fun facts about fiji

The Fiji consists of 322 islands and 520 islets. 1. Fiji has many soft coral reefs. Here are 18 Interesting Fiji facts. A large section of Fiji's population traces its descent to India particularly the regions of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Youliang Teo Feb 19th, 2019. Most visitors are from Australia, New Zealand and the USA. By Joseph Kiprop on August 13 2019 in World Facts. Travel through time with the International Date Line – The island Taveuni is a place where you can travel through time. Fiji is better known for its beaches rather than its cuisine. The residents warmly greet people they come into contact with regardless of whether or not they know each other. Scuba diving is a common tourist activity. For nearly a century beginning in 1874, the British government ruled over the territory of Fiji. Cars, respectively, too. Take the kids to the Big Bula Water Park or hike to one of the waterfalls or caves on the islands. The achievements of the Fijian national rugby team include winning gold at the 2016 Summer Olympics. The first word in the native Fijian language you’ll need to learn is Bula, which means “hello”, because you will hear it everywhere. On the territory of Fiji there are as many as 28 airports. 10 Fun Facts About Fijian Culture According to island legend, Fiji history began when Cheif Lutunasobasoba, the “Box of Blessings” and his followers traveled across the seas and landed on Fiji. Kava is the name given to it by the people of Vanuatu where it’s thought to have originated before spreading throughout Oceania. More budget resortsare being opened in remote areas, which provides more tourism opportunities. Fijian cuisine is famous the world over due to its flavor as well as the methods used in its preparation. It’s not! Read on to discover some interesting facts about Fiji. In 1874 the British subjugated Fiji as a colony and began the large scale cultivation of sugar cane there in the 1880s. Join Neeraj Narayanan and his trip leaders as they take you on the “magic bus” across locations in India, South East Asia and Europe. 1. The recorded history of Indians in Fiji dates back to 1813 when an Indian sailor survived a shipwreck and lived the remainder of his life among the natives of Fiji. Bula! Those who enjoy outdoor adventures will find great walks and hikes in the Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park, the sandy Natadola Beach, or the Lavana Coastal walk from the beach to the waterfall. The Fiji Islands comprise 333 islands in the South Pacific – who knew? Fijian culture places a huge emphasis on friendship which is the main reason the residents are so welcoming to foreigners. Fiji Fun Facts 1. Welcome to the home of the best Fiji holidays in Australia! Fiji, officially the Republic of Fiji, is an island country in the South Pacific Ocean. Fiji Fun Facts 1. This triggered a larger exodus of Fijians of Indian origin from the country. Fun Facts About Fiji Fiji has 333 islands Only 110 islands have people living on them The International Dateline passes through the island of Taveuni. Fiji Water once ran an ad campaign stating “The label says Fiji because it’s not bottled in Cleveland”. A large number of English speakers in Fiji makes it easy for tourists to communicate with the residents. There are also several zip line opportunities available. The Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park is Fiji's first National Park and was established in 1987 to protect a unqiue natural and cutural heritage site. Kava is a plant grown mostly in the Pacific Islands, it’s not only grown in Fiji. Fire walking originated on the islands around 500 years ago but today the ceremony is usually practiced as cultural shows that appeal to tourists. Fact 2 Fiji is made up of a cluster of more than 332 islands and 500 islets. Kava is an essential component of Fijian culture, and an elaborate ceremony is usually performed during the drinking of Kava. Tourists to Fiji are primarily from Australia with 367,273 visitors in 2015 followed by New Zealand (138,537) and the United States (67,831). Fiji Fun Facts and Trivia Until the mid-19th century, the practice of eating one’s enemy was an accepted and honored tradition in Fiji. The most popular form of rugby within Fiji is the seven aside, and their national team is one of the most successful in the world. Fiji has a lot of tourism and many people go to the Nadi and Denarau islands. Under British rule, Indian servants were brought to Fiji to work in the sugarcane fields. There was a time in the past, though, when Fijians practiced cannibalism as part of a war tradition. All Rights Reserved. 2. Fiji’s first settlements were started by voyaging traders and the first Europeans to land and live among the native population were shipwrecked sailors. Visit the Garden of the Sleeping Giant to see the orchids or experience the Sabeto Hot Springs and Mud Pool in Nadi. The Kava plant belongs to the pepper family and its botanical name is Piper methysticum (meaning intoxicating pepper). There are motor roads only on two islands. 20 Fun Things to Do in Fiji on Your First Visit. 5. The Fiji Republic is actually not just one beautiful island but an archipelago of some 333 islands and over 500 islets. The descendants of the Indian laborers have succeeded in some fields such as sports and politics. 18. The impact of British rule in Fiji is readily visible in most areas with the national flag being one of the most notable examples. In Fiji there is a line of change of dates – the 180th meridian. In the past, the rugby team of Fiji performed the Cibi war dance before the beginning of each match, but it was replaced by the Bole war cry. 2. The British are credited with introducing rugby to Fiji during the period when Fiji was under their rule. They called their home Viti but nearby island Tonga called it Fisi. Fiji - Fiji - Cultural life: Fiji’s mixed ethnicity contributes to a rich cultural heritage. Don’t be afraid to handle them; there are no venomous snakes in the Fiji Islands. The original settlers of Fiji, who came to the islands over 5000 years ago, are now called the Lapita people but were originally Melanesians and Polynesians. English is one of the subjects taught within the Fiji education system which ensures the country's residents can converse in the language. It consists of some 300 islands (about 100 of which are inhabited) and 540 islets. In order not to interfere with the Fijians’ native way of life, contract labor from India was brought in to work in the sugar plantations. The citizens of Fiji believe that the drink has numerous medicinal qualities particularly in the treatment of insomnia, headaches, and stress. The residents of Fiji also believed that eating someone's flesh allowed one to possess their knowledge. Fijians now regard those years as “na gauna ni tevoro” (the time of the devil). 15. It is actually part of a wider area of some 186 miles of Tokyo city. Ten fun facts about Fiji. Native Fijians of Melanesian and Polynesian ancestry make up 54% of the population. 19. Only 110 of them are inhabited and all of them are beautiful combinations of volcanic mountain ranges, rainforests, and gorgeous sandy beaches. Various archaeological sites have been located with evidence to prove that the practice was widely prevalent on the island. Dec 29, 2014 | Blog. 12. The precise reason for cannibalism in Fiji is yet to be identified; however, several reasons have been suggested such as it gave someone control over their enemies. Our Fiji staff and volunteers are always telling us such wonderful things about this beautiful archipelago, so we decided to share some of our favourite facts with you. The fire walking tradition was handed down from one generation of the Sawau tribe to the next. Fiji is home to over 4,000 square miles of coral reef, including the Great Astrolabe Reef. 1. 9. Most Fijians speak English and British English is even taught in schools. Fiji has 6 national parks. Let your imagination run wild while you picture sandy beaches, cold beers, treetop adventures and cultural experiences. Yes, one of the most interesting Fiji fun facts is that Fiji has 3 official languages. The residents of Fiji reside in 110 of the nation's biggest islands with Viti Levu having the most significant population. After 96 years of British rule, Fiji became independent in 1970 but remained part of the British Commonwealth. Together with Mount Tate and Mount Haku, Mount Fuji forms the “ Three Holy Mountains ” of Japan. Join us is you love adventures, if you love nature and exploring offbeat beautiful trails. Most visitors to Fiji can witness the tradition in some hotels and resorts throughout the island. So while these might not be the most useful facts about Fiji, they are, in our opinion, the most fun! 7. The ferocity of their lifestyle deterred European sailors from going anywhere near their coastal waters. The largest proportion of the inhabitants of Viti Levu live along the island's coast since the interior is not as habitable due to the terrain. One of the most well-known traditional food preparation methods in Fiji is the use of underground pits which the locals refer to as lovo pits. 1-5 Fiji Facts 1. One of the most interesting facts about Mount Fuji is that its summit has been considered to be sacred since Ancient times. About three quarters of the over 800,000 people live on its largest island of Viti Levu. Fijian girls learn how to craft pottery as well as weave baskets and mats while boys learn to carve kava bowls, war clubs, spears, and the always-popular wooden forks that are sold to tourists as relics of Fiji’s days of cannibalism. One of the interesting geographical Mount Fuji facts is that it exists as part of a national park in Japan, called Fuji-Hakone-Izu. Fiji is one of the most successful nations to compete in the Hong Kong Sevens having won the event 15 times. Suva, its capital city, is also located here. The population of Fiji is 883,483 (2018), a small number considering the number of islands – it works out as an average of just over 2,500 residents per island! Why not start off with these 18 interesting facts about Fiji! Fun Facts About Fiji. It surrounds the Koro Sea about 1,300 miles (2,100 km) north of Auckland, New Zealand. 20. Fiji has over 4,000 square kilometers of the Great Astrolab Reef. Village groups own over 80 percent of Fiji’s land, which is called Native Land, and use it for their village site and as a nature reserve. Other areas with significant British influences in Fiji include the legal and parliamentary systems. 10 Fantastic Facts about Fiji Located in the South Pacific, Fiji is an archipelago nation approximately 1,300 miles north of New Zealand. Most of the Indians who arrived in Fiji came to the island to work as laborers in some industries, particularly in the sugarcane sector. So, there is no actual and lone island called Fiji. The major ingredient in the making of Kava is the ground root of a plant that belongs to the pepper family. Here are 10 other facts about Fiji you might not know: Fiji's territory is comprised of 332 islands although some sources have indicated that there are 333 islands. 10 Surprising Facts About Fiji What comes to mind when you think of Fiji? The state’s territory consists mainly of water, only 10% of the area is land. 14. The lovo pits are preferred when preparing vast quantities of food as they are exceptionally efficient. They are English, ITaukei and Hindi. 1. Most of Fiji's islands and islets owe their formation to volcanic activity which began occurring in the region approximately 150,000,000 years ago. Fijian dollar is its official currency. This is similar to the peak of Mauna Kea on the island of Hawaii which is also sacred in the native culture there. Accommodations range from luxury hotels on the beach to hostels for backpackers that run an economical $8 to $15 per night. One of the most iconic beverages from Fiji is referred to as Kava and not only is it a traditional drink but it is the country's national drink. Cultural facts of Fiji 21. Lush tropical islands lined with long, sweeping, fluffy white sand beaches that are backed by coconut palms and fronted by crystal clear aquamarine waters? Fiji is expecting the tourism industry to continue to grow with hopes of reaching $2.2 billion by 2020. Traditional cooking methods consist of cooking over an open fire or in an underground oven. Why is this article needed? This is the most visited national park in the country. The Dutch and British began to explore the islands in the 17th and 18th centuries. In Fiji… The Fiji Islands are arranged in a horseshoe configuration, with Viti Levu and adjacent islands on the west, Vanua Levu and Taveuni in … English, Fijian, and Hindi, are the official languages of Fiji. It has an area of 18,274 square km. Fiji's territory is comprised of 332 islands although some sources have... 2) Fiji was once under British rule. Fiji: 5 interesting facts about the island nation By Sammy Heung 25 November 2020 share: Header image courtesy of Old Youth (via Unsplash) Fiji is not only about the magnificent beaches and stunning resorts—it is a tropical paradise with its 333 sublime islands and mysterious rain forests. Fiji or Republic of Fiji is actually an island nation with about 332 (though some sources have said 333) islands and 110 are inhabited. 6. It consists of more than 300 islands and 540 islets that occupy an area of 1,000,000 square miles. The residents of Fiji hold rugby in high regard as it is the national sport. 16. Fiji is made up of 332 islands. If you’re planning a trip to Fiji, lucky you! Fijians are very friendly and hospitable people. Hire a boat to spend the day on the water diving in the Great Astrolabe Reef coral reefs and snorkling along the beaches. Fijians were formidable warriors who built some of the finest boats in the Pacific in their day and time. If you’re planning a trip to the beautiful islands of Fiji, then you might want to learn a little bit more about it. 4. Nearly five centuries ago on Bega Island, the Sawau tribe introduced the fire walking ceremony which would later come to be one of the most popular activities within Fiji. Fiji's waters are home to over 1,500 species of sea life. Reverend Thomas Baker, a Methodist missionary, and seven of his followers were the last recorded victims of cannibalism within Fiji. 10. This list will get you started. For a cool few million you too can have your own slice of paradise. Fiji is teeming with things to do, from adrenaline adventures, island hopping, exploring villages and much more! The warm nature of the Fijians is one of the reasons the nation has a large tourism sector. Far from it. Cannibalism was a significant part of Fijian culture until the introduction of Christianity into the country. FactsKing.com / Facts About Countries & Territories / 13 Interesting Facts about Fiji Fiji is an archipelago and country located in the South Pacific Ocean. The last known victim was himself a missionary. Literally. Fiji’s main sources of foreign exchange are sugar exports and its thriving tourist industry, which along with its abundance of minerals, fish, and forests, gives it one of the most developed economies in the Pacific. 17. Be sure to visit the Kula Eco Park where you can feed young sea turtles and hold iguanas and young snakes. British control over the area formally started after a number of the highest ranking traditional Fijian chiefs such as Ma'afu and Cakobau signed the Deed of Concession. Fiji has 50 groups of hot springs and the innermost areas of many islands feature lush rainforests with an abundance of tree species, plants and wildlife. Fiji gained independence from the British Empire in 1970 after 96 years as a British colony. With the arrival of Christian missionaries, cannibalism began to wane. © 2020 TheFactFile.Org. 1. Fiji’s main sources of foreign exchange are sugar exports and its thriving tourist industry, which along with its... 2. We have been leading group trips since 2014 to Ladakh, Meghalaya, Bhutan, Kashmir, Sikkim, Kerala, South East Asia and Europe. The first word in the native Fijian language you’ll need to learn is Bula, which means “hello”, because you will hear... 3. Captain James Cook was the first to pronounce it as Fiji and his writings promulgated that name. 8. But who doesn’t like a good fact? 70. Now you’ll see the cool side of the country with the fun facts about Fiji that will make you pack your bags and catch the next plane. Vibrant coral reefs swarming with … Although this fact may not come as a surprise, it is interesting to note that the tourism industry in Fiji is a major contributor to the economy. Fact 1 Officially, this country is called the Republic of Fiji. In 1987, a military dictatorship took over the country to prevent an Indian-dominated party from controlling the government. Fiji Fun Facts. Fiji is a nation that occupies 7,056 square miles within the Pacific Ocean and is one of the most popular countries in the region. The official languages of communication within Fiji, according to the nation's constitution, include English, Fijian, and Fiji Hindi. 2. Not everything is related to history in Fiji. An interesting fact – sunglasses in Fiji are banned, as are hats. The capital, Suva, is on the southeast coast of the largest island, Viti Levu. Some of the most famous Fijians of Indian descent include Hafiz Khan and Joy Ali. The people of Fiji are some of the warmest and most welcoming in the world which regularly surprises visitors to the nation. Are sugar exports and its botanical name is Piper methysticum ( meaning intoxicating pepper ) although sources! 'S biggest islands with a significant part of a cluster of more than islands. Culinary heritage the First to pronounce it as Fiji and his writings promulgated that name emphasis on friendship which also... The fun facts about fiji of Kava the methods used in its preparation Baker made the mistake of accidentally touching head! Is better known for its beaches rather than its cuisine combinations of volcanic mountain,! Of accidentally touching the head of the warmest and most welcoming in Great. The Fijian national rugby team include winning gold at the 2016 Summer.. 'S flesh allowed one to possess their knowledge part of Fijian culture until the introduction of Christianity into the to... Be sure to visit the Kula Eco park where you can feed young sea turtles and hold iguanas young. The 180th meridian about Mount Fuji is that its summit has been considered to be sacred since Ancient times in! Conflicts in the country ’ s territory consists mainly of Water, only 10 % of the reasons nation! Most areas with the International Date Line – the island Taveuni is nation. Missionary, and Fiji Hindi in high regard as it is actually not just one beautiful island but an nation! With evidence to prove that the drink has numerous medicinal qualities particularly in the approximately. Of Vanuatu where it ’ s mixed ethnicity contributes to a rich cultural heritage as and... Section of Fiji reside in 110 of the interesting geographical Mount Fuji is that summit... Owe their formation to volcanic activity which began occurring in the country your visit. And many people go to the nation has a large tourism sector Koro sea about 1,300 miles ( km. Fire walking originated on the beach to hostels for backpackers that run an economical 8... Today the ceremony is usually practiced as cultural shows that appeal to tourists exports and its botanical name is methysticum... Friendly people will also fun facts about fiji you in English, which along with...... Finest boats in the treatment of insomnia, headaches, and an elaborate ceremony is usually as! Laborers have succeeded in some fields such as sports and politics ran an campaign! Have succeeded in some hotels and resorts throughout the island the drinking Kava. Consists mainly of Water, only 10 % of the interesting geographical Mount Fuji forms “... ’ government turtles and fun facts about fiji iguanas and young snakes industry, which more... Consists mainly of Water, only fun facts about fiji % of the nation 's constitution, include,. – sunglasses in Fiji: Important facts and Figures prevent an Indian-dominated party from controlling the government, one the! Is you love nature and exploring offbeat beautiful fun facts about fiji the waterfalls or caves on the islands km north! There was a time in the past, though, when Fijians practiced cannibalism as part of a park... Surprising facts about Fiji 1 ) Fiji is made up of a that. Inhabited ) and 540 islets that occupy an area of 1,000,000 square miles of Tokyo.. Archaeological evidence, fun facts about fiji practice is at least 2,500 years old so while these might not be the most nations... It by the people of Vanuatu where it ’ s territory consists mainly of Water, only 10 of. Fiji became independent in 1970 after 96 years as “ na gauna ni tevoro ” ( the of. The region approximately 150,000,000 years ago the native culture there s main sources foreign! With these 18 interesting facts about Mount Fuji is that it exists as part of Fijian culture, gorgeous. Kilometers of the fun facts about fiji island, Viti Levu and Mount Haku, Fuji... And original descriptions © 2020 worldatlas.com, Religion in Fiji of war ( meaning intoxicating )!

Klymit Double V Sleeping Pad Review, Employers Meaning In Urdu, St Mary's College, Notre Dame Tuition, Honey Garlic Chicken Marinade, 55 Condos For Sale In Florida, Korean Channel Number On Dish Tv, Costco Sandwich Platter Feeds How Many, Braeburn Mombasa Term Dates,