Fabulous+Fiji

**Fabulous Fiji ** <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 16pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; msoansilanguage: EN-US; msoasciithemefont: minor-latin; msobidifontfamily: 'Times New Roman'; msobidifontweight: bold; msobidithemefont: minor-bidi; msohansithemefont: minor-latin; text-decoration: none;"> HISTORY

The first people who lived in Fiji was a group of south East Asians, it has been found shards of pottery on the island so it has probably been inhabited for over 3000 years. Fiji was once known as “the cannibal islands" this is so a very, very long time ago. The first European who discovered the Fiji Islands was a sailor from the Netherlands, his name was Abel Tasman, he discovered the islands in 1643, but Fiji was not surveyed until 1789, of Captain William Bligh.

On the ship, Bligh was captain of, the crew did mutiny so Bligh and 18 of the men who were loyal to him was send on a heavily loaded lifeboat, they had to fend for themselves. After that, the Fiji Islands was long known as Bligh Islands. The first Europeans to settle in Fiji were the mostly sailors and agencies from the Australian captive colonies.

During the 1800s, discovered the Sandalwood tree, the tree give off a strong scent and was an attractive ingredient for perfumes and therapeutic agents. This led to several merchant ships that came to the island. In 1874 the country became a British colony, this led to a large immigration of Indian plantation workers, and eventually Indians were the largest people group. The Immigration stopped in 1917 but they were not independent until October 1970. The people in Fiji are 53% Christian, 38% Hindus, 8% Muslim and 1% Sikh, and of the just over 900 000 living in Fiji is now 50% Fijis, 45% Indians and the rest distributed among Europeans, Chinese, Polynesian and others. As in Norway, Fiji has a Prime Minister, The parties competing for power and to become the president. the president whose name is Ratu josefa Iloilo, is elected by "the Council of Chiefs," Which is an old tradition from the British colony times.



GEOGRAPHY

Fiji is a group of volcanic islands in the South-western Pacific, southwest of Honolulu and north of New Zealand. It consists of two large islands and 880 islets, but only 106 are permanently inhabited. It has a total area of 18,270 square kilometers. The majority of the population lives on the two largest islands.

Viti Levu, is the largest island and it hosts the two official cities, the capital Suva and Lautoka. It also hosts most of the other major towns, such as Ba, Nasinu, and Nadi. Nadi is the site of the international airport. They’re official languages are English, Bau Fijian and Hindi. Sugar and copra is the main of wide range agricultural products, and forestry is gaining importance. A relatively diversified economy has further development potential by the extraction of minerals and development of hydroelectric power. In addition, there is a growing tourist industry as a result of the Fiji’s climate and location along the major flight path in the Pacific Ocean. They’ve got a beautiful nature, with peaks up to 1300 meters rising abruptly from the shore, Mostly Mountains of volcanic origin. And Fiji’s also covered with thick tropical forests. It rains a lot, and as most people know Fiji’s got many long white and beautiful beaches.



CULTURE

// SOCIETY AND CITIZENS // : The Fiji social life and culture is a mix of indigenous, Indian, Chinese and European traditions, and Indigenous culture is the most active culture. The society and the citizens at Fiji are described as very warm and friendly and the local citizens charm the tourists with their hospitality.

// CLOTHING // : Fijian clothing is custom by the tropical environment and is often casual clothing with light colors or patterns. The traditional clothing is known as “sulu” (almost like a sarong).

// FOOD // : Fijians love their “lovo” (food baked in a mud oven) and spicy curry. The food is mostly based on the ocean and fresh vegetables, and is often very hot. The ingredients are usually fish and vegetables and a lot of spices.

// ART // : At Fiji, wooden handicrafts are popular souvenirs among the tourists. The most popular art is weaving and wooden handicrafts. Weaving is an important part of Fijian art and culture, and a beautiful variety of mats, everyday baskets, hats etc. Significant souvenir of Fiji Art is “The Tapa Cloth material” and its origin is from the mulberry leaves. M arine life sculptures are also a very popular part of the Fijian art.

// MUSIC // : The music at Fiji is inspired by Melanesian and Polynesian music. The traditional folk music at Fiji is a mix of vocal music and the traditional dances together. The most popular and used instruments at Fiji are guitar, mandolin, lali drums and ukulele along with their traditional indigenous musical instruments. Fijian music is listed inside the genre Indian music. At Fiji “Meke” is one of the most cultured experiences that you could explore. Meke is Fijian music and traditional dance together and usually patterned clothes follow with the music.