Fiji

Overview

Fiji is one of those paradise islands in the Pacific, but the island has more to offer than just beaches where you can laze around and water where you can snorkel. There are many scenic and historic attractions in Fiji. The capital, Suva, has many old shops and markets with various foods, artefacts, handicrafts and especially seafood. Places of historic interest include the National Museum, situated in the lush surrounds of Thurston Gardens next to Government House and the old Parliament Buildings. Other sites of interest on Fiji include the Cultural Centre at Orchid Island, just outside of Suva, the mysterious earthworks at Taveuni and the old colonial houses (situated around Fiji). Very typical for Fiji are three things : The first is the word 'Bula'! This will probably be your first word when arriving in Fiji. Meaning 'welcome' but also 'be at ease', it will most definitely make you feel both. Secondly it is common refrain repeated by all who travelled to Fiji, is that the islands of Fiji are not only among the most pristine in the world, but also inhabited by the friendliest people. And last but not least the world renowned Island Resorts, resorts on private islands, many of them within easy reach from the international airports of Nadi and Suva . The ethnic variety of Fiji society can be seen mainly in the towns. There are powerfully built Fijians dressed in wrap-around sulus, numerous Indians, men in Western clothes, women wearing colourful saris and a...more

History

Despite evidence that Fiji has been inhabited for more than 2 500 years little is known of its history before the coming of the Europeans. In earlier times the Fiji Islands were known as the "Cannibal Islands". The first known European to sight the Fiji islands was the Dutchman Abel Tasman in 1643. European missionaries whalers traders and deserters settled during the first half of the 19th century. Their influence caused increasingly serious wars among the native Fijian confederacies. In 1871 the Europeans in Fiji established an administration under Ratu Seru Cakobau who had become paramount chief of eastern Viti Levu years before. Chaos followed until a convention of chiefs ceded Fiji unconditionally to the United Kingdom on October 10 1874. The pattern of colonialism in Fiji during the following century was similar to that in other British possessions: the pacification of the countryside the spread of plantation agriculture and the introduction of Indian indentured labor. Many traditional institutions including the system of communal land ownership were maintained. Fiji's revered chief Ratu Sukuna fought in the French Foreign Legion during the First World War and was highly decorated. Fiji units aided British forces in non-combatant roles. Fiji soldiers fought alongside the Allies in the Second World War gaining a fine reputation in the tough Solomon Islands campaign. The United States and other Allied countries maintained military installations in Fiji during that war but the Japanese did not attack Fiji. In April 1970 a constitutional conference in London agreed that Fiji...more