About Fiji

Fiji is located in the South Pacific and boasting over 300 coral fringed islands scattered across 20,000 square miles, this archipelago has an abundance of enticing experiences waiting for you.

Whether you choose to relax soaking up the South Pacific sun, drop anchor at one of Fiji’s islands, scuba dive at world famous dive locations, surf the reef breaks or bush walk through the abundantly lush tropical rainforests, there is a myriad of ways to enjoy Fiji.

With a destination so diverse and colourful, it seems only right that the people of Fiji are also so delightful, friendly, natural and fun. With a heritage influenced by the blend of Melanesian, Polynesian, Micronesian, Indian, Chinese and European cultures, the people of Fiji add that little extra bit of magic to an already alluring destination.

According to Fijian legend, the great chief Lutunasobasoba led his people across the seas to the new land of Fiji. Most authorities agree that people came into the Pacific from Southeast Asia via the Malay Peninsula. Here the Melanesians and the Polynesians mixed to create a highly developed society long before the arrival of other cultures.

Religion

A multi-racial, multi-cultural nation, Fiji is represented by all the major religions of the world. This is quickly obvious to the visitor who will see Christian churches, Mosques, Sikh and Hindu temples in towns and the countryside. More than half of Fiji’s population are Christians (52.9%), Hindus (38.1%), Muslim (7.8%), Sikhs (0.7%), Others (0.5%).

Race Relations

Race relations in Fiji are generally harmonious. The Compact provision in the Constitution requires that full account are to be taken of the interests of all communities. It is unlawful to discriminate on the grounds of colour, race or ethnic origins and it is an offence to incite racial disharmony.

Language

English is the official language, but Fijian and Hindi are also taught in schools as part of the school curriculum. Indigenous Fijians have their own dialects and you can tell where one comes from, from their dialect. Indians too have their own, and generally speak a distinctive Fiji-Hindi dialect. This is not the same as the one spoken in India.