Where is Fiji ?
Fiji is an island nation in Melanesia in the South Pacific Ocean. Its closet neighbors are Vanuatu to the west, France’s New Caledonia to the southwest, New Zealand’s Kermadec to the southeast, Tonga to the east, the Samoas, France’s Wallis and Futuna to the northeast, and Tuvalu to the north. It has been inhabited since second millennium BC. The main island of the republic is named Viti Levu. The estimated population of the country is 849,000; the total area is 7,056 square miles.
What is the capital of Fiji?
Suva is the capital of Fiji and is located on the southeast coast of the island of Viti Levu. Almost half of the population resides in Suva. It has an area of 790.5 square miles and an estimated population of 85,691.
What is the currency of Fiji?
The Fijian dollar is the currency of Fiji. Its ISO 4217 code is FJD. In 1969 Fijian pound was replaced by the Fijian dollar at the rate of 1 pound = 2 dollars.
Which is the largest city of Fiji?
Suva is the largest city of Fiji. It is Fiji’s political and administrative capital, with most banks having their Pacific headquarters here. The most notable landmark of the capital is the Suva City Library, built in 1909. Fiji Museum is another famous landmark. It was founded in 1904 and was shifted to its present location in 1954. The museum has the most expensive collection of Fijian artifacts in the world.
What is the official language of Fiji?
The 1997, the constitution established Fijian as an official language, although it is not the “national language” of the country. Fijian is an Austronesian language of the Malayo-Polynesian family. Hindustani and English are the two other official languages.
What is the religion of Fiji?
Majority of the population in Fiji is Christian. Christians constitute about 64.5% of the population. The largest Christian denomination is the Methodist Church of Fiji and Rotuma. 27.9% of the population is Hindu. They belong mostly to the Sanatan sect. Muslim, Sikh constitute less than 10% of the population.
What is the literacy rate of Fiji?
Fiji has a high literacy rate of 93%. Education is compulsory and free till the age of 16.
Who is the political leader of Fiji?
Since independence, Fiji has seen four major coups in 1987, 2000 and 2006. The twin-coups of 1987 resulted in the overthrow of the elected government of Fijian Prime Minister Timoci Bavadra. The first coup took place on May 14, 1987 and the second coup on September 28. The second coup ended the Fijian monarchy and was soon followed by the proclamation of the republic. Both the coups were led by Lieutenant Colonel Sitiveni Rabuka. The coup of 2000 overthrew the elected government. The then Prime Minister Chaudhry and other members of the parliament were taken hostage by gunmen. The 2006 coup occurred partly because of the continuation of the pressure building since the unrest of the 2000 Fijian coup. No significant violence or protest occurred during this coup. Brigadier-General Ratu Epeli Nailatikau is the current president of Fiji. Commodore Josaia Voreque Bainimarama is the acting prime minister of Fiji.
When is the National Day of Fiji celebrated?
The National Day of Fiji is celebrated on October 10, 1970. The British granted Fiji independence on this day. The democratic process was interrupted by two coups in 1987. The second coup ended the Fijian monarchy and it became a republic on September 28, 1987.
What is the economy of Fiji like?
Fiji experienced a period of rapid growth in 1960s and 1970s, but stagnated in the 1980s. Urbanization and expansion in service sector have contributed to the GDP growth. Sugar export and the tourism industry are major sources of foreign exchange. The estimated GDP of the country is 3.131 billion dollars.
