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FIJI
 Composed
of approximately 330 islands in the South Pacific and situated
just north of the Tropic of Cancer, Fiji is a small but culturally
diverse country. With significant Fijian, Indian, Chinese,
Polynesian and European communities inhabiting the nation
and retaining their ancestral cultures, this country, sometimes
referred to as the “Gateway to the South Pacific”
has also been called a crossroads of cultures. The diversity
of the nation is extended to it’s geographic formation
and sandy beaches, coral reefs, volcanic mountains and islands,
and thick rainforests are all found in Fiji. The two largest
islands are known as Viti Levu (“Big Fiji”) and
Vanua Levu (“Big Land”). Most Fijians live on
Viti Levu, which is also a popular tourist destination
Facts &
Figures of FIJI
Total
area: 18,270 sq km (this makes Fiji the 163rd largest
country in world)
Border
countries: Fiji is composed of many islands. The
closet land masses to Fiji are New Zealand and Hawaii.
Click Here for Lonley Planet Map
Population:
868,531 (estimated as of July 2003) This ranks Fiji
as the 158th most populous country in the world.
Religion:
A little over half of Fijians are Christian, but
there are also large Hindu and Muslim communities
Language:
While English is the official language of Fiji, Fijian and
Hindustani are spoken by several of the Fijian communities
and are officially recognized by the Fijian constitution.
Capital:
Suva
Flag:
The Fijian flag is light blue with the flag of the UK in the
upper hoist-side quadrant and the  Fijian
shield centered on the outer half of the flag; the shield
depicts a yellow lion above a white field quartered by the
cross of Saint George featuring stalks of sugarcane, a palm
tree, bananas, and a white dove
The Union
Jack (the UK flag) represents the long history between Fiji
and Great Britain. The blue background symbolizes the Pacific
Ocean, which surrounds Fiji.
Industry
& Agriculture: Fiji is one of the most developed
nations of the Pacific. Sugar processing and tourism make
up a large part of the Fijian industry.
The major
industries of Fiji include: tourism, sugar processing, clothing,
gold, silver and lumber.
The major
agricultural products include: sugarcane, coconuts, cassava
(tapioca), rice, sweet potatoes, bananas, cattle, pigs, horses,
goats and fish.
 
What can you find in your house or local store that was made
in Fiji?
Currency:
Fijian dollar (FJD)
One Canadian dollar is worth about 1.28 FJD. One American
dollar is worth about 1.74 FJD. |
