. The city is the main administrative centre of thecountry. Earlier the Levuka was as reputed as the capital of the Fiji but as the European settlement of the Levuka was placed to Suva; finally Suva was declared as the capital city in the nation. The city covers the population of 167975.
Currency
Since 1969, Fijian dollar has been reputed as the currency of the country. It is abbreviated with $, the sign of dollar. FJ$ differentiate it form the other dollar currency. It includes 100 cents.
Total Population
As far as the total population of the Fiji is concerned, the country is homing to 905,949 people. In more detail, the total population of the country is contributed by 51 percent of Fijian, 44 percent of Indian and the rest of the population is accompanied with European, other Pacific islanders, few Chinese and five percent of some other. 31 % of the people are up to 14 years, 15 to 64 age group covers the 64 % of thepopulation and 4.3 % population is covered by people above 65 years.
