About FJ

Location

Fiji is an archipelago located in the South Pacific Ocean, about 1,300 miles (2,100 kilometers) northeast of New Zealand's North Island. It is comprised of over 330 islands, of which around 110 are inhabited.

Capital

The capital city of Fiji is Suva, located on the island of Viti Levu.

Population

As of the latest estimates, Fiji has a population of approximately 898,760 people.

Area

Fiji covers a total land area of about 18,274 square kilometers (7,056 square miles).

Official Language

The official languages of Fiji are English, Fijian (iTaukei), and Hindi.

Government

Fiji is a parliamentary republic with a mixed legal system of common law and traditional Fijian customary law. The President of Fiji is the head of state, while the Prime Minister is the head of government. The Parliament of Fiji is a unicameral body with 51 members.

Independence

Fiji gained independence from British colonial rule on October 10, 1970.

Currency

The currency of Fiji is the Fijian dollar (FJD).

Economy

Fiji's economy is primarily based on tourism, agriculture, and remittances from Fijians living abroad. Tourism is the largest industry, with Fiji's picturesque beaches, clear waters, and vibrant culture attracting visitors from around the world. Agriculture, including sugar cane, coconuts, and seafood, is also significant.

Culture

Fiji has a rich and diverse culture influenced by its indigenous Fijian, Indian, European, and other ethnic groups. Traditional Fijian culture places importance on communal living, respect for elders, and the preservation of customs such as dance, music, and storytelling. Indian culture, brought by indentured laborers during the colonial period, has also significantly influenced Fiji's cuisine, festivals, and religious practices.

Environment

Fiji is known for its stunning natural beauty, including lush rainforests, coral reefs, and pristine beaches. The country is part of the Coral Triangle, one of the most biodiverse marine regions on Earth. However, Fiji faces environmental challenges such as deforestation, marine pollution, and climate change impacts like rising sea levels and extreme weather events.

International Relations

Fiji is a member of various international organizations, including the United Nations, the Commonwealth of Nations, and the Pacific Islands Forum. It maintains diplomatic relations with countries around the world and plays an active role in regional affairs.

The national anthem of Fiji is "Meda Dau Doka" in Fijian, and "God Bless Fiji" in English. Here are the lyrics in Fijian along with the English translation:

Verse 1:

Meda dau doka ka vinakata na vanua,

E ra sa dau tiko kina na savasava

Rawa tu na gauna ni sautu na veilomani e Viti,

Biu na i tovo tawa yaga

E na veikoro kei na veivanua

Ko ira na i liuliu ni bula

Me ra turaga vinaka ko ira na i cavuti

Me da sa qai biuta e na noqu cakacaka

Moce mada ko ira na i tovo ca

Ni gauna ga oqo sa cauravou e Viti.

Chorus:

Me da dau doka ka vinakata na vanua,

Me bula ka sautu na kawa

Me ra sa tubu me ra sa la’ki veikau

Eda sa qaravi ira na i liuliu ni bula

Eda sa qaravi ira na i liuliu ni bula.

Verse 2:

Me da dau tukuna na noda i yau

Me da sa qai tu na veika vinaka e na veiwali

Ka me da sa i tovo yaga e na vanua

E sa yabaki vou ga vei kemuni na i tovo ca

Me da dau vakacaucautaka na nomuni vanua

Me da dau vakabulai keda kece ga

Me da dau gumatua ka dau dau saumaki

Ko ira na i tovo ca me ra balei ira tu

Ni da sa rawata ka da sa lutu ga.

Chorus:

Me da dau doka ka vinakata na vanua,

Me bula ka sautu na kawa

Me ra sa tubu me ra sa la’ki veikau

Eda sa qaravi ira na i liuliu ni bula

Eda sa qaravi ira na i liuliu ni bula.

Verse 1:

We vow to uphold and defend Your noble cause,

For we shall live forevermore in unity,

In the diverse lands of Fiji, we'll live in peace,

Hand in hand we'll show the way,

For we can achieve greatness

In the days that are long past

Many have still endured

May God bless Fiji

Forever more.

Chorus:

May God bless Fiji, forever more,

For Fiji, our homeland, our only treasure,

We vow to protect her forever,

For we are all descendants of Fiji,

For we are all descendants of Fiji.