Property frontiers

Fiji:
Country Guide

fiji - general country guide

Sample

Map

^{Source: CIA World Factbook}

Summary Data

summary data
Total Area (km²)	18,270
Land (km²)	18,270
Water (km²)	0
Population	931,741
Population Density (/km²)	51
Capital	Suva
Religion (%)	Muslim 7% Other/Unspecified 5.6% None 0.3%
Time	GMT+12
Climate	Tropical marine; only slight seasonal variation.

^{Source: CIA World Factbook}

Geography

An archipelago in the Pacific Ocean, Fiji consists of around 322 islands and 522 islets, with the two largest islands accounting for 87% of the population. With a warm and tropical climate the islands are covered in tropical forests, and remnants of a more explosive era are evident in the vertiginous mountains that rise sharply from the coastlines. The southeastern side of the islands receives predominantly more rain creating a prevalence of rainforest habitat, whilst lowlands on the sheltered western side of the islands tend to experience more marked dry seasons necessary for crop growing.

Government

Politically, Fiji has somewhat of a chequered past. The population is equally divided between indigenous-Fijians and Indo-Fijians, whose origins date back to when the islands were a British colony and Indians were brought over as contract labourers, and as such there is informal segregation at almost every social level. Since independence was granted in 1970 the country has seen four coups as government leaders are toppled. The government is a republic under military rule, effective since the 1996 coup when Commodore Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama deposed the president and dissolved Parliament. Bainimarama is currently the interim prime minister and the president is Ratu Josefa Iloilo, re-elected for a second term.

Language

English and Fijian are both official languages but Hindustani is also spoken.

Electricity

240V 50Hz. Plugs are of a three flat-pinned variety (not of the British style).

Passports/Visa

Visas

A list of countries whose nationals are exempt from procuring a visa prior to visiting Fiji for business or leisure can be found on the Fiji High Commission website. Nationals whose country is not mentioned are not required to have a visa for Fiji providing they have an onward travel ticket and the necessary documents for visiting their next destination.

Passport/Visa Information

Fiji High Commission

34 Hyde Park Gate

London SW7 5DN

Tel: +44 (0) 207 584 3661

Fax: +44 (0) 207 584 2834

http://www.fijihighcommission.org.uk/index.html

Airports and Airlines

Nadi International Airport (NAN)

Location: On the south western side of Viti Levu, the biggest island.
Transfer between terminals: Only one terminal.
Transfer to the city: Airport taxis and a public bus service are available. Resorts often provide transfer services from the airport.
Car rental: A number of rental companies have desks situated in Arrivals.
Facilities: Money exchange, duty free, cafes, restaurants.
Parking: Parking is available.
Website: www.nadi-airport.com/index.cfm

Standard of Living

The cost of living in Fiji is relatively cheap compared to the prices one might expect to pay for basic amenities in Western countries. However, due to the popularity of Fiji as a tourist destination prices for tourist based activities and accommodation can be higher than expected. The standard of living for native Fijians varies between rural and urban locations, with some rural poverty in existence. The many hours of sunshine create a relaxing atmosphere and facilitate the active outdoor lifestyle that attracts so many tourists. Fiji has a well developed economic infrastructure with good health and education services, not dissimilar to Western services. With a government committed to improving the Fijian tourism industry standards and infrastructure are set to develop to even higher standards.