 Fiji became
independent in 1970, after nearly a century as a British
colony. Democratic rule was interrupted by two military coups in 1987,
caused by concern over a government perceived as dominated by the Indian
community (descendants of contract laborers brought to the islands by
the British in the 19th century). A 1990 constitution favored native
Melanesian control of Fiji, but led to heavy Indian emigration; the
population loss resulted in economic difficulties, but ensured that
Melanesians became the majority. Amendments enacted in 1997 made the
constitution more equitable. Free and peaceful elections in 1999
resulted in a government led by an Indo-Fijian. Fiji has been a major
contributor to UN peacekeeping missions in various parts of the world.
 Fiji is a by comparison large islandgroup,
attractive not only for its beautiful landscapes, intresting culture and
spontaneous people, Fiji is also centrally located in the
South Pacific. The Fiji archipelago
is at the cross roads of the South Pacific. In the days of sailing ships
it was known as The Cannibal Isles and carefully avoided by mariners
because of its fierce warriors and treacherous waters. Nowadays, more
than 85 flights land at Nadi on the main island
of Viti Levu every week. From there it is only a quick seven
minute hop to one of the offshore island resorts, or less than an hour
of flying time to Vanua Levu or Taveuni, the second and third largest
islands, where then outside world is quickly left behind.
English is the official language, along with Fijian and
Hindi. English is spoken everywhere. Fiji lies south of the equator, so
seasons are the reverse of those in the Northern Hemisphere.
Temperatures average about 75 in the winter ( May through October), 80
in summer (November through April). Dress in cool, comfortable and
casual. Bathing suits and shorts are fine at the beach, but be
respectful when visiting villages, cover your arms and legs with a sulus
(sarong), suitable for all occasions. If you plan to trek, bring sturdy
walking shoes. Reef walkers or Aqua shoes are an excellent idea for
wading. Good sunscreen is a must.
 Fiji is also a nature lover's Eden.
Adrift in the splendid isolation of the blue waters of the South
Pacific, the islands have escaped the ravages of the western world. Fiji
has more than three hundred species of native orchids, as well as
hundreds of varieties that have been imported from places around the
world. Inside Fiji's many tropical forest reserves, you can walk
surrounded with the scent of wild frangipani. The islands are nature's
playgrounds, teeming with jabbering parrots that swoop through treetops
and rare turtles that nest along the beaches.
The capital is Suva on the south
east corner of Viti Levu, although most visitors have their first taste
of Fiji via the international airport at Nadi,
one of the other major towns. Nearby are the
Mamanuca and Yasawa
Islands which offer beautiful lagoons and beaches. The old capital of
Levuka on Ovalau Island has been
preserved as a historical monument.
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