Map of Fiji | Fiji Flag Facts | Best things about Fiji
Known for its premium drinking water, Fiji is a breathtakingly beautiful place with a one-of-a-kind experience that is limited to the island. Are you looking for the perfect relaxing getaway or a great honeymoon spot? Well, you have come to the right place. Get ready for a short trip to Fiji with us and get to know all that you need to make the best out of your trip on sandy beaches and premium resorts that are an experience of its own.
Map of Fiji
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Is Fiji a US territory?
Here is a little history for you to get started, often mistaken for a US territory, the US was one of the very few countries to recognize Fiji’s independence in 1970 from the British rule. Fiji is often confused for being in the US or under its territory because of their relations with the US that have been going strong for decades now. Fiji has had assistance from the US Peace Corps with a lot of volunteers serving. After 2014, the US lifted the restrictions on their financial assistance to the country. The US has been helping Fiji and has been in good relations with it ever since it acquired its independence.
What country does Fiji belong to?
Contrary to popular belief, Fiji does not belong to any country especially after its independence from the British rule. After declaring its independence, Fiji became known as the Republic of Fiji which is an island country of its own in Melanesia, part of Oceania.
Where exactly is Fiji located in the world?
The volcanic islands of Fiji are located in the South of the Pacific Ocean. It is around 4.5 thousand kilometers in the southwest of Honolulu and 1.7 thousand kilometers in the north of New Zealand. Fiji recently acquired its recognition as a great spot for tourism and now a major part of their economy depends on it. It has transformed from an underdeveloped country to a developing country in the past few years and has been rapidly improving their services for the tourists visiting them.
Is Fiji a single island?
Surprisingly, the whole of Fiji comprises a total of 330 islands and maybe more out of which around 200 of them are inhabited and the rest are still uninhabited. The biggest islands are Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. The islands are known as volcanic islands due to an abundance of volcanoes. Melanesia has experienced a lot of volcano eruptions in the past and surprisingly even though Fiji has volcanic mountains, the last eruption that people had witnessed was on the third-largest island in Fiji, Taveuni and it was 400 years back. There have been no reports of any volcanic activity in the country ever since.
Fiji Flag Facts
Every flag comes with a rich history behind every component in the flag, from the symbol to the colors, they all are designed to encompass the crucial aspects of the country so here are some interesting facts about Fiji’s flag.
The very first flag that was used by Fiji was a rather simple one with a white star centered on a blue field called the flag of the Confederacy of Independent Kingdoms of Fiji. The current Fiji flag was designed by Tessa Mackenzie. In 2015, a competition was held to develop a new flag and there were numerous entries which then led to the choosing of a handful of flags and minor changes were made to the flag.
Fiji’s Flag Colors
The colors of the Fijian flag are Light blue, blue, red and white. Since Fiji comprises a lot of islands, the representation of the Pacific Ocean is crucial to them. The light blue color that is used in the flag is there to represent the water and the Pacific Ocean. The representation of water is crucial when it comes to Fiji for the role that it has played in improving their economy through not just tourism but exports and has greatly developed and advanced the country.
Meaning of Fiji’s Flag
Fiji’s flag contains two big relationships of its past, on the right is a shield with a red band across the top having a lion holding a peeled coconut. The rest of the shield is divided into four quadrants through the St. George Cross. Each of these quarters have a different symbol or a picture; a sugar cane, a coconut palm, a dove with an olive brand and lastly, a bunch of bananas. On the left of the flag is the Union Jack which represents the past of Fiji and its relations with the British. St George’s Cross denotes the same thing. In 1908, there used to be two coats of arms of two Fijian warriors on each side on the shield. The sugar cane, bananas and the coconuts signify the riches and the lush land of Fiji with its agricultural production. Lastly, the dove symbolizes peace.
Fiji’s Population
Not all of Fiji’s islands are inhabited so the population count through the most recent census is 884,887. A lot of Fijian population comprises Indians since a lot of people were brought from India to Fiji back in 1879-1916 to work in the sugarcane fields. Fiji is ranked 161 in the list of Countries by Population. Only 59.1% of Fiji’s population is Urban and the country has a literacy rate of 91.6% because primary education is not just made free in Fiji but is also compulsory.
Fiji’s Language
Fiji has a total of three national languages under their 1997 constitution. These languages are English, Hindi and iTaukei or Fijian. iTaukei is spoken as the first of the second language by the majority of the population of Fiji. Since Fijians of Indian descent make up about 37% of the population, a certain variant of Hindi is spoken in Fiji that is known as Fiji Hindi and English is spoken as a remnant of British rule over the islands and was their only national language before the 1997 constitution. There are a few other regional languages also spoken by the indigenous Fijians of the east and west Fiji and on top of that, a significant amount of the population also speaks Chinese and Rotuman due to a lot of immigrants.
Interesting Facts about Fiji
Fiji is an interesting place with a rich culture and an even richer history. Not just limited to its clean water and sandy beaches, Fiji has a lot more to offer than that. Fiji is home to four percent of all the world’s coral reef which is inhabited by over 1500 species of marine life including the Great Astrolabe Reef. Here in Fiji, you’ll experience waters like never before in a country which has a lot more to offer. Here are some of the interesting facts about Fiji that will make you fall in love with the place more!
- Fiji comprises 333 islands out of which only 110 are inhabited and the rest are home to only the wildlife present there.
- You can buy yourself a small island and make it all your own just for a few million dollars (a lot cheaper than most islands).
- Fiji has a total of 28 airports but only 4 of them have paved runways.
- Around 57% of the Fijian population is native Melanesian or Melanesian/Polynesian mix with 37% of the population having Indian decedents.
- Fiji’s main religion is Christianity and another commonly practiced religion is Hinduism.
- Fiji’s history includes the people of the place practicing cannibalism for a very long time before the arrival of Christian missionaries. Now, there are no cannibal tribes left on the island and there are laws incriminating it.
Best things about Fiji
With its main attraction being the beautiful beaches, Fiji has ensured to provide its tourists with the best possible experience that they can get. Fiji offers a lot of activities and services that will make sure that you get the best out of your stay in Fiji and enjoy the beaches like a native. Here are some places to visit and try when visiting Fiji
- Blue Lagoon Cruise; an intimate cruise that offers a variety of packages and allows you to choose from three different itineraries that are subject to change depending on several factors.
- Cloudbreak, Mamanuca Islands; lying on a sheltered reef near Namotu Island Resort, Cloudbreak is known for its challenging waves for surfers.
- Denarau Island; This will be your one-stop hub for everything you want from shopping to relaxing spa treatments and amazing authentic cuisine.
- Beqa Lagoon, Viti Levu; people often come here to experience the Beqa Lagoon Shark Dive with proper safety measures allowing you to see sharks in their natural habitat.
- Pacific Harbour, Viti Levu; known as the “Adventure Capital of Fiji” Pacific Harbour comprises vacation homes and resorts. The place offers numerous water sports and activities that include river rafting, jet skiing, surfing etc. Pacific Harbour also offers other experiences like popular arts villages with great restaurants and shops to shop for souvenirs.
BOOK HOTEL IN ANY PART OF FIJI AT GREAT PRICES
