Fiji is an archipelago of 332 islands and is situated in the warm tropical waters of the South Pacific.
It occupies an area of 18,274 sq. km and is more than 4700 km off the east coast of Australia.
The capital Suva is located at 18° south latitude and 178° east longitude.
The first settlers in Fiji were Polynesians, but the islands remained unknown to the world until 1643, when the great seafarer Abel Tasman came across this tropical paradise while looking for the Great Southern Continent.
In 1874 the islands became part of the British Empire, which at those times was most powerful and wealth.
When to Visit Fiji?
Fiji islands have year-round warm climate, but it is best to visit during the dry winter season from May to October when temperatures are not only most pleasant, but also the precipitation are most scarce.
The best time is in July (the coldest month in the year) – the temperature is about 28°C, the probability of precipitation is small and in addition there is plenty of sunshine.
What Clothes Should I Wear?
Prepare in your luggage the lightest and airy clothes, slippers, sunglasses, swimsuit, hat and sunscreen.
Although Fiji is a top tourist destination here most likely no one will pay attention to your clothing.
Therefore humble clothing is most appropriate.
Entertainment and Dangers of Fiji
The islands are the most popular wedding destination for people who want to make a promise of eternal love waded into the crystal waters of the Pacific Ocean or standing on the snow white sand on the shore.
This is also a world class destination for those who seek the perfect place to spend their honeymoon.
If you are nor interested by honeymoon or wedding destination, then you have a million other reasons why it is worth visiting this place.
For example, if you’re into diving or just if you are looking for a secluded beach for a sunset horse ride, you will certainly not go wrong if you choose Fiji.
This is an excellent place to choose if you want to experience adventure in the tropical rainforests.
Local jungles have their benefits – they are considered to be much safer than those in Africa, Latin America, Asia and especially Australia.
In Fiji practically do not live poisonous insects and swarms of mosquitoes in the jungle are rather annoying.
On the islands there is not large predators except for sharks in the sea, but cases of attacks are extremely rare.
Here sharks are seen rather as a big attraction and many visitors use the services of experienced guides and divers to take them to the most exciting places.
On the islands of Fiji there is no poisonous land snakes, which could pose a threat to tourists.
Climate
Fiji archipelago falls entirely within the tropical climate zone, but because of its location amidst the waters of the South Pacific climate has oceanic features.
Daily temperatures range from 28 to 31°C and nights are mostly between 18 and 23°C.
There are two seasons – dry and rainy.
The dry season usually lasts from May to October inclusive, and rainy – from November to April.
In April there is a strong decrease in precipitation.
Sunny weather throughout the year is favorable for the development of tourism.
Language and Religion of Fiji
Official language of Fiji is English, followed by the Fijian.
Because of the large number of Indians living on the islands, Hindi is also widespread.
The majority of the population of the islands consists of Christians – Protestants.
Second most popular is the religion of the Hindus – Hinduism.
On the smaller islands of the archipelago you can meet some other local beliefs that are most often accompanied by bizarre and colorful rituals.
Tourism in Fiji
Fiji is an amazing and unique place to visit and is with certainly among the ten most exotic destinations of our beautiful planet.
Fiji Islands are known as an elite tourist destination for wealthy tourists.
To a large extent this is due to the great geographic distance from the rest of the world.
It is clear that one needs a large amount of money to pay for airline ticket for such a large distance (especially from Europe or North America for example).
Arriving visitors immerse in a completely different world where life flows slowly and people seem to be always smiling.
The Islands have Amazing Scenery
They are covered with dense tropical rainforests and savannas that are formed due to regular seasonal droughts.
Not uncommon in Fiji dense rainforests are interspersed with grassy areas with dry and yellow grass and very few trees.
This wealth of landscapes makes the islands very attractive.
The variety of trees, flowers and shrubs is impressive, and along the coast are swaying in the breeze the tall silhouettes of coconut palms.
The beaches of Fiji are disturbingly beautiful, never crowded, and the sands are bright and fine.
Rings of coral reefs stretch along the coasts of almost all islands.
These coral reefs are full of life, like an equivalent of tropical rainforests under the water.
The lagoons are crystal clean and offers very high visibility.
The archipelago has many very beautiful islands, but it seems Yasawa Island Group enjoys the greatest interest of tourists.
The islands are situated north of the main island of Viti Levu.
Except for Yasawa, in archipelago there are many other less popular islands, which however offer a lot of peace, tranquillity and seclusion.
Fiji is one of the most attractive places in the world for fans of private islands.
Those who are willing to part with several million dollars can come here and live on their own private paradise and to understand what the real peace is.
Relief of Fiji
Most of the Fiji Islands are of continental origin.
The islands are made of rocks, dating from 40 million years ago.
However, the archipelago has also some volcanic islands.
The biggest and most famous volcano is Taveuni.
Its last eruption was 1500 years ago.
The altitude varies considerably.
On the one side some islands are barely protrude beyond the ocean surface, but on the other side there are also some medium-altitude mountains.
In the northern part of the main island rises Tomanivi peak which is 1324 meters high.
Population
Fiji population is about 850,000 inhabitants and impresses with its ethnic diversity.
On the islands live Polynesians (the first settlers in Fiji), Europeans (mostly British), Asian (mainly Chinese and Indians) and others.
Many settlers came here during the colonial period, looking for work in the sugar cane plantations.
Today, the largest island Levu is the most populated.
In the south eastern parts of the island is located its capital – Suva, which is home to 170,000 inhabitants.