January 2009

Fiji holidays is your guide to holidays, islands, resorts and hotels in Fiji

This is a review of the Fiji Islands, their holiday resorts, hotels, scuba diving and surfing facilities. It also contains useful facts and descriptions of Eco tourism, Small Ship cruises around Fiji with details of other holiday packages for families and the romantics amongst you.

Bula - Hello/Welcome

"Bula!" - You'll hear this friendly Fijian "hello" often as you explore these tropical islands. Smiling strangers greet you warmly on city streets and wave on rural roads. Little wonder visitors from all parts of the world consider Fiji holidays one the South Pacific's most hospitable countries.

Varied Culture

In Fiji, visitors discover a fascinating population representing many ethnic groups - in addition to Fijians, you'll see Indians, Chinese, and Europeans as well as other South Pacific Islanders on Fiji holidays.

The Fiji Islands

How many islands comprise the Fiji archipelago?

Estimates range from 300 to 500, depending whether you count every little coral atoll and islands. Of these, only about 100 are inhabited.

Viti Levu, the largest island, covers over half of Fiji's land area. Fiji's main towns dot the Viti Levu coast at Suva, Lautoka, and Nadi on your Fiji holidays.

A short distance northeast of Viti Levu is its smaller sister island, Vanua Levu. Other lesser islands and island groups include Taveuni, Ovalau, Vatulele, Beqa, the Laus, the Mamanucas and the Yasawas. Beyond the villages and urban centers of Viti Levu, Fiji holidays offer golden sandy beaches and beautiful blue lagoons on the outer islands.

History of Fiji (potted version)

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 labourers brought to the islands by the British in the 19th century). A 1990 constitution favoured native Melanesian control of Fiji holidays, 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, but a coup in May 2000 ushered in a prolonged period of political turmoil. Elections held in August 2001 provided Fiji discovered with a democratically elected government and gave a mandate to the government of Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase. The 2005-2006 military coup is still causing some unrest and potential visitors will need to check out their own position with their appropriate embassies.

Structure

Fiji has over 300 islands in its archipelago, each fringed with coral reefs and lapped by warm azure waters - the diving and snorkelling are superb. Amid its wealth of natural beauty, Fiji's true magic lies in its people and the fascinating blend of their diverse cultures.

Fiji holidays are an interesting blend of Melanesian, Polynesian, Micronesian, Indian, Chinese and European influences. For nearly 50 years, until the military coup of 1987, the indigenous people of Fiji represented an ethnic minority in their own land.

More facts

Fiji was the trade centre for the South Pacific during the 19th century and the British claimed it as a colony in 1874. During the century or so that Fiji holidays remained under British colonial rule, tens of thousands of indentured Indian labourers were imported to work on sugar plantations. Indigenous Fijians, however, managed to hold onto their traditional rites and practices - meke (narrative dance), bure (house) construction, kava ceremonies, tapa-cloth making and pottery.

Vinaka Vaka Levu - thanks very much

an introduction to the Islands ...... Fiji lonely planet