Sneak Preview

Sunny skies, swaying coconut palms casting long shadows on sandy shores teasingly lapped by aquamarine waters, sails billowing in the gentle breeze, boats coming in laden with fresh sea bounty and long, cool drinks served by smiling islanders happy to have guests over - all that and much more is on offer in the Fiji Islands. Pleasure seekers, lotus - eaters and those with wanderlust in their blood head out to the Republic of Fiji - a tropical paradise of three hundred islands in the mid South Pacific.

A melting pot of many Pacific and Asian cultures, the Fiji Islands reflects the laid back, easy-going nature and holiday ambience of the Pacific Islands. Well connected by international airlines, Fiji has a superb tourist infrastructure and is the perfect pleasure trip for snorkellers, scuba divers, swimmers and beach bums. Great food, a warm and friendly people and weather designed to please even the most difficult -add to that sun, sand and sea and its an all time unbeatable combination.

Bula! Welcome to Fiji.

If you are visiting a Fijian village, remember that only the chief of the village is allowed to wear a hat and sunglasses!

Historically Speaking

The first settlers settled in Fiji around 1500 BC. Around 1000 AD Polynesians invaded Fiji from Tonga and Samoa, causing large-scale wars. In 1874, the British claimed it as a British colony and established the capital at Suva. Tens of thousands of indentured Indian labourers were brought in to work on the sugar and cotton plantations. By the time indentured labour was abolished in 1919, there were more than sixty thousand Indians in Fiji.

Today they make up about 45% of the total population and hold good jobs and a lot of the business interests in the country. This accounts for the recurring ethnic tensions between the indigenous people and the Indian community. Fiji gained independence in October 1970 from its British masters. In 1999, Fiji elected its first prime minister of Indian descent; PM Mahindra Chaudhary was taken hostage and overthrown a year later. Fiji is now once again under an interim government, pending fresh national elections.

Habitat

Fiji's terrain is mostly of volcanic origin and the highest point in Fiji is Tomanivi at 1,324 km. Fiji is well endowed by nature, being rich in timber, fish, gold, copper, and potential rich off- shore oil deposits and hydro electric power. Fiji has an extensive coastline of more than 1, 129 km making it a perfect holiday destination.

The two major islands are Vanua Levu and Viti Levu. The capital, Suva is located on the island of Viti Levu. Two other sizeable islands are Taveuni and Kadavu while the rest of the country is made up of smaller islands.