|
|
|
| Home » Fiji |
|
Fiji |
|
Fiji is an island nation in the south Pacific Ocean, east of Vanuata. It is officilaly known as the Republic of the Fiji Island. Fiji's main land is known as Viti Levu. The first inhabitants of Fiji arrived before the contact wit te European explorer in the 16th century. Pottery excavated from different towns of the nation showed that it was settled before or around 1000 BC. This island came under British rule as a colony in 1874. In 1970 it was granted independence. Democratic rule was interrupted by two military coups in 1987. In 1990, the new constitution granted the ethnic Fijian domination of the political system.
Fiji was composed of 322 islands, of which 106 are inhabited. The two most important islands of Fiji are: Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. The islands are generally mountainous with peaks up to 1,300 meters and are covered with dense tropical forests. Viti Levu holds the capital city of Fiji-Suva. Other important towns of Fiji are: Nadi, Lautoka, Labasa and Savusavu. The economy of the country is heavily dependent on forests, minerals and fish resourse. The economy of Fiji is in fact, one of the most developeed economy among the Pacific Island nations. The nation experienced a rapid growth between 1960s and 1970s but came at a halt in 1980s.
|
|
Urbanization and expansion in the service sector have contributed to the recent growth in GDP.
The national sports of Fiji is considered to be rugby union. Rugby league, however, is also widely spread. The national team is very successful and has competed at four Rugby World Cups starting from 1987. Religion is one primary diffrences between indigenous Fijians and Indo-Fijians. The former being Christians and the latter mostly Hindus and Muslims.
To know more about Fiji click on the following links:
|
|
|
| |
|
|
