FIJI
 

As of the 1996 census, there were 775,077 permanent citizens of Fiji. Of these, 393,575 were pure Fijian; 398,818 heirs of East Indian immigration; 3,103 Europeans; 11,865 part-European; 9,727 Rotumans; 4,939 Chinese; 2,767 "others."

Capital
The nation’s capital and administrative and political centre is Suva, situated on the southeastern side of Viti Levu. Suva has a population of about 358,500 and is home to a large percentage of the Fijian-Indian community.

Currency
Fijian dollar FJD

Language
English is the official language. The widely used Fijian language has many dialects and is commonly known as Bavan Fijian.

Religion
More than half of the population are Christians (52.9%). The rest is made up of Hindus 38.1%, Muslims (7.8%), Sikhs (0.7%), and others (0.1%).

Geography
The highest mountain peak of Fiji is Tomanivi (Mt. Victoria) at 1,323 m on the island, Viti Levu.

Climate
Fiji can be enjoyed all year round because of its mild tropical climate with gentle trade winds tempering the heat and humidity. Each of the main islands divided by mountain ranges has a "wet" side to the south and east, and a "dry" side to the north and west. Resorts tend to line the west and south coasts of the larger islands.

Seasons are reversed south of the equator. Summer months (November-April) have the greater rainfall, while winter (May-October) is drier. Temperatures range from an average of 75° Fahrenheit in July-August to 80° Fahrenheit in December-January.

Fiji lies in the path of hurricanes moving south from the equator in the months of November-April. Only four severe storms have hit the islands in the last 20 years.

Fiji has a warm tropical climate that can be enjoyed all year round. May to November is probably the best time to go as it is cooler (around 27ºC by day), less humid and less prone to rain and storms.  December to May is Fijian summer, and temperatures can rise to 32ºC or more. These higher temperatures are usually followed by cooling late afternoon showers on the larger islands. The smaller offshore islands generally get much less rain.

Economy
Tourism constitutes Fiji's best source of foreign exchange, followed by sugar and garments. The country is also rich in gold, coconut oil, seafood and lumber. Though the price of lumber has skyrocketed internationally, Fiji's villagers are choosing to turn their rain forests into parks rather than match sticks.

The Fiji Pine Commission has planted thousands of acres for commercial harvest. It is hoped that pine will soon rival sugar and tourism as foreign exchange earners.

Village Protocol
Hats and sunglasses are not to be worn in a village as they indicate disrespect of the chief.

Do not wear shoes inside buildings.

Woman must have their knees and shoulders covered and it is respectful for men to do the same.  Sulus and t-shirts are idea for this purpose.

Avoid touching a Fijian person's head as it is considered an insult.

It is impolite to sit with your legs stretched out in front of you.

When visiting a village it is customary to take a "sevusevu" gift of kava root. This can be purchased at local markets or local shops. It will cost around $30.00 Fijian.

Useful words

Gifts
If you want to bring a gift for your host family consider small gifts that will help out the children of the village schooling such as pencils, rubbers, sharpeners, notepads. Sports balls such as netballs, rugby balls, soccer balls, tennis balls are a big hit and even second hand clothes and shoes for all ages would be very much appreciated. Gifts are not expected and it is entirely up to you if you would like to bring gifts.