| Local name: Matanitu ko Viti
- Sovereign Democratic Republic of the Fiji Islands |
| Surface : 18,333
sq km (7150 sq mi) - Fiji lies in the heart of the Pacific Ocean
midway between the Equator and the South Pole. Fiji’s Exclusive
Economic Zone contains approximately 330 islands, of which about one -
third are inhabited. There are two major islands - Viti Levu which is
10,429 square kilometres and Vanua Levu 5,556 square kilometres. Other
main islands are Taveuni (470 sq km), Kadavu (411 sq km), Gau(140 sq
km), and Koro (104 sq km). |
| Population : 787.000 inhabitants |
| Climate: Fiji enjoys an ideal South Sea
tropical climate. It is thus a perfect holiday destination, especially
for those trying to escape the severe Northern Hemisphere winters.
Maximum summer temperatures average 31 Degrees Celsius (88 Degrees F)
and the mean minimum is 22 Degrees Celsius (72 Degrees F) The winter
average maximum is 29 Degrees Celsius (84 Degrees Celsius F) and the
mean minimum is 19 Degrees Celsius (66 Degrees Celsius F). These are
much cooler in the uplands of the interior of the large islands. A
cooling trade wind blows from the east southeast of most of the year.
It usually drops to a whisper in the evening and picks up again by
midmorning. |
| Visas: Most travellers
will automatically be issued a four week tourist visa upon arrival.
This includes travellers from most Commonwealth countries, most North,
South and Central American countries, Western Europe, Israel and Japan.
The visa is issued free of charge and you won't have to pay for any
subsequent extensions. |
| Electricity: 240
volts AC, 50Hz. Larger hotels also have 110-volt razor sockets. |
| Capital :
Suva 167,975 - Lautoka 43,274; Nadi 30,884; Labasa 24,095;
Nausori 21,617 |
| System : Parliamentary Republic
- Fiji became an independent nation on 10 October 1970, 96 years after
cession to Britain. Its constitution, up to 1987, provided for a
bicameral parliament modeled on the Westminster plan with a House of
Representatives elected by popular vote and a Senate with appointed
members. As the result of the 1987 coup, a new constitution that
guarantees indigenous Fijian rule was promulgated in 1990 and
implemented in 1992. The overwhelming advantages afforded the
indigenous population by the new constitution remains a contentious
issue |
| Languages : English, Fijian, Hindustani |
| Religions :
Christians (52.9%), Hindus (38.1%), Muslims (7.8%), Sikhs (0.7%) |
| Money : Fijian dollar (F$) -
The Fijian dollar is the basic unit of currency, available in
denominations of $2, $5, $10, $20, $50. Coins: 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c,
50c and $1. |
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