Fiji Overview
GENERAL
Official name of the state
Republic of Fiji Islands.
Capital
Suva (on Viti Levu).
Geography
Fiji is located in the Pacific, around 2800 km northeast of Sydney (Australia) and 1760 km south of the equator. The country consists of 332 islands, of which only 105 are inhabited (some islands are just jagged limestone islets or small coral atolls). The two largest islands are Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, two extinct volcanoes that rise abruptly from the sea. There are numerous small rivers and streams, the largest being the Kioa River on Viti Levu, which is navigable for a length of 128 km. The Tomanivi with 1324 m is the highest point in Fiji, a country located in Oceania listed on ehealthfacts.
Government
Republic since 1987 (excluded from the official meetings of the Commonwealth since December 2006, since September 2009 complete exclusion from the Commonwealth of Nations). New constitution from September 2013. Bicameral parliament: House of Representatives with 71 members, Senate with 34 members. The Great Council of Tribal Chiefs (80 members) appoints the head of state every 5 years. Independent since 1970 (former British colony).
Head of state
Jioji Konrote, since November 2015.
Head of government
Voreqe Bainimarama (Interim), since January 2007.
Electricity
240 V, 50 Hz. Many resorts have 110-volt connections. Adapters and world plugs are recommended.
Time zone
Fiji Time: CET +13 (CET +14 from November 4 to January 14, 2017)
COMMUNICATION
Phone
Dial-up remote service. The larger hotels and the Fiji International Telecommunications (FINTEL) office, Victoria Parade, Suva, are equipped for international calls. Telephoning to Germany, for example: Tel. 05 plus 49 for Germany plus area code and number. Calling in public payphones is made easier with FJ $ 3, 5, 10 or 20 calling cards.
Cellphone
Dual band network. Roaming agreements exist. Fiji is connected to the international cellular network. There is also satellite telephone service from various providers. The network operator is Vodafone Fiji (Internet: www.vodafone.com.fj).
Internet
Internet provider is Fiji Online, a subsidiary of Telecom Fiji (Internet: www.telecomfiji.com.fj). There are internet cafes in Suva and Nadi.
Post Office
Airmail to Europe takes up to 10 days. Post office opening times: Mon-Fri 8 am-4pm. Letters and postcards to Europe are franked with stamps currently valued at 81 cents.
Radio
Since the use of shortwave frequencies changes several times over the course of a year, it is advisable to contact Deutsche Welle customer service directly (Tel: (+49) (0228) 429 32 08. Internet: www.dw-world.de) to request.
SHOP
Overview
Filigree jewelry, wood carving (such as kava bowls), polished coconut shells, wickerwork such as mats, coasters, hats, palm fronds and trays, tapa dresses and pearls are particularly popular. Most of the items are reasonably priced, with some stores offering bulk discounts. You can also find tax-free items such as cameras, televisions, watches, binoculars, alarm clocks, lighters, hi-fi systems, pewter dishes, crystal and china.
Shop opening times: Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Some shops are closed on Wednesday afternoons.
NIGHTLIFE
Introduction
Entertainment is provided in numerous nightclubs, and cinemas show films in Hindi and English. The programs can be found in the local newspapers. Most of the social life of the Fiji Islands takes place in the private clubs, for which visitors can acquire temporary membership through the hotels. Traditional singing and dancing, called moke, is performed alternately in the hotels. The tourist newspapers Fiji Beach Press and Fiji Calling also provide detailed information on entertainment.
CULINARY
ACCOMMODATION
Hotels
There are numerous luxury hotels; most are found in Nadi, Sigatoka, Douba, Suva, Raki Raki, Tavua and Lautoka on Viti Levu and in Savusavu (Vanua Levu) and Ovalau. There are also small and inexpensive hotels on all islands. Beachcomber, Treasure, Castaway, Mana and Plantation Island are part of a group of small vacation islands. A hotel tax of 5% is levied on all services, including meals in the hotel restaurants. Categories: The price groups are determined according to a star system: 3 stars (deluxe), 2 stars (middle class), 1 star (inexpensive). For more information, contact the Hotel Association: Fiji Islands Hotel and Tourism Association,PO Box 13560, 42 Gorrie Street, Suva. Tel: 30 29 80. (Internet: http://www.fihta.com.fj/)
Other accommodation options
There is a youth hostel on Suva.
CULTURE
Religion
Christians (64.5%) (mainly Methodists (34.6%), Catholics (9.1%)), Hindus (27.9%), Muslims (6.3%), Sikh minority.
Social rules of conduct
Manners: Fijians are hospitable and accommodating – visitors shouldn’t be afraid to accept invitations. If you want to visit a Fijian village, it is advisable to adhere to the following basic rules issued by the Fiji Visitors Bureau:
The visitor should not simply go into the village, as this is perceived as an intrusion into the private area. Before visiting, you should get a traditional gift, namely a bundle of yagona (kava), and wait near the village for someone to greet you. You will then be taken to the Turaga Ni Koro (chief of the tribe), to whom you will then present the gift.
It should be remembered that speaking too loudly is an expression of anger or anger. If the visitor likes something in particular, he can express it calmly, but should avoid overly emphasized praise, as the Fijian host would feel obliged to give the visitor the object as a gift. It is typical of Fijian manners to invite the visitor (s) to stay or to eat. If you have already been asked into the house, you should politely decline further invitations or perhaps postpone them to a later date. Guests who spend one night in the village should give their host a useful gift of appropriate value as recognition – monetary gifts are not appropriate.
Dress:Visitors should dress cautiously (no shorts or hats, women should keep their shoulders covered). Shoes must always be taken off before entering a house.
Tips: Small amounts for special services are common.
COUNTRY DATA
Area code +679 Area (sqkm) 18274 Population 909389 Population density (per sqkm) 50 Population in 2015 Member of the EU No main emergency number 911
