FIJI QUICK FACTS

GEOGRAPHY
The Fiji Islands are in the southwest Pacific Ocean, north of New Zealand and east of Australia. Longitudinally, Fiji is where the day begins: on the 180th meridian (The International Date Line). This group is composed of about 300 islands (depending upon how many small islets and reefs you take into consideration), of which about 100 are inhabited. The larger islands are of volcanic origin, while some of the smaller islands are built of coral. None of the volcanoes are active.

The largest island, Viti Levu, has an area of about 10,400 sq. km (4,100 sq. mi.), and is home to 70% of the country's population. It is the current location of Homes of Hope.

CLIMATE * HOT & WET
Fiji's tropical marine climate varies from region to region. The western (leeward) side of Viti Levu Island is known for its dry days with clear skies. In contrast, the eastern (windward) side of the island is subject to cloudy skies, which bring frequent rains and moderate sunshine. The Central Interior Region's higher elevation brings daily rain during the rainy season, producing lush tropical rain forest.

Temperatures and rainfall in Fiji vary with the season and the region. The dry, cooler months are from May to October, when the temperature may drop to 15º C (59º F.) along the coastal areas at night, and as low as 10º C (50º F.) in the Interior. Daytime temperatures during this season average around 27º C (80º F.). During the hot, wet months temperatures occasionally reach a high of 35º C (95º F.) with a low of about 20º C (68º F.). February and March are usually the wettest months.

The humidity generally increases and decreases with the temperature, although the humidity is generally greatest on the eastern side of the island. There, the humidity is seldom less than 60% and may range as high as 95%. On the drier western side, the humidity range is generally from 45-86%.

FLORA AND FAUNA
More than half of Fiji's total area is covered with forest, primarily tropical rain forest occupying the windward slopes of the larger islands. The forest also includes large sections of mangroves and coconut palms along the coasts. Bamboo, pandanus, ferns, reeds, grasses, and various flowering plants are abundant. Pine plantations have been planted to produce wood for local use as well as export.

Fiji's indigenous mammals are limited to fruit bats, insect-eating bats, and a small gray rat. Introduced mammals include dogs, cats, pigs, cows, sheep, goats, horses, and the mongoose. Bird species are abundant, including colorful parrots, noisy mynahs, waterfowl, and migratory birds. Snakes are found on several islands but are rarely seen and not considered to be dangerous. There are several species of lizard, ranging from the friendly gecko (house lizard) to the banded iguana, which can be up to a meter in length but is rarely observed. Toads are abundant in the evening or after a rain. Fiji's animal population also includes a variety of spiders and insects such as beetles, wasps, ants, cockroaches, and mosquitoes.

Fiji's underwater flora and fauna are magnificent and varied. Snorkeling and scuba diving are major tourist attractions. One can look forward to seeing many different animals, including corals, colorful fish, sea anemone, shellfish, sea stars, crabs, and sea cucumbers. Snorkelers and divers occasionally see sea snakes, which are highly venomous but normally very docile and not considered to be a threat.

GOVERNMENT
Fiji became an independent nation on October 10, 1970, after 96 years of British colonial rule. Politics during this time was multi-ethnic. The Alliance Party ruled Fiji from 1970 to 1987. It consisted mainly of Fijians but included all ethnic groups: Indians, Europeans, Chinese and other islanders. The opposition party was largely, but not solely, made up of Indians. Following the 1987 military coup, Fiji withdrew from the British Commonwealth and was ruled by an interim government. The interim government lasted until 1992. During this time, Fiji was effectively ruled without a constitution, and the number of non-Fijian representatives was greatly decreased. A new constitution was adopted in 1990, but it was not fully implemented until 1992. Sitiveni Rabuka, former coup leader, shed his military uniform and won a five-year term as Prime Minister. Currently, the constitution just completed a major revision, and politics is a volatile issue.

In 2000, a second bloodless coup was initiated. As of today (2003) there is still political uncertainty with the present government. Issues concerning the constitution and some initiators of the coup are still being tried.

ECONOMY
The economy of Fiji is primarily agrarian, with subsistence farming at the village level an important way of life. Along coastal areas, fishing is also a major source of income. The largest sources of hard currency in Fiji are tourism and sugar.

THE PEOPLE

TWO PEOPLES
Fiji's population, just over 3/4 of a million people, is a mixture of Fijians (about 50%), Indians (about 46%), Europeans (meaning anyone of European descent), Rotumans, Chinese, and other Pacific Islanders.

Fijians, the indigenous inhabitants of Fiji, are descendants of Melanesians and Polynesians. The intermingling of these two groups has produced in Fiji a variety of physical types, ranging from short, dark-skinned people with tightly curled hair to those who are tall and fair-skinned with straight hair. Culturally, the Fijians differ little within Fiji, but there are definite dialectical differences between regions. Officially, the Bauan dialect is used for all written communication, television, and radio.

Fijian customs reflect an utmost courtesy and dignity toward visitors, whether they be from within Fiji or from overseas. There are ceremonies for every occasion which may include the presentation of tabua (pronounced tahm-bo-ah; whale's tooth), food, or other gifts, and nearly always include the drinking of yaqona (pronounced yahng-go-na), the national beverage.

Fiji's Indian population is largely composed of descendants of the Indians brought to Fiji in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as indentured servants to work the sugar plantations. Traditional differences between Muslim and Hindu, upper and lower castes have largely been forgotten. Because the caste system was broken down, those who would have been on the bottom rungs of society in India had opportunities in Fiji they never would have had in their own country. Still, Fiji's Indians were not handed their rights immediately. Instead, they have worked very hard to obtain their position in Fijian society. Fiji Hindu has become the primary language.

Few Indians have been able to become landowners in Fiji. Instead, they tend to lease land on which to develop businesses or farms. The Indians own many of the retail shops and professional services in Fiji, and they provide a major contribution to Fiji's economy.

LANGUAGE
English is spoken by many people, but at varied levels of proficiency. Sentence structure may vary from what you are accustomed to hearing. Words are generally taken literally. To decrease confusion, avoid negative questions, such as: "You won't be coming along, will you?" In addition, your accent will make it more difficult for some people to understand you. Take a cue from their level of proficiency with the English language. If their English isn't very good, or if they seem to have a blank look on their faces, repeat yourself, speak slowly, and carefully select your words.

BASIC FIJIAN VOCABULARY
Hello = Ni sa bula (nee sahm boo lah)
Goodbye = Moce (mo they)
Thank you = Vinaka vaka levu (vee nah kah vah kah lav voo)
You're welcome = Vinaka (vee nah kah)

BASIC HINDI VOCABULARY
Hello = Kasai hai (Ka say hay)
How are you bro = Kasai bhai (Ka say bahay)
Good = Aacha (Ah cha)
Fine = Tik hai (teek hay)
Thank you = Dhanyewaad (Daha nye wad)
How much is that = E kitna hai

CULTURE

TWO CULTURES
Traditionally, Fijian society is based on communal principles and is led by a hereditary chief. The villagers come together to work on projects varying from gardening, fishing, house building, and village clean up projects, to the making of gifts for presentation and the preparation of food for feasts. Today, village life is still the foundation of Fijian society. Although some individuals may move out of the village to establish their career in an urban setting, village ties and family obligations are still very strong.

Most of the traditional Fijian arts are still an important part of village life. Pottery-making, which dates back to 1290 B.C. in Fiji, is currently practiced in several regions. Throughout Fiji, villagers weave baskets from coconut fronds and mats from the fibrous pandanus leaves. Bark cloth is still used as ceremonial dress and wall decorations. Woodcarvers produce the yaqona bowl, used to prepare the national drink. Traditional dances are performed in villages on special occasions.

Fiji Indians come from a variety of subcultures and religious groups, but as a group they have retained many of their cultural and religious traditions, including music, dance, and celebration of religious feast days. There is a trend toward nuclear families, but joint-family households persist. Boys are allowed more freedom than girls, who are strictly supervised. Although there is a trend toward individuals selecting their own marriage partners, arranged marriages are still common, especially in rural areas. Marriages still occur mainly within subcultural categories and religious groups. Friendships exist between the Fijians and Indians, but there is very little inter-marriage between these two groups.

SOCIALIZATION
Fijians are very modest - follow their example. Men and women will initiate hand shaking, but hugs are only for close friends. Men and women do not walk around holding hands, but you may see men holding hands with other men, or two women holding hands or walking with their arms entwined.

Fijians have a great sense of humor and love stories. They will enjoy hearing about your childhood, your family, your job, your community. Be sure to ask them about theirs as well! Show them photographs from home.

If you tell people that you admire their possessions, they are apt to give it to you, even if it is something that they need. Be general in your compliments.

People of European ancestry are considered to be wealthy. Avoid ostentatious displays of wealth. Remember that most villagers could never hope to own the kinds of goods that you may take for granted. If someone asks you to give up one of your possessions, do not feel obligated to do so. You may chose to give the object away, but if you do not want to do so you can simply tell the person the object is special to you or was given to you as a gift. They will understand and not continue to ask. If you decide to give something away, you may want to wait until the last day to prevent repeated requests from other people.

Do not recommend names for unborn children, even lightheartedly. Naming a child is serious business and involves consultation with family members, village elders, etc.

Fiji has television. There may be TVs and videos in the village. Fijians are exposed to Western culture and will ask questions about entertainers and sports figures. You may be asked seemingly odd questions because less educated people sometimes have difficulty distinguishing reality from fiction.

The political situation may be tense at times. It is best to avoid taking a strong position. There is too much to understand in a short visit to Fiji. If engaged in a political discussion, listen politely but avoid making judgments.

Many Indians and young people desire to leave to the West, and they sometimes see foreigners as an opportunity to emigrate.

Foreign women are sometimes perceived as having loose morals. Please exercise good judgment in your relationships. For example, a man who invites a woman for a private walk may be interested in more than conversation and exercise.

RELIGION
Fijians are very spiritual people and love to pray and study the Bible. There are many religious denominations, mostly evangelical and fundamental. The Methodists and Anglicans are the predominant religions, and many people who attend these churches do not know Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior. The majority of the Indians in Fiji are non-Christians (Hindu, Muslim, etc.) Many villages will have only one main religious denomination, which the majority of villagers will attend.

FAMILY LIFE
Fijians often live as an extended family. Many people and families may share one house. It is not uncommon for people to sleep on the floor. There is little privacy.

Fiji is a male-dominated society, but women are respected. Young people tend not to date. It is common for two people to live together as a committed couple without being officially married.

Adults love children. Mutual, communal taking care of or disciplining children (no matter whose children they are) is common.

Fijians waste very little. Our trash is their treasure. People have relatively few possessions. Children have few toys.

IN THE CITIES
Bargaining in the market and some stores in Fiji is expected. Be good-natured about it, not hard nosed.

Buy jewelry and duty free items only from reputable shops. Although some items may seem like a bargain to you, remember the old adage:" You get what you pay for". Shop around and compare quality and prices.

There are some sidewalk vendors (such as sword sellers) in the cities that will attempt to trick or bully tourists into buying the item they are selling. Do not buy from these vendors. The best place to buy handicrafts is from a licensed vendor in the Handicraft markets.

Public transportation is readily available and inexpensive. Check to make sure that taxi drivers have turned on their meter. For unmetered trips (such as over long distances), make price comparisons among taxi drivers and agree on a price in advance. Carry coins for use on buses.