country profile
country profile:
fiji
WHAT'S UP WITH FIJI?
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Geography: Fiji is found in the South Pacific Ocean, in Melanesia. Where nearly over 332 islands reside, there are only 110 which are inhabited by people. The largest island located in Fiji is Viti Levu where the two official cities are reside Suva, the capital city and Lautoka. There are towns which also reside there: Ba, Nasinu and Nadi. These contain 69% of the population, Located two-third between Hawaii and New Zealand in the Pacific Ocean.
The Main Islands: Viti Levu & Vanua Levu
Due to the volcanic activities that have taken place, it soon became the result of the larger island of Fiji, whereas the smaller islands are due to coral reefs.
The weather tends to be warm usually from April 23rd to October 31st, these are considered a cooler time.
History: Fiji is a beautiful country regarded for its beaches, warm climate and the relaxing atmosphere. It became an independent country after the British colonisation in 1970. Fiji has about 330 islands, where there are only 110 of them are inhabited, this country has two major islands: Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. Suva is the capital city of Fiji. Throughout the 17th and 18th it was being investigated by the British and Dutch, where it was claimed as a possession of the British crown. After 1880's in the course of the next 40 years many Indian labours traveled from India to Fiji. In the 1920's there were conflicts occurring between the natives and the Indians but now have calmed down.
Economy: Fiji has been seen as middle income country and but it is viewed more developed when compared to other pacific island’s economics. The economy of Fiji has started to become more developed, in 2012 the economy grew 2.5% and in 2013 it grew 2.7%. In 2014 index it was rated 58.7 for its economic freedom score resulting in Fiji being the 99th freest. Fiji has fish, minerals and forest resources which helps it development. Sugar is considered to being the export, with tourism being some of foreign exchange. Gross domestic products include agriculture with is more than 18%.
The Main Islands: Viti Levu & Vanua Levu
Due to the volcanic activities that have taken place, it soon became the result of the larger island of Fiji, whereas the smaller islands are due to coral reefs.
The weather tends to be warm usually from April 23rd to October 31st, these are considered a cooler time.
History: Fiji is a beautiful country regarded for its beaches, warm climate and the relaxing atmosphere. It became an independent country after the British colonisation in 1970. Fiji has about 330 islands, where there are only 110 of them are inhabited, this country has two major islands: Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. Suva is the capital city of Fiji. Throughout the 17th and 18th it was being investigated by the British and Dutch, where it was claimed as a possession of the British crown. After 1880's in the course of the next 40 years many Indian labours traveled from India to Fiji. In the 1920's there were conflicts occurring between the natives and the Indians but now have calmed down.
Economy: Fiji has been seen as middle income country and but it is viewed more developed when compared to other pacific island’s economics. The economy of Fiji has started to become more developed, in 2012 the economy grew 2.5% and in 2013 it grew 2.7%. In 2014 index it was rated 58.7 for its economic freedom score resulting in Fiji being the 99th freest. Fiji has fish, minerals and forest resources which helps it development. Sugar is considered to being the export, with tourism being some of foreign exchange. Gross domestic products include agriculture with is more than 18%.
TRUE OR FALSE
It is a fact that when we think about different cultures and countries, we indirectly have stereotypical views about them, it is very much unavoidable. Stereotype is when we have a fixed idea of a person or group. Some of the stereotypes that are held about Fiji are: people live on the beach, always dancing, happy, lively, laidback and finally they are very arrogant and rude. Nearly all of these stereotypes are not true. They do not live on the beach but spend a great deal of their time enjoying the nature and the views, they are very happy and respectful people to be around who believe that arrogance is no way to live. They believe in being polite and happy. Although they are laid-back it is known that they still are hard workers.
HOW TO MEET PEOPLE?
There are varieties of ways to make friends, connect and socialise with people in Fiji. Fiji can be considered a laid- back country, this is very similar to Australia. You can connect & meet people while travelling to the local markets, eating locally, using public transport and going on tours around Fiji. But while meeting people make sure know the difference between the native Fijians and the Indian Fijians, as there has been many conflicts among them both that have happened, but it can be expected the relationship between is balanced and they are mostly separate from one another.
One of the popular sites that you can meet friends in Fiji is in the markets which are located in Nadi Main Street; here they offer wide ranges of fruits, flowers, vegetables and many other things. There is also a Hindu temple located in Nadi, Sri Siva Subramaniya Swami Temple visiting here might be a great opportunity to learn about how it was created and talk to the owners. As well as you can learn more about the Fijian culture and new friends.
One of the popular sites that you can meet friends in Fiji is in the markets which are located in Nadi Main Street; here they offer wide ranges of fruits, flowers, vegetables and many other things. There is also a Hindu temple located in Nadi, Sri Siva Subramaniya Swami Temple visiting here might be a great opportunity to learn about how it was created and talk to the owners. As well as you can learn more about the Fijian culture and new friends.
CULTCHA VULTCHA: WHAT TO EXPECT
When travelling aboard there are always customs that we must follow, these consists of respecting the culture; people and making sure you know some relevant facts about the country. It is necessary that you learn some basic vocabulary to communicate with them. You should always try and be opened to new ideas & customs acted by people. You should be aware of the customs of Fijians, in the life of a Fijian respect and family is very important. If you make friends it is a sure fact that you cannot walk past their home without being invited for a meal, they believe that people's actions are a way to serve others. Fijians are very tradition when it comes to clothing, women should avoid wearing tops that show their bare shoulders such as tank tops. Men and women should not wear short-shorts or skirts when going sightseeing.
When visiting someone’s house, take your shoes off before entering. It is considered disrespectful to wear hats when visiting a village. When speaking to them speak softly, it is seen rude to speak in raised voice. Food is a central part of their life as it is very easy to grow many crops in Fiji. During your visit here you will have the chance to be a part of the Fijian lifestyle, you should be mindful of their tradition and values. Fiji is mainly native Fijians and Indian Fijians with a mix of Chinese, Europeans as well as others. Some tips that might help you meet people quicker are if you knew some of the basic words spoken in Fiji. By knowing some basic words you are showing respect to their culture.
Hello: “Bula”
Excuse me: “tulou tulou”
Goodbye: “moc”
Thank you: “vinaka”
Does anyone speak English? : “E dua beka eke rawa ni vosa vakavalagi?”
When visiting someone’s house, take your shoes off before entering. It is considered disrespectful to wear hats when visiting a village. When speaking to them speak softly, it is seen rude to speak in raised voice. Food is a central part of their life as it is very easy to grow many crops in Fiji. During your visit here you will have the chance to be a part of the Fijian lifestyle, you should be mindful of their tradition and values. Fiji is mainly native Fijians and Indian Fijians with a mix of Chinese, Europeans as well as others. Some tips that might help you meet people quicker are if you knew some of the basic words spoken in Fiji. By knowing some basic words you are showing respect to their culture.
Hello: “Bula”
Excuse me: “tulou tulou”
Goodbye: “moc”
Thank you: “vinaka”
Does anyone speak English? : “E dua beka eke rawa ni vosa vakavalagi?”
MUST VISIT PLACES!
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There are many beautiful and wonderful places to visit in Fiji, some of these places include:
The “Sri Siva Subramaniya Swami Temple” as I have mentioned before this is a beautiful temple which is located in Nadi, in the base of the main street. This is a peaceful place where you will be able to view the cultures and the architecture. This is a religious site. The Fijian Museum is a must visit place located in the capital city, Suva. By visiting you will be able to learn the evolution of Fiji as a country and how it became to be and the traditional values that it holds.
Parliament of Fiji is located in Suva; during this visit you would have the opportunity to see the place where Fiji first became an independent country from United States, as well as the architecture of it. There is the municipal market in Suva, a great way of discovering new fruits, plants and a way to live life. It is located in Usher Street. Another great site to visit in Fiji is the Natadola beach located 36km south of Nadi; it is a great place to surf, unless there are rips. It is one of Fiji’s most beautiful beaches.
The “Sri Siva Subramaniya Swami Temple” as I have mentioned before this is a beautiful temple which is located in Nadi, in the base of the main street. This is a peaceful place where you will be able to view the cultures and the architecture. This is a religious site. The Fijian Museum is a must visit place located in the capital city, Suva. By visiting you will be able to learn the evolution of Fiji as a country and how it became to be and the traditional values that it holds.
Parliament of Fiji is located in Suva; during this visit you would have the opportunity to see the place where Fiji first became an independent country from United States, as well as the architecture of it. There is the municipal market in Suva, a great way of discovering new fruits, plants and a way to live life. It is located in Usher Street. Another great site to visit in Fiji is the Natadola beach located 36km south of Nadi; it is a great place to surf, unless there are rips. It is one of Fiji’s most beautiful beaches.
HARDEST PART OF THE TRAVEL
While you travel overseas there will always be a hard part to the trip, travelling to Fiji is no different. The hardest part would be meeting new people, forming a great bond with them only to have to leave a few weeks later. It could also be hard for you to meet new people or even try to belong with them. You should be fully prepared before you start travelling, make sure you have your insurance so that if you do get hurt it would not cost you. Although Fiji is quiet a safe place to travel, it is advised that you do not travel at night as there are muggings.