Fiji

Republic of the Fiji Islands or Fiji is an island nation in the South Pacific Ocean east of Vanuatu, west of Tonga and south of Tuvalu. With 522 islets, the country inhabits an archipelago of about 322 islands, of which 106 are permanently inhabited.

Official Languages:

English, Bau Fijian and Hindustani are the three three official languages of Fiji and these are also recognized by their constitution. Though English is the main medium of communication that the government uses and, it is also the main language of commerce, education, commerce and the courts. Yet Fijians can communicate with the government in any one of the three official languages.

Independence, Republic and Government:

Parliamentary representative democratic republic is the framework in which the Politics of Fiji takes place. The head of government is the Prime Minister. The Legislative power is exercised by both the government and the Parliament of Fiji while Executive power is vested by the government only.

Fiji got its Independence (from U.K.) on October 10, 1970. For an ethnic agenda the political atmosphere was darkened. In July 1990 a new constitution that went into force that was drafted by the new government but again a new constitution was formed in the year1992. Finally the constitution in Fiji was reformed in July 1997 but again, the constitution was suspended May in 2000 but reaffirmed in March 2001. Fiji was readmitted to the Commonwealth in October, 1997.Fiji follow a Parliamentary democracy and its political structure is divided into branches of Executive--president (head of state), prime minister (head of government), Cabinet. Legislative--bicameral parliament where upper house is appointed and lower house is elected. Judicial--Supreme Court and supporting hierarchy. Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua (SDL), Fiji Labor Party (FLP), United People's Party (UPP), National Federation Party (NFP) etc are some of Major political parties in Fiji.

Since independence Fiji witnessed four coups two in 1987, one in 2000 and one in late 2006. since 1987, the military has been either ruling directly, or heavily influencing governments

• Suva:Located on the southeast coast of the island of Viti Levu, in the Central Division,Suva is the capital city of Fiji.

• Sigatoka: It is a small town which is located on the southern coast of Viti Levu, 61km (38mi) south of Nadi and 127km (79mi) west of Suva on the banks of Fiji's second-largest river.

• Taveuni Island: It is a Garden Island of Fiji which is also considered worldwide as a a paradise for nature lovers and scuba diving enthusiasts.

• Lautoka:Situated on the west of the island of Viti Levu, 24 kilometers north of Nadi, Lautoka is the second largest city of Fiji.

Other top cities:

Culture and Heritage:

Fiji is a multiracial and multicultural nation and its culture and heritage is based on a rich and mosaic of indigenous, Indian, and European influences. More about the culture and heritage of Fiji is described below.

The music and dancing of Fiji is an rich art form of an indigenous Meke, which may incorporate the seasea (women's fan dance) or a make wesi (men's spear dance). In olden times, the Meke was considered to be an prophet from the gods. Fiji follow a traditional attire, sulu is the Modern Fiji's national dress. Yaqona or Kava is the national drink of Fiji. Though it was mainly used in traditional ceremonies, however it has become a social beverage. There are many manner and gesture involved while drinking the Yaqona, strict protocol is involved with Yaqona. The arts and crafts of Fiji reflect local adaptations of their Polynesian and Melanesian heritage. Cuisine of Fiji represents the mixture of Melanesian, Polynesian, Indian Chinese, and Western cuisine. Poached Guava and Peanut Bread are some of the famous Fiji delicacies worldwide.

List of heritage in Fiji:

Tourism

Though the tourism industry of Fiji is some what of healthy and active yet it is the the main center for tourism in the South Pacific Islands. With an extensive tourist infrastructure,tourism as a industry is growing and becoming an important industry in Fiji. Fiji is also home to some of the the world's most exclusive small resorts that often feature in Harpers' 'top 50' hotels in the world and Small Luxury Hotels of the World. Fiji with its goodwill as one of the best romantic destination on earth is also a significant factor for the growth of tourism here. Fiji is a place where you can stunning tropical sunset or relax on the beach by day. Fiji also offer the best in the world with soft corals, incredible sea life, walls, drifts and shipwrecks to explore. The government of Fiji has formulated many plans and projects to upgrade the tourist infrastructure of the country. With hills to climb for stunning views, waterfalls to cool off in, several National Parks with trails, nature reserves for bird watching and walking, rafting trips down rivers and village visits to experience the very traditional Fijian way of life, tourism her is looking more colorful. Tourism in Fiji is projected to grow more and also a potential industry which could generate revenue and employment opportunities in Fiji in the years to come.