Fiji is one of the most well-liked nations in the area and covers 7,056 square miles in the Pacific Ocean. Visitors to the country are frequently surprised to discover that Fijians are among the friendliest and most friendly people in the world.
Regardless of whether they know one another, the locals greet all they come into touch with.
The importance of friendship in Fijian culture is one of the key reasons locals are so kind to visitors. One of the reasons Fiji has a robust tourist industry is the kind character of its people. Here are ten other Fijian facts you might not be aware of:
Fiji Was Once a British Colony
Beginning in 1874, the British government controlled Fiji’s territory for over a century. After several of the most essential traditional Fijian chiefs, including Ma’afu and Cakobau, signed the Deed of Concession, British authority over the region officially began.
The national flag is among the most striking evidence of how British dominance in Fiji is still clearly apparent.
Fiji’s parliamentary and legal systems are two more sectors with substantial British impact.
There are almost 300 islands in Fiji
Although some sources claim there are 333 islands, Fiji’s territory really consists of 332 islands. Fiji has several islands, but it also contains at least 500 islets.
Most of the islands and islets that make up Fiji were formed by volcanic activity that started in the area 150,000,000 years ago.
Fiji’s population is spread throughout 110 of the country’s largest islands, with Viti Levu having the largest concentration.
Since the interior of Viti Levu is less livable due to the topography, the majority of its residents reside around the island’s shore. Vanua Levu is one of Fiji islands with a sizable population.
There are many Indians living in Fiji
A significant portion of the population of Fiji is descended from India, mainly from the states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
Indians have been present in Fiji since at least 1813 when an Indian sailor who had survived a shipwreck decided to spend the rest of his life there with the locals.
The majority of Indian immigrants to Fiji came to the country to work as workers in a variety of businesses, primarily the sugarcane industry.
Indian laborers’ descendants have succeeded in various industries, including politics and sports. The most well-known Fijians with Indian ancestry are Hafiz Khan and Joy Ali.
Kava is a popular traditional beverage in Fiji
Kava is one of the most recognizable drinks from Fiji and is not just a traditional drink but also the nation’s beverage. The ground root of a plant from the pepper family is the main component used to make kava.
The drink is said to have several therapeutic benefits for the people of Fiji, especially in the treatment of stress, headaches, and sleeplessness.
Fijian culture is not complete without kava, and a formal ceremony is generally held whenever kava is consumed. Kava is known as Yaqona in some places.
One of the few countries with three official languages is Fiji
According to the nation’s constitution, English, Fijian, and Fiji Hindi are the three official languages of communication inside Fiji.
The Fijian educational system includes English as one of its topics, ensuring that its citizens can communicate with it.
Fiji has a large population of English speakers, making it simple for visitors to converse with the locals.
Fijian has more dialects on the island than any other official language, with almost 200 distinct varieties.
In Fiji, rugby is the most played sport
Rugby is regarded highly by the people of Fiji since it is their national game. When Fiji was ruled by the British, rugby is attributed to being introduced to the country.
Seven Apart is the most widely played kind of rugby in Fiji, and its national squad is among the best in the world.
The Fijian national rugby team’s accomplishments include taking home gold in the 2016 Summer Olympics.
With 15 victories at the Hong Kong Sevens, Fiji is one of the most successful countries to participate there. Before each game, the Fijian rugby squad used to perform the Cibi war dance, but the Bole war cry has now taken its place.
In Fiji, the custom of walking on hot stones first emerged
The Sawau tribe introduced the fire walking ceremony, which would later become one of the most well-liked pastimes in Fiji over five centuries ago on Bega Island.
The Sawau tribe passed down the fire-walking custom from generation to generation.
Most visitors to Fiji may see the custom in some of the hotels and resorts spread out around the island.
Many of the dishes made in Fiji are still prepared using traditional techniques
Fijian food is well-known worldwide for its flavor and the techniques employed to prepare it. Using subterranean pits, or “lovo pits,” as the locals call them, is one of Fiji’s most well-known traditional food preparation techniques.
Due to their excellent efficiency, lovo pits are ideal when cooking large quantities of food.
Tourism Is Big Business In Fiji
Even though it may not come as a surprise, it’s noteworthy to note that Fiji’s tourist sector contributes significantly to the country’s economy.
Fiji anticipates that the tourist sector will expand further, to reach $2.2 billion by 2020.
Australia is the country that sends the most tourists to Fiji, accounting for 367,273 visitors in 2015, followed by New Zealand (138,537) and the United States (67,831).
There have been cannibalism throughout Fijian history
Before Christianity was introduced to Fiji, cannibalism played a big role in the society. According to archaeological evidence, the tradition dates back at least 2,500 years, according to the Fiji Museum.
The final victims of cannibalism in Fiji were a Methodist missionary named Reverend Thomas Baker and seven of his disciples.
Although the specific cause of cannibalism in Fiji has not yet been determined, several theories, including the idea that it gave someone power over their opponents, have been put up.
In this article, we have read about the various facts about Fiji. To learn more, follow this website.
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