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| Fiji Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Fijian wedding chorus Fijian wedding chorus Fiji is one of these paradise islands in the Pacific. But the island has more to offer than just beaches where you can bum, and water where you can snorkel. There are many scenic and historic attractions in Fiji. The capital, Suva, has many old shops and markets with various foods, artefacts, handicrafts and especially seafood. Places of historic interest include the National Museum, situated in the lush surrounds of Thurston Gardens next to Government House and the old Parliament Buildings. Other sites of interest on Fiji include the Cultural Centre at Orchid Island, just outside of Suva, the mysterious earthworks at Taveuni and the old colonial houses (situated around Fiji). Very typical for Fiji are three things : The first is the word “Bula”! This will probably be your first word when arriving in Fiji. Meaning “welcome” but also “be at ease”, it will most definitely make you feel both. Secondly it is common refrain repeated by all who travelled to Fiji, is that the islands of Fiji are not only among the most pristine in the world, but also inhabited by the friendliest people. And last but not least the world renowned Island Resorts, resorts on private islands, many of them within easy reach from the international airports of Nadi and Suva. The ethnic variety of Fiji society can be seen mainly in the towns. There are powerfully built Fijians dressed in wrap-around sulus, numerous Indians, men in Western clothes, women wearing colourful saris and a scattering of European, Chinese and other Pacific Islanders. One tradition of both the Indians and Fijians is the practice of fire-walking. Fijian fire-walking has its origin in legend, while Indian fire-walking is done for religious reasons; although tourists can pay to see these ceremonies, the ritual remains a religious penance and not merely a tourist attraction. Cruises on large schooners or yachts to the different islands can be arranged, and tours around the main islands in comfortable coaches are also available. For the hardier, hiking in the mountains with dramatic views of the islands is another option. If you are interested to view the Map of Fiji, please do not hesitate to check out the Fiji Mapserver Website on http://map.mrd.gov.fj. Fiji is a very nice place to go and visit although it has many island i suggest that you try a cruise to visit all the islands. _________History Edit This Fiji is made up of about 330 islands. About 110 islands are inhaboted. Despite evidence that Fiji has been inhabited for more than 2 500 years little is known of its history before the coming of the Europeans. In earlier times the Fiji Islands were known as the "Cannibal Islands". The first known European to sight the Fiji islands was the Dutchman Abel Tasman in 1643. European missionaries whalers traders and deserters settled during the first half of the 19th century. Their influence caused increasingly serious wars among the native Fijian confederacies. In 1871 the Europeans in Fiji established an administration under Ratu Seru Cakobau who had become paramount chief of eastern Viti Levu years before. Chaos followed until a convention of chiefs ceded Fiji unconditionally to the United Kingdom on October 10 1874. The pattern of colonialism in Fiji during the following century was similar to that in other British possessions: the pacification of the countryside the spread of plantation agriculture and the introduction of Indian indentured labor. Many traditional institutions including the system of communal land ownership were maintained. Fiji's revered chief Ratu Sukuna fought in the French Foreign Legion during the First World War and was highly decorated. Fiji units aided British forces in non-combatant roles. Fiji soldiers fought alongside the Allies in the Second World War gaining a fine reputation in the tough Solomon Islands campaign. The United States and other Allied countries maintained military installations in Fiji during that war but the Japanese did not attack Fiji. In April 1970 a constitutional conference in London agreed that Fiji should become a fully independent nation within the Commonwealth on October 10 1970. It remained as a realm of Queen Elizabeth II represented by a Governor General. In April 1987 the Alliance Party of Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara which had governed Fiji since independence lost a general election and was replaced by an NFP-Labour Coalition government. The new government was headed by Dr. Timoci Bavadra an ethnic Fijian with most support coming from the ethnic Indian community. On May 14 1987 Lt. Col. Sitiveni Rabuka Chief of Operations of the Royal Fiji Military Forces staged a military coup. Rabuka's stated reasons for the coup were to prevent inter-communal violence and to restore the political dominance of the ethnic Fijians in their home islands. After a period of confusion Governor-General Ratu Sir Penaia Ganilau took charge. In September the Governor-General and the two main political groupings reached agreement on a government of national unity. However Rabuka objected to participation by the deposed Coalition in the proposed government and the exclusion of the military from the negotiations and consequently staged a second coup on September 25 1987. The military government declared Fiji a republic on October 10. This action coupled with protests by the Government of India led to Fiji's expulsion from the Commonwealth. The military regime was unsuccessful in governing and Rabuka voluntarily handed over the reins of government to civilians on December 6 1987. Former Governor-General Ratu Sir Penaia Ganilau became President. Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara was brought back as Prime Minister and formed a mostly civilian Cabinet containing four military officers including Rabuka. In January 1990 the term of the first interim government came to an end and the President announced a second interim government with a reduced seventeen-member Cabinet devoid of active-duty military officers. This government promulgated a new Constitution on July 25 1990. Rabuka now a Major-General returned to the barracks as commander of the Fiji Military Forces. In July 1991 Rabuka quit the military to become Co-Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs. A general election in June 1992 returned Fiji to elected government. Rabuka was named Prime Minister by President Ganilau. His government was dissolved in January 1994 over the inability to pass a substantive bill--the FY94 budget. A snap general election was held February 18-26 1994 and Rabuka was again named Prime Minister after his party won a near majority of the seats. GOVERNMENT The President (chief of state) is appointed by the Great Council of Chiefs a traditional ethnic Fijian leadership body. Fiji was readmitted into the Commonwealth of Nations as a republic in 1994. The President in turn appoints the Prime Minister (head of government) who is the ethnic Fijian member of parliament who demonstrates he has the support of the majority of that body. The parliament's house of representatives has 70 seats (ethnic Fijians-37 Indo-Fijians-27 Rotumans-1 others-5). The Senate has 34 appointed seats (ethnic Fijians-24 Rotumans-1 others-9). Fiji maintains an independent judiciary consisting of a Supreme Court a Court of Appeals a High Court and magistrates' courts. Special magistrates are being trained and appointed to hear cases involving points of ethnic Fijian customary law. The judiciary remained independent throughout the coups and the consequent absence of an elected government. There are four administrative divisions (Central Eastern Northern and Western) and one dependency (Rotuma). Each of the four districts is under the charge of a commissioner. Ethnic Fijians have their own administration which is based on the koro (village). The turaga-ni-koro (head of the village) usually nominated by the people directs the village's activities. Several koros are grouped to form a district. Several districts form a province. Each of the fourteen provinces and the dependency is governed by a council and a roko tui (an administrative officer appointed by the central government). The councils deal with all matters affecting ethnic Fijians. Principal Government Officials President--Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara Prime Minister--Sitiveni Rabuka Minister of Foreign Affairs--Filipe Bole Minister of Commerce Trade and Industry--Isimeli Bose Leader of the Opposition--Jai Ram Reddy Fiji Head of Mission in the U.S.--Ambassador Pita Kewa Nacuva POLITICAL CONDITIONS For 17 years after independence Fiji was a parliamentary democracy. During that time political life was dominated by Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara and the Alliance Party which combined the traditional Fijian chiefly system with leading elements of the European part-European and Indian communities. The main parliamentary opposition the National Federation Party represented mainly rural Indians. Intercommunal relations were managed without serious confrontation. However when Dr. Bavadra's Coalition democratically installed a cabinet with a substantial ethnic Indian representation after the April 1987 election extremist elements played on ethnic Fijian fears of domination by the Indo-Fijian community. The results were two military coups and a racial situation that has remained troubled. Since the coup approximately 35 000 Indo-Fijians have emigrated out of Fiji. One of the main issues of contention is land tenure. About 84% of the land in Fiji much of it not arable is owned by indigenous Fijians and cannot be alienated. It is administered on behalf of village groups (mataqalis) by the Native Land Trust Board an agency of the government. Indo-Fijians who are the major cultivators of sugar are unable to purchase the land they till but must lease it instead. The leases have been generally for 10 years although they are usually renewed for two 10-year extensions. Many Indo-Fijians argue that these terms do not provide them with adequate security and have pressed for renewable 30-year leases. Land tenure provisions are currently under review with the majority of leases due to expire between now and the year 2000. Many ethnic Fijians feared that the Bavadra government would have eroded their control over the land. This was and is a highly emotional issue as Fijians identify themselves with the land to a degree that most Westerners find difficult to understand. Fijians consider themselves members of the "vanua a concept that encompasses the people of a given area, their chiefs, and the land on which they live. The word vanua" is variously translated as "land community or confederacy of chiefdoms" according to context but the concept is indivisible. The unelected interim government without the approval of a national referendum promulgated a new constitution on July 25 1990. It provides indigenous Fijians 37 of the 70 seats in the elected lower house of Parliament with the ethnic Indians accorded 27 seats Rotumans (culturally distinct Polynesians) one and other races allotted five. In the Senate an appointed body with essentially review powers and the right to veto legislation indigenous Fijians hold 24 of 34 seats Rotumans one and other groups nine. The new constitution also includes a detailed bill of rights but gives the Parliament wide powers to overrule guarantees of basic freedoms in the event of a perceived threat to national security. The President is selected by the Great Council of Chiefs a traditional Fijian leadership body as are most of the ethnic Fijian members of the Senate. The Prime Minister who along with the Cabinet holds most executive authority is chosen by the President from among the ethnic Fijian members of the lower house. Elections are held by secret ballot with voting only by racial constituencies. This latter aspect is a significant change from the 1970 constitution which provided for a complex system of cross-voting allowing Indo-Fijians a say in the selection of some ethnic Fijians and vice versa. The Constitution calls for elections every five years but the Government may call an election at any time. A snap general election was held in February 1994 after the Rabuka government fell over its inability to pass the 1994 budget. Rabuka and his Fijian Political Party were returned to parliament as the dominant party in that election. Two of the opposition parties the National Federation Party and the Fiji Labour Party are strongly opposed to the lack of proportional parliamentary representation for all races. The constitution contains provisions for its review by 1997 (seven years after promulgation). A deliberation process begun in an expanded sub-Cabinet committee in 1993 led to the creation of an independent three person constitutional review commission in June 1995. Headed by New Zealand's Sir Paul Reeves the commission is to deliver its recommendations to Parliament on the constitution in mid-1996. Parliament will then consider the Commission report as part of its own deliberations for reviewing the constitution which should conclude by mid-1997. Prior to the 1987 coups Fiji was often cited as a model of human rights and multiracial democracy. Even through the coup period a certain degree of restraint prevailed as no one was killed in either coup. The Indo-Fijian parties' major voting bloc is made up of sugar cane farmers. The farmers' main tool of influence has been their ability to galvanize widespread boycotts of the sugar industry thereby crippling the economy. In 1991 a Coalition of the National Federation Party and Fijian Labour Party along with the Fiji Trades Union Congress and the National Farmers Union led a seven-week long boycott of the sugar cane harvest. It was not until then Major General Rabuka stepped in as a mediating force between the Government and the farmers that the crisis was resolved. Following this the Major General resigned as commander of the Fiji Military Forces and stepped into a government position as Co-Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Home Affairs. ECONOMY In general government economic policy promotes private enterprise with strong emphasis on export-oriented industries. The government is in the process of privatizing certain government functions such as the telephone company. The government owns and/or controls some major servicing and trading entities including the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji National Bank of Fiji Ika Corporation (fishing) and the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC). The FSC handles the milling of all sugar cane produced in Fiji. Agriculture is the mainstay of Fiji's economy. Sixty-seven percent of the active labor force is employed in subsistence agriculture. Such activities cushion the effect of fluctuating export earnings especially during periods of falling prices for major export commodities such as sugar. Sugar accounted for approximately 33% of total exports in 1993 providing 15% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and engaging about one-fifth (22 000) of total households in Fiji. In addition an estimated 18 000 cane cutters are employed during harvest time and the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) employs 3 000 persons in sugar processing and marketing activities. Tourism has gained in importance since the mid-1960's and despite a brief drop after the 1987 coups now contributes significantly to the economy. Total visitor arrivals in 1993 were 287 462. Australians accounted for 27% of total visitor arrivals in 1993 followed by the U.S. New Zealand and Europe. During 1993 42 557 U.S. visitors arrived in Fiji. Gross foreign exchange earnings from tourism replaced sugar as Fiji's major foreign earner rising to USD 244 million in 1993 with projections reaching USD 250 million by 1994. Various policy reforms have been implemented by the government to revitalize the economy of Fiji following the economic recession experienced immediately after the coups of 1987. These include the deregulation of the economy and the introduction of incentive measures geared at the private sector in the form of tax free zones and tax free factories to boost foreign investment. New projects in recent years have included a growing garment industry a wood chips mill a distillery and several food processing factories. The garment industry which has taken advantage of tax incentives and duty free entry to the Australia and New Zealand market has grown rapidly since 1988 and now employs as many as 10 000 workers. Exports rose to USD 86.4 million in 1993. The government encourages local and foreign investment to promote industrial development and provide employment. The production and export of copra has declined and has been overtaken by the export of gold and marine products. Coconut oil earnings for 1993 were $2.5 million while receipts from gold and marine products were $45.0 million and $21.1 million respectively. The export share of forestry products is expected to increase as harvesting of the country's plantations of Caribbean pine is intensified. Timber earnings in 1993 amounted to USD 8.6 million. In nearly all factors of production Fiji is a well-endowed country albeit with certain problems still in need of development solutions. The labor force is well-educated with relatively good productivity and reasonable wage rates. Per capita income is twice that of most other countries in the region. The country's location and trade agreements (SPARTECA Lome Convention) are generally regarded as assets. The government business policy framework is generally regarded as good. The land is productive despite unrealized potential due to the land tenure system. DEFENSE The Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) is an integrated infantry- dominated force whose primary mission is to provide a credible deterrence and to protect Fiji's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The RFMF currently consists of approximately 4 100 active duty personnel and approximately 10 000 territorial reservists. The RFMF is commanded by Brigadier General Ratu Epeli Ganilau. Organizationally the RFMF consists of eight Fiji light infantry regiments (FIRs) and a naval division. When deployed a regiment would have three to four independent companies a special forces unit engineer logistics maintenance and training units. Two of the infantry battalions are deployed to the Middle East in support of United Nations peacekeeping missions (UNIFIL in Lebanon and the Multi-national Force of Observers in the Sinai) and a third (the 3rd FIR) is headquartered at Queen Elizabeth Barracks near Suva. The independent companies from the 3rd FIR are located at Nadi Lautoka Nausori and Labasa. The RFMF's naval division headquartered at Walu Bay Suva with some 300 personnel is responsible for enforcing Fiji's maritime-related laws of fisheries customs quarantine and immigration within Fiji's territorial waters and its 200-mile Exclusive Economic Zone. The naval division currently consists of two coastal patrol craft purchased from a U.S. manufacturer in 1987 four ex-Israeli Dabur-class coastal patrol craft which were built in the mid-1970's and acquired by the RFMF in 1991 and three newer Pacific-class patrol boats which were donated by Australia in 1994 and 1995. Following the 1987 coups the governments of Australia New Zealand and the United States officially suspended defense cooperation and military assistance arrangements with Fiji. By the end of 1993 Australia and New Zealand had resumed cooperation; the United States has not. Since the coups RFMF personnel have received training in Malaysia Pakistan France England Taiwan Australia New Zealand and Israel. The RFMF also opened its own company-grade officer training school in 1989. Fiji also has a separate police force of some 2000 personnel including administrative and support elements. Police Commissioner Isikia Savua a retired Army Lieutenant Colonel has been in charge of Fiji's police force since March 1994. The military and police force are both under the Ministry of Home Affairs portfolio. FOREIGN RELATIONS Fiji maintains an independent but generally pro-Western foreign policy. It has traditionally had close relations with major trading partners Australia and New Zealand although those relations cooled somewhat in the post-coup period. The interim government was offended by those countries' public criticism of its policies and the 1990 constitution. Relations with India have also declined markedly punctuated by the expulsion of the Indian Ambassador in late 1989 and the forced closure of the Indian Embassy in Suva in 1990. Fiji has worked to build closer ties with Southeast Asia Japan and France in order to diversify its trading patterns and sources of assistance. Since independence Fiji has been a leader in the South Pacific region. While Fiji has taken a less active role in regional affairs since the 1987 coups regional governments have generally been sympathetic declining to take a position on Fiji's internal political problems. The South Pacific Forum heads of government rebuffed efforts by Fiji's Indo-Fijian politicians to involve the Forum in the Fiji domestic situation. Fiji became the 127th UN member on October 13 1970. It participates actively in the United Nations and its specialized agencies some of which maintain offices in Suva. Fiji's contributions to peacekeeping in the Middle East and Africa are unique for a nation of its size. Fiji maintains a 600-man battalion with the UN forces in Lebanon and a 400-man battalion in the Multinational Force of Observers in the Sinai. In addition Fiji has sent police detachments and officer observers under UN auspices to Namibia Chad Afghanistan the Iraq-Kuwait border and Cambodia. Fiji has indicated it will contribute police personnel to UN operations in the former Yugoslavia. Fiji has embassies or consulates in London Brussels Tokyo Washington Canberra Wellington Kuala Lumpur and Papua New Guinea and an ambassadorial-level mission to the UN. There are no restrictions on freedom of movement within the country or abroad. Fiji citizens are free to emigrate. About 40 000 have done so since May 1987. Most of the emigrants are Indo-Fijians many of them professionals. U.S.-FIJI RELATIONS Fiji and the United States enjoy excellent relations. Then Prime Minister now President Mara was received twice at the White House by President Ronald Reagan in October 1984 and by President George Bush in October 1989. Then Vice President Bush and then Prime Minister Mara opened Fiji's Washington Embassy in October 1985. Secretary of State George Shultz visited Fiji in July 1985. In October 1990 then Prime Minister Mara attended the first summit of Pacific island nations hosted by President Bush in Honolulu. U.S. Ambassador Don L. Gevirtz arrived in Fiji in January 1996. The United States assisted with the medical evacuation and care of Fiji's much-respected late President Ratu Sir Penaia Ganilau who sadly died in December 1993 at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Fiji has expressed interest in attracting U.S. investment. OPIC and EXIM investment insurance is available. Trade between the two countries is relatively small due to high shipping costs and other economic factors. The U.S. was Fiji's fifth largest supplier in 1993 with exports of USD 56.7 million consisting mainly of industrial machinery manufactured goods and chemicals. The U.S. imported USD 48.1 million from Fiji in 1993 primarily in sugar and garments. The U.S. fishing treaty in the area has brought opportunity for economic links and renewed efforts to ensure access to exclusive economic zones through U.S. development assistance to the marine resource sector. USAID administers modest regional assistance programs which benefit Fiji. The Government of Fiji has expressed its disappointment with the September 1994 closure of the USAID regional office in Suva. Approximately one hundred Peace Corps Volunteers will continue to teach and provide technical assistance throughout Fiji until this program phases out by 1998. The U.S. Embassy in Suva has a small commercial section to facilitate trade and investment. ______Getting Around Edit This Matei Airport,Taveuni,Fiji Ilsands Matei Airport,Taveuni,Fiji Ilsands Edo Dijkstra As most Fijians don't own cars, public transport is plentiful and cheap, though slow and sometimes uncomfortable. Within cities buses and taxis are the main mode of transport. Try to take a local bus at least once. The ride is bumpy and usually breezy (as most buses have no windows, just canvas blinds to keep out the rain) but lots of fun. Most bus drivers take great pride in their stereo systems and blare out Fijian or reggae music at top volume. A word of warning though - if you have long hair make sure you tie it back before the bus starts moving, otherwise you'll be left looking very windblown. Taxis are also a good way of getting around in cities, especially at night. As a general caution, one should not walk around at night alone in the cities, as muggings have been reported. All taxis have meters, but the Fijian Land Transport Authority only enforces the use of meters in Suva. In other towns and at airports you'll need to agree to a price with the driver before you start your journey. In Suva taxi journeys are quite cheap. The most a taxi ride will cost you will be about FJ$5 and this will get you a long way. Buses run regularly between cities and towns on the main island of Viti Levu. A bus trip between Nadi and Suva takes about five hours. Though more expensive, try to get an air-conditioned coach for this trip, your bottom and back will thank you for it. Travel between islands is by ferry or plane. [Add Local transport mode] Air Fiji Edit This Air Fiji runs frequent flights in small planes between the major islands of Fiji. World66 rating: [rate it] url: www.airfiji.com.fj __________Getting There Edit This Fiji is most easily reached by air - so flying is the fastest and most economical way of getting there. Fiji has international airports in Suva and Nadi. Flights to Nadi tend to be cheaper and are more frequent. Citizens of the following countries do not require a visa to enter Fiji: Antigua & Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Bangaldesh, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Columbia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, Estonia, Germany, Micronesia, Finland, France, Gambia, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guyana, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, Kiribati, Latvia, Liechtenstein,Lesotho,Luxebourg, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand,Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Pacific Islands, Paraguay, Peru, the Phillipines, Poland,Portugal,Republic of Ireland, Romania, South Korea, Spain, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand,Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Kingdom, USA, Uruguay,Venezuela, Yugoslavia, Zambia, Zimbabwe. Travellers from the above countries are granted a 4 month visitor visas upon arrival. Contributors February 23, 2005 new by vilpponen (1 point) March 07, 2005 change by giorgio June 16, 2005 change by cindyr [Add Global transport mode] Virgin Blue Edit This Virgin Blue flies from Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne in Australia to Nadi, Fiji. Prices are quite reasonable, though the service is a basic one. There is no video entertainment on board and food and drinks must be purchased. type: By Air World66 rating: [rate it] url: www.virginblue.com.au Air Pacific Edit This Air Pacific is the official airline of Fiji. It flies into Suva and Nadi. Flights to Suva tend to be less frequent and more expensive. type: By Air World66 rating: [rate it] url: www.airpacific.com _________Economy Edit This Economy—overview: Fiji endowed with forest mineral and fish resources is one of the most developed of the Pacific island economies though still with a large subsistence sector. Sugar exports and a growing tourist industry are the major sources of foreign exchange. Sugar processing makes up one-third of industrial activity. Roughly 250 000 tourists visit each year. Political uncertainty and drought however contribute to substantial fluctuations in earnings from tourism and sugar and to the emigration of skilled workers. Fiji's growth slowed in 1997 because the sugar industry suffered from low world prices and rent disputes between farmers and landowners. GDP: purchasing power parity—$5.1 billion (1996 est.) GDP—real growth rate: 3% (1997) GDP—per capita: purchasing power parity—$6 500 (1996 est.) GDP—composition by sector: agriculture: 21% industry: 18% services: 61% (1995 est.) Inflation rate—consumer price index: 3% (1997 est.) Labor force: total: 235 000 by occupation: subsistence agriculture 67% wage earners 18% salary earners 15% (1987) Unemployment rate: 6% (1997 est.) Budget: revenues: $540.65 million expenditures: $742.65 million including capital expenditures of $NA (1997 est.) Industries: sugar tourism copra gold silver clothing lumber small cottage industries Industrial production growth rate: 2.9% (1995) Electricity—capacity: 200 000 kW (1995) Electricity—production: 545 million kWh (1995) Electricity—consumption per capita: 705 kWh (1995) Agriculture—products: sugarcane coconuts cassava (tapioca) rice sweet potatoes bananas; cattle pigs horses goats; fish catch 13 796 tons (1991) Exports: total value: $639 million (f.o.b. 1996) commodities: sugar 32% clothing gold processed fish lumber partners: EU 26% Australia 15% other Pacific island countries 11% Japan 6% Imports: total value: $947 million (c.i.f. 1996) commodities: machinery and transport equipment petroleum products food consumer goods chemicals partners: Australia 30% NZ 17% Japan 13% EU 6% US 6% Debt—external: $333.8 million (1996 est.) Economic aid: recipient: ODA $14.35 million from Australia (FY96/97 est.); $3.5 million from New Zealand (FY95/96) Currency: 1 Fijian dollar (F$) = 100 cents Exchange rates: Fijian dollars (F$) per US$1—1.9064 (January 1998) 1.4437 (1997) 1.4033 (1996) 1.4063 (1995) 1.4641 (1994) 1.5418 (1993) Fiscal year: calendar year __________People Edit This Population: 802 611 (July 1998 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 34% (male 139 713; female 134 220) 15-64 years: 63% (male 251 646; female 251 425) 65 years and over: 3% (male 12 051; female 13 556) (July 1998 est.) Population growth rate: 1.28% (1998 est.) Birth rate: 22.92 births/1 000 population (1998 est.) Death rate: 6.25 deaths/1 000 population (1998 est.) Net migration rate: -3.92 migrant(s)/1 000 population (1998 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.89 male(s)/female (1998 est.) Infant mortality rate: 16.65 deaths/1 000 live births (1998 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 66.29 years male: 63.92 years female: 68.78 years (1998 est.) Total fertility rate: 2.74 children born/woman (1998 est.) Nationality: noun: Fijian(s) adjective: Fijian Ethnic groups: Fijian 49% Indian 46% European other Pacific Islanders overseas Chinese and other 5% Religions: Christian 52% (Methodist 37% Roman Catholic 9%) Hindu 38% Muslim 8% other 2% note: Fijians are mainly Christian Indians are Hindu and there is a Muslim minority (1986) Languages: English (official) Fijian Hindustani Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 91.6% male: 93.8% female: 89.3% (1995 est.) :::::::::Ovalau Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see ::::::::Taveuni Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see looking at Banana Bure looking at Banana Bure Taveuni is one of the three hundred islands in the Fiji group and known as the "Garden Island of Fiji". This island lies about 7 kms off the south east coast of Vanua Levu and is 42 kms long and about 12 kms wide. :::::::Vanua levu Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see ::::::::Viti Levu Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Tubakula Beach Bungalows, Coral Coast Tubakula Beach Bungalows, Coral Coast Charles Hadrill Viti Levu is the main island of Fiji. Three out of four Fijans live here. On Viti Levu you find the two international airports (Nadi and Suva), the capital city of Suva and the best options to stay - also some budget ones. The southern (often called the Coral Coast) and western coasts are the most visited areas. There are several cheaper hostels and resorts in Nadi and Lautoka. Nadi is a good starting point for a visit to the Mamanuca and Yasawa islands. Suva, the capital and the city with best nightlife of the island is located on the south coast. :::::::::Yasawa islands Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Lagoon -Tavewa Island Lagoon -Tavewa Island P.Loxton The Yasawa Islands are beautiful. I went there last year while crewing on a private yacht. Not quite sure about the names of the individual islands, and I wont be providing them since I dont have a lonely planet or chart with me. Anyways, here is the path we took through the island chain, coupled with significant events. Southernmost Island This island looks kind of like a square with the sides coming in. The first day we arrived on the southern bay, and went into the village seeking the chief. Every time you anchor in Fiji you must present the chief with a gift of Kava and ask for permission to dock there. We also asked if it was okay to SCUBA dive and go spearfishing. I dont think there were any great places to dive here. We heard some noise back around the village and walked closer to investigate. There was a large athletic field and there were children from all neighboring villages and islands here to compete in something much like field day for Americans. They ran races around the track and competed in other events. There were many Fijians there. Unlike the big island, everyone out here is melanesian. The next day we went for a hike. We hired the chiefs nephew to walk us around the island. It was quite a hike. Probably a 1200m ascent and a good 2 mile walk up and another mile down the back side. It should be noted that the World ECO challenge had to climb a peak on this island (near the trail we hiked). My friend Matt and I were going to do it, but it would have been 3PM when we started, which was much too late. Anyways, the hike was not too rugged, but was steep enough to be demanding. 2/3 of the way up there a man built a house and a kava field. I have no idea how he talked people into dragging wood up there. Maybe he carried it on the back of a horse. It was crazy that he would move up there. Probably to get away from the bugs. We walked down the mountain, over a creek and past another hut, and eventually made it to the beach. Here women were drying their clothes on the rocky shore. There was a small village here, and over another dusty hill was a backpacker resort. They had a restaurant and tents. The food was decent, and it was quite nice. A good place to stay if you want to experience real Fiji. On the way back I walked up to the summit again; Some friends walked around the other way, since the tide was out, and they took twice as long. We returned to the south side and played beach volleyball with four swedish guys and a giant fijian guy who was the "michael jordan" of volleyball. It was nice to win. i'll try and decorate the others later One Island North Poor anchorage. We met some other boats and had a barbecue on the beach one night with some ugly new zealand girls. Some of my friends went scuba diving and saw a manta ray. Matt and I stayed on the boat and fixed the motor for our Scuba Compressor. Next Island North There was a big bay at the northeast section of this island, and a large village. We met the chief, a very old lady, and ate a traditional meal with the villagers who were meeting for a funeral. The meal consisted of yams, sea turtle, and tin beef (corned beef from a can, which is really gross). Blue Lagoon Looked nice, but not as lush as in the movie. Didn't even leave the boat. Might have been a few resorts here. Northernmost Island We saw tons of dolphins when we entered the bay. Probably the largest collection of them all summer; I'm talking 40 or 50 of them swimming around. There were caves here. The villagers have some sort of a racket, where you have to pay them $10 to visit the caves. more to come Getting There You can catch a catamaran there from Lautoka or Denarau Island (both are within 45 minutes of Nadi Airport). or you can take a private yacht!!! ___________Getting There Edit This [Add Global transport mode] Yasawa Flyer Edit This The Yasawa Flyer is a privately owned catamaran that runs from Port Denarau to the Yasawa islands daily. It leaves port Denarau and travels up north during the morning and returns to the port in the evening. If you are staying for a longer time in the Yasawas, you might find one of the island hopping packages more affordable. They come in "bula passes" of 7, 14 and 21 days. One trip normally costs around 60-70 Fijian dollars. The Yasawa Flyer is operated by the Awesome Adventures Fiji company. type: By Sea World66 rating: [rate it] url: www.awesomefiji.com |
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GNU Free Documentation License Esso utilizza materiale tratto da http://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Figi Cronologia/Autori: http://it.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Figi&action=history FigiDa Wikipedia, l'enciclopedia libera.
Le isole Figi (Figiano: Viti; Indostano: फ़िजी فِجی) sono un arcipelago dell'Oceania che formano l'omonimo stato. Gli abitanti sono quasi ugualmente divisi fra popolazione indigena e popolazione discendente da indiani immigrati nel diciannovesimo secolo. Paesi confinanti sono a nord Tuvalu, a est Tonga, a ovest Vanuatu e la Nuova Caledonia, e a sud la Nuova Zelanda. Isole principali sono Viti Levu con la capitale Suva, e Vanua Levu.
[modifica] GeografiaLe isole dell'arcipelago sono disposte a ferro di cavallo, costellate da numerosi atolli corallini e bagnate dal mare di Koro. Le principali sono Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, Taveuni, Kandavu, Koro e Rotuma. Di origine vulcanica, presentano ingenti depositi di calcare e sono quindi caratterizzate da una morfologia prevalentemente montuosa e accidentata che, lungo i litorali, lascia il posto a fasce pianeggianti. Il punto più elevato dell'arcipelago è il monte Victoria o Tomaniivi (1.324 m), a Viti Levu. Di modesta entità sono i fiumi; soltanto Viti Levu è attraversata da corsi d'acqua di rilievo quali il Singatoka e il Rewa. Il clima è subtropicale, caldo e umido, con precipitazioni frequenti soprattutto tra novembre e aprile concentrate sui versanti orientale e sudorientale, maggiormente esposti agli alisei. La media annua della temperatura è di 25 °C, quella delle precipitazioni di circa 2500 mm. La vegetazione è caratterizzata da fitte foreste e, nelle zone più aride, da tratti di savana; nelle isole sono inoltre presenti depositi di oro e manganese.
[modifica] PopolazioneNel 2001, la popolazione delle Figi ammontava a 844.330 abitanti. La maggioranza appartiene al ceppo melanesiano dei figiani (50%). Le isole sono inoltre abitate da indiani (44,8%), giunti inizialmente per soddisfare la richiesta di manodopera dei coloni inglesi, e da un'esigua minoranza di europei situata nella parte sudorientale di Viti Levu, che è il maggiore centro commerciale e portuale del paese, oltre che una frequentata località turistica. Altri centri sono Lautoka, Lami e Nandi. Oltre la metà della popolazione professa la fede cristiana; i gruppi maggiori sono quelli metodista e cattolico. Gli induisti sono il 38%, mentre i musulmani rappresentano una minoranza. Lingue ufficiali sono l'inglese e il figiano, mentre la comunità indiana parla l'hindi. Suva è sede dell'Università del Pacifico Meridionale, fondata nel 1968. Il tasso di alfabetizzazione è pari al 99,2% (2001).
[modifica] EconomiaIl prodotto interno lordo delle Figi è di 1.758 milioni di dollari USA, corrispondente a circa 2.190 dollari pro capite (1999). L'economia è basata in larga misura sulla produzione di canna da zucchero oltre che sulla coltivazione di palme da cocco e frutta esotica. Manioca, patate dolci e riso sono destinati al consumo interno. Di scarso rilievo è l'allevamento, mentre consistente è il patrimonio boschivo (circa il 44,6% del territorio) dal quale si ricava legname destinato al consumo interno; la pesca, prima condotta con criteri tradizionali che soddisfacevano solo il bisogno interno, è in fase di sviluppo. L'attività estrattiva poggia sui giacimenti di oro, argento, manganese e rame. Il valore complessivo delle esportazioni nel 1999 era di 590 milioni di dollari, mentre le importazioni ammontavano a 800 milioni di dollari. Questi dati testimoniano come il paese sia subordinato ai fornitori di prodotti industriali, soprattutto Australia, Nuova Zelanda e Regno Unito. Un settore in espansione è quello turistico: nel 1999 gli arrivi sono stati 410.000. Nel 1997 la bilancia commerciale era di 520 milioni di dollari di entrate e 628 milioni di uscite. La valuta ufficiale è il dollaro figiano. Data la posizione geografica dell'arcipelago, l'aeroporto di Nandi riveste particolare importanza per le comunicazioni internazionali. La rete stradale è di circa 3.440 km; una ferrovia (700 km) è adibita al trasporto della canna.
[modifica] StoriaIn tempi antichi le Figi (o Fiji) furono popolate da popoli Melanesiani. Le Figi furono avvistate dal navigatore olandese Abel Janszoon Tasman nel 1643 e dal navigatore inglese James Cook nel 1774; la vera e propria esplorazione dell'arcipelago fu tuttavia compiuta dal capitano Bligh nel 1789. Nel secolo successivo le isole furono raggiunte da coloni europei, soprattutto britannici, attratti dalla possibilità di commerciare il legno di sandalo. La difficile convivenza tra i nuovi venuti e le popolazioni autoctone indusse i coloni e i capi tribali a chiedere aiuto alla Gran Bretagna. Nel 1874 le isole divennero colonia britannica e rimasero tali fino alla proclamazione dell'indipendenza. L'introduzione della monocultura della canna da zucchero e il conseguente afflusso di lavoratori indiani modificarono in breve tempo l'assetto complessivo delle isole principali. L'accrescere della popolazione indiana indusse gli indigeni, timorosi di perdere la loro supremazia, a stringere legami sempre più stretti con il paese colonizzatore. Il 10 ottobre del 1970 il paese proclamò l'indipendenza, accettata dalla popolazione indigena in cambio di una serie di garanzie costituzionali. Dopo alcuni mesi lo stato divenne membro delle Nazioni Unite. Il primo ministro delle isole indipendenti fu Ratu Kamisese Mara, portavoce dell'etnia figiana e dell'aristocrazia indigena rappresentata dal Grande consiglio dei capi. Mara rimase in carica fino al 1987 e nel maggio del medesimo anno una rivolta dei militari a sostegno dei figiani portò all'acuirsi dei conflitti tra la comunità autoctona e quella indiana, all'esautoramento del nuovo governo e a una grave crisi costituzionale del paese. Un secondo colpo di stato, guidato dal colonnello Sitiveni Rabuka, fu causa dell'espulsione delle isole dal Commonwealth. Nel dicembre del 1987 Ratu Ganilau fu nominato presidente della Repubblica e Ratu Mara primo ministro. Nel 1990 la nuova Costituzione, avallata dal Grande consiglio dei capi, riaffermò la supremazia nel paese dell'aristocrazia indigena e aggravato la situazione della popolazione indiana. Dopo le elezioni svoltesi nel 1992, Rabuka, leader del nuovo Partito figiano, sostituì Mara alla guida del governo. Nel 1995 Rabuka incaricò una commissione di studiare una proposta di revisione costituzionale, peraltro contrastata dal partito di maggioranza. Il 5 dicembre 2006, un colpo di stato condotto dal comandante delle forze armate, il controammiraglio Voreq Bainimarana, destituì il premier Laisenia Qarase - che nel maggio 2005 era stato eletto per un secondo mandato.
Nativi di Balahou in piroga in una stampa francese
del 1842
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http://travelpuppy.com/fiji/index.htm Fiji Travel Guide Fiji Travel Guide and Fiji Travel Information - TravelPuppy.com Consisting of more than 300 volcanic and coral islands, the Fiji archipelago is at the cross roads of the South Pacific. In the days of sailing ships, it was known as The Cannibal Isles and cautiously avoided by mariners because of its fierce warriors and treacherous waters. More recently, Fiji's tropical climate and location on Pacific air routes have made it a perfect spot for tourists. However, a coup by native Fijians in 1987, followed by a further coup in 2000, caused immense harm to the tourism industry and to Fiji's international reputation. Resentment over the 2,000 coup persists, with bitter divisions over a proposed bill that would give amnesties to those involved in it. Although the islands now enjoy reasonable steadiness, nothing has been done to address the underlying causes of Fiji's political problems. Fiji's population, which resides mostly on the 2 main islands of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, is divided almost equally between indigenous Fijians and Indo-Fijians, the descendents of indentured labourers brought from India. Mixing between the 2 groups is minimal, and informal segregation runs deep at almost every level of society. Regardless of the troubled past of the archipelago, Fijians are known as some of the friendliest people in the world. They are not judgmental of other people and will seldom express a negative opinion. Customs still exist in the more traditional villages, especially those distant from towns and urban centres. And of course, Fiji is where the Cloud Breaker, the incredible 6 metre wave was found offshore at Tavarua, a place which still draws surfers from around the world. ::::::::::::: Fiji Communications Fiji Communications - TravelPuppy.com Mobile Telephone Roaming agreements exist with many international mobile phone companies. Phone rentals are available from the airport. Internet The main Internet cafe is Connect Internet Cafe, which is on Victoria Parade in the General Post office building in Suva. Opening hours are Monday to Friday 8.00 am to 8.00 pm, Saturday 8.00 am to 10.00 pm, Sunday 10.00 am to 6.00 pm. Access time costs around US $3 per hour. There are also Internet cafes in Lautoka and Nadi. Media Fiji's private press includes English language dailies and Fijian and Hindi-language weeklies. The Government has a stake in many publications. Radio is a key source of information, especially on the outer islands. There are both privately and publicly owned stations. Press The main English language daily is the Fiji Times, which claims to be ‘the 1st newspaper published in the world today’, a reference to Suva’s position just to the west of the International Date Line, the other major English language paper is the Fiji Daily Post. The Fiji Sun is privately owned. Shanti Dut and Sartaj are weekly publications in Hindi. Fiji Calling is the bi yearly tourist newspaper, which may be of interest to visitors. TV Fiji 1 is a national free to air channel, Sky Fiji is a pay TV channel, both are operated by Fiji Television Ltd. Radio State owned commercial company Fiji Broadcasting Corporation operates Fijian language Radio Fiji 1, Hindi language Radio Fiji 2, music based Bula 100 FM, Hindi entertainment station Bula 98 FM and music based Bula 102 FM. The BBC World Service and Radio Australia are accessible on FM relays. Post Airmail to Europe can take up to 10 days. General post office hours are Monday to Friday 8.00 am to 4.30 pm, Saturday 8.00 am to 1.00 pm. The main post office is in the General Post Office on Victoria Parade. Opening hours are Monday to Friday 8.00 am to 4.30 pm, Saturday 9.00 am to 12.00 pm. ___________ Fiji Contacts Fiji Addresses and Contacts - TravelPuppy.com Location: South Pacific Time: Greenich Mean Time + 12 South Pacific Tourism Organisation Building address PO Box 13119, Suva Fiji Telephone 330 4177 Facsimile 330 1995 Website address www.spto.org Fiji High Commission in the UK Building Address 34 Hyde Park Gate, London SW7 5DN, United Kingdom Telephone (020) 7584 3661 Website address www.fijihighcommission.org.uk Note Opening hours are Monday to Thursday 9.30 am to 1.00 pm, 2.00 pm to 5.00 pm, Friday 9.30 am to 1.00 pm, 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm. Consular Section Monday to Friday 9.30 am to 12.30 pm (consular section). Fiji Visitors Bureau in the UK Building Address Albany House, Albany Crescent, Claygate, Surrey, KT10 OPF, United Kingdom Telephone (01372) 469 818 Website address www.bulafiji.com Embassy of the Republic of Fiji in the USA Building Address Suite 240, 2233 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20007, United States of America Telephone (202) 337 8320 Website address www.Fijitouristboard.com or www.goscandinavia.com Fiji Visitors Bureau in the USA Building Address Suite 220, 5777 West Century Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90045, United States of America Telephone (310) 568 1616 or (800) 932 3454 (toll-free in USA and Canada). Website address www.bulafiji.com ___________Fiji General Info Fiji General Information - TravelPuppy.com Area 18,376 square kilometres (7,056 square miles). Population 854,000 people (UN estimate for 2005). Population Density 46 people per square kilometres. Capital Suva. Population of Suva 167,000 people (2005 estimate). Geography Some key geographical facts: Fiji is situated in the South Pacific, 3,000 kilometres (1875 miles) east of Australia and approximately 1,930 kilometres (1,200 miles) south of the Equator. The country comprises 322 islands, 105 of which are uninhabited (some are little more than rugged, with limestone islets or tiny coral atolls). The 3 largest islands are Viti Levu (Great Fiji), Vanua Levu (Great Land of the People), both of which are destroyed volcanoes rising abruptly from the sea, and Taveuni. There are 1000's of streams and small rivers in Fiji, the largest being the Rewa River on Viti Levu, which is navigable for 128 kilometres (80 miles). Mount Victoria, which is also on Viti Levu, is the country’s highest peak, at 1,322 metres (4,430ft). Government The 1998 constitution allows for a bicameral legislature. In the 71 member Vale (House of Representatives), whose members are popularly elected for 5 year terms, over half the seats are allocated to specific ethnic communities (23 to Fijians, 19 to Indians), the remainder are open, to be contested by anyone. The Seniti (Senate), which also serves a 5 year term, has 34 members, 24 are elected by the traditional Council of Chiefs, while the remainder are appointed. The Council of Chiefs elects the President to serve a 5 year term. Fiji has been Republic since 1987. The Head of State has been President Ratu Josefa Ilolio since 2000. The President is appointed for a 5 year term by the Great Council of Chiefs (Bosu Levu Vakaturaga), a traditional body with roughly 70 members, consisting of every hereditary Fijian chief (or ratu). The Head of Government has been Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase since 2000. Recent history The 1987 general election brought to power a coalition between the major ethnic Indian party, the National Federation Party, led by Marendra Chaudhry, and the newly formed Labour Party. The new Government had several Indian ministers, which proved too much for many nationalist native Fijians (referred to as Taukei). This was the cause for an army coup d’état, headed by Colonel Sitiveni Rabuka. Colonel Rabuka declared himself head of an interim military Government and introduced a new constitution, under which blocs of seats in a new assembly were allocated to specific ethnic groups, thereby assuring a Taukei majority. Under this format, the 1992 elections brought to power a coalition dominated by the main ethnic Fijian party. Rabuka supposed the premiership. By the time the revised constitution came into effect in 1998, Fiji’s poor economic performance had damaged the Rabuka Government’s popularity. The Fijian Labour Party then secured an absolute majority in the Vela and an Indian Prime Minister, Mahendra Chaudhry, took office. In May 2000, George Speight organised a coup, holding Chaudhry and other ministers as hostages while he issued a succession of demands. The stand off lasted 2 months. After originally conceding to most of the rebel demands (including the dismissal of Chaudhry), the military, led by Commodore Frank Bainanarama, took control at the beginning of July. A few weeks later, the military moved opposing to Speight and his followers, who were arrested. An interim Government under the veteran Taukei politician, Ratu Josefa Iloilo, was installed with Laisenia Qarase as Premier. Following the elections in August 2001, a coalition Government was formed between the smaller Conservative Alliance Party (Matanitu Vanua) and the Fiji United Party and, despite the fact that most votes were won by the Labour Party, Laisenia Qarase remained as Prime Minister. The islands have since enjoyed reasonable stability, although nothing has been done to address the essential causes of Fiji’s political problems. Qarase closely defeated Chaudhry's Labout Party in the 2006 elections. Language The principal languages are Fijian and Hindustani, however English is widely spoken and is also taught in schools. Urdu and Chinese are heard in the markets. Religion Methodist and Hindu with Muslim and Roman Catholic minorities. A strictly fundamentalist Methodist version of Christianity is enshrined in, and informs, the Fijian Constitution. Time Zone Greenich Mean Time + 12 hours Electricity 240 volts AC, 50 Hz. Larger hotels also have 110 volt razor sockets. _____________Fiji Getting Around - Internal Travel Fiji Internal Travel - Getting Around Fiji - TravelPuppy.com Air Fiji’s domestic airlines, Air Pacific, Air Fiji and Sun Air, operate shuttle services around the islands, particularly between Nadi and Suva (Nausori) with additional regular flights to Kadavu, Vanua Levu and Taveuni. The flight time from Nadi to Suva is approximately 30 minutes. Air Fiji also operates from Suva to Ovalau, Koro, Cicia in the Lau group and Gau, and from Nadi to Labasa. A Discover Fiji ticket is available which gives virtually unlimited flights (Funafuti and Rotuma in Tuvalu not included) for 30 days. Please contact Air Fiji, PO Box 1259, Suva (telephone: 331 3666 or 331 5055). Sun Air operates daily flights to Malololailtai (for Musket Cove and Plantation Village), Kadavu, Labasa, Taveuni and Savusavu from Nadi (telephone: 723 016). Pacific Crown Aviation LTD manages a helicopter service out of Suva which is available for charter. Turtle Airways flies to Turtle Island from Nadi. The flight time is approximately 30 minutes, flight prices are high as the island is privately owned. Only 14 couples are allowed on the island at 1 time. Sea & Lake Government and local shipping companies control freight and passenger services linking the outer slands. Cruises to offshore islands leave Nadi / Lautoka and Suva. A ferry goes back and forth regularly from Suva to Labasa, and to Ovalau and Koro Island. Cabin cruisers and yachts are available for charter. Inter island trips can take anything from a few hours to a few weeks, and are generally very inexpensive. Timetables are generally not posted. People wishing to travel about the islands in this way are advised to enquire at the offices of one of the local shipping agents, being sure to confirm all arrangements with the captain once the vessel is in port. Numerous ferries now operate between the major islands, greatly reducing travel times. These boats can take between 300 and 500 passengers and have a full range of facilities, including a TV lounge, a bar, and snack bar. A F $2.5 million catamaran called Lagilagi, launched by Beachcomber Island resort, provides 2 cruises from Fiji, servicing Lautoka, Nadi, Nanu-i-ra, Savusavu and Wananvu. It leaves Port Denarau every Saturday morning at varied times. Road The approximate driving time from Nadi to Suva is 3 hours (on a sealed road). The major roads on Viti Levu follow the coast, linking the main centres. Regulations Traffic drives on the left in Fiji. There are about 5,000 kilometres (3,100 miles) of roads, 1,500 kilometres (930 miles) of which are paved and useable all year round. The speed limit in built up areas is 50 kilometres per hour (30 miles per hour) and highways are 80 kilometres per hour (50 miles per hour). Please beware of livestock on the roads as they wander freely during the night, although it is best to avoid driving during the night altogether. Whilst driving past villages, drivers are advised to slow down as locals use the roads as footpaths. It is essential for front seat passengers to wear their seat belt at all times. Bus Local open windowed buses operate across Viti Levu and the other major islands between all towns and on suburban routes. Express air conditioned buses also operate between Suva and Nadi and between Suva and Lautoka. Taxi Taxis are metered in towns. A fare table for long distances is compulsory. Car hire Cars, limousines and chauffeurs are all available for rental. Please contact Fiji Visitors Bureau for further information. Documentation An International Driving Permit is required if driving a locally registered vehicle. Overseas and international permits are valid for 6 months. _____________Fiji Visa - Passport Fiji Visa and Passport Information - TravelPuppy.com Passport Required? Visa Required? Return Ticket Required? British Yes No Yes Australian Yes No (B) Yes Canadian Yes No (B) Yes USA Yes No Yes Other EU Yes No (A) Yes Japanese Yes No Yes Note All visitors must hold onward or return tickets and adequate funds to cover stay. Applicants must make their own arrangements for collection / return of passport. Passport Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond intended period of stay required by all except nationals of Fiji when holding a Certificate of Identity including a photograph of the bearer. Holders of the certificate must attain approval from the Fiji Immigration Department before arrival. Visa Visas are required by all except the following who are issued a visitor’s permit valid for 1 month (extendable to 4 months) on arrival: Nationals of countries shown in the chart above, except (A) nationals of Lithuania who do need a visa (B) Nationals of Commonwealth countries (except nationals of Mozambique, Cameroon, Namibia and Sri Lanka who do need a visa) Nationals of Argentina, Korea (Republic), Moldova, Monaco, Norway, The Philippines, Romania, Russian Federation, Liechtenstein, Marshall Islands, Brazil, Paraguay, Peru, Switzerland, Taiwan (China), Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, Uruguay, Venezuela, Bulgaria, Chile, Colombia, Iceland, Indonesia, Israel, Kenya, Mexico, Micronesia (Federated States), Vatican City and Zimbabwe. Transit passengers continuing their journey to a 3rd country within 3 hours, provided holding valid onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport. Visa Note Entry will be denied to people who have been deported or removed from another country. The cost of different types of visa Single Entry: £45. Multiple Entry: £80. Validity Visas are valid for stays of up to 3 months, but can be extended on application to: Immigration Dept Street Address: Level 3, Suvavou House, Victoria Parade, Suva Postal Address: PO Box 2224, Government Buildings, Suva, Fiji Telephone: 331 2622. Application to Consular section of the High Commission or Embassy. Application requirements A Visitor must have: Valid passport. Completed application form. 3 passport sized photos. Police clearance report (proof of no criminal record) from a local police station (must be in English). Onward / return air ticket. Adequate funds for duration of stay. Copy of travel ticket / itinerary. Fee payable by banker's draft, bank cheque or by cash (if application is made in person). Working days required 7 to 21. Temporary residence Enquiries should be directed to the High Commission or Embassy of Fiji. Contact Details Fiji High Commision in the United Kingdom Address: 34 Hyde Park Gate, London SW7 5DN, United Kingdom Telephone: (020) 7584 3661. Website address: www.fijihighcommission.org.uk General opening hours: Monday to Thursday 9.30 am to 1.00 pm, 2.00 pm to 5.00 pm, Friday 9.30 am to 1.00 pm, 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm. Consular section opening hours: Monday to Friday 9.30 am to 12.30 pm. Embassy of the Republic of Fiji in the United States of America Address: Suite 240, 2233 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20007, United States of America Telephone: (202) 337 8320 Website address: www.fijiembassy.org |
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www.imondonauti.it
Guida FIJI |
| Questo articolo è rilasciato sotto i termini della
GNU Free Documentation License Esso utilizza materiale tratto da http://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Figi Cronologia/Autori: http://it.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Figi&action=history FigiDa Wikipedia, l'enciclopedia libera.
Le isole Figi (Figiano: Viti; Indostano: फ़िजी فِجی) sono un arcipelago dell'Oceania che formano l'omonimo stato. Gli abitanti sono quasi ugualmente divisi fra popolazione indigena e popolazione discendente da indiani immigrati nel diciannovesimo secolo. Paesi confinanti sono a nord Tuvalu, a est Tonga, a ovest Vanuatu e la Nuova Caledonia, e a sud la Nuova Zelanda. Isole principali sono Viti Levu con la capitale Suva, e Vanua Levu.
[modifica] GeografiaLe isole dell'arcipelago sono disposte a ferro di cavallo, costellate da numerosi atolli corallini e bagnate dal mare di Koro. Le principali sono Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, Taveuni, Kandavu, Koro e Rotuma. Di origine vulcanica, presentano ingenti depositi di calcare e sono quindi caratterizzate da una morfologia prevalentemente montuosa e accidentata che, lungo i litorali, lascia il posto a fasce pianeggianti. Il punto più elevato dell'arcipelago è il monte Victoria o Tomaniivi (1.324 m), a Viti Levu. Di modesta entità sono i fiumi; soltanto Viti Levu è attraversata da corsi d'acqua di rilievo quali il Singatoka e il Rewa. Il clima è subtropicale, caldo e umido, con precipitazioni frequenti soprattutto tra novembre e aprile concentrate sui versanti orientale e sudorientale, maggiormente esposti agli alisei. La media annua della temperatura è di 25 °C, quella delle precipitazioni di circa 2500 mm. La vegetazione è caratterizzata da fitte foreste e, nelle zone più aride, da tratti di savana; nelle isole sono inoltre presenti depositi di oro e manganese.
[modifica] PopolazioneNel 2001, la popolazione delle Figi ammontava a 844.330 abitanti. La maggioranza appartiene al ceppo melanesiano dei figiani (50%). Le isole sono inoltre abitate da indiani (44,8%), giunti inizialmente per soddisfare la richiesta di manodopera dei coloni inglesi, e da un'esigua minoranza di europei situata nella parte sudorientale di Viti Levu, che è il maggiore centro commerciale e portuale del paese, oltre che una frequentata località turistica. Altri centri sono Lautoka, Lami e Nandi. Oltre la metà della popolazione professa la fede cristiana; i gruppi maggiori sono quelli metodista e cattolico. Gli induisti sono il 38%, mentre i musulmani rappresentano una minoranza. Lingue ufficiali sono l'inglese e il figiano, mentre la comunità indiana parla l'hindi. Suva è sede dell'Università del Pacifico Meridionale, fondata nel 1968. Il tasso di alfabetizzazione è pari al 99,2% (2001).
[modifica] EconomiaIl prodotto interno lordo delle Figi è di 1.758 milioni di dollari USA, corrispondente a circa 2.190 dollari pro capite (1999). L'economia è basata in larga misura sulla produzione di canna da zucchero oltre che sulla coltivazione di palme da cocco e frutta esotica. Manioca, patate dolci e riso sono destinati al consumo interno. Di scarso rilievo è l'allevamento, mentre consistente è il patrimonio boschivo (circa il 44,6% del territorio) dal quale si ricava legname destinato al consumo interno; la pesca, prima condotta con criteri tradizionali che soddisfacevano solo il bisogno interno, è in fase di sviluppo. L'attività estrattiva poggia sui giacimenti di oro, argento, manganese e rame. Il valore complessivo delle esportazioni nel 1999 era di 590 milioni di dollari, mentre le importazioni ammontavano a 800 milioni di dollari. Questi dati testimoniano come il paese sia subordinato ai fornitori di prodotti industriali, soprattutto Australia, Nuova Zelanda e Regno Unito. Un settore in espansione è quello turistico: nel 1999 gli arrivi sono stati 410.000. Nel 1997 la bilancia commerciale era di 520 milioni di dollari di entrate e 628 milioni di uscite. La valuta ufficiale è il dollaro figiano. Data la posizione geografica dell'arcipelago, l'aeroporto di Nandi riveste particolare importanza per le comunicazioni internazionali. La rete stradale è di circa 3.440 km; una ferrovia (700 km) è adibita al trasporto della canna.
[modifica] StoriaIn tempi antichi le Figi (o Fiji) furono popolate da popoli Melanesiani. Le Figi furono avvistate dal navigatore olandese Abel Janszoon Tasman nel 1643 e dal navigatore inglese James Cook nel 1774; la vera e propria esplorazione dell'arcipelago fu tuttavia compiuta dal capitano Bligh nel 1789. Nel secolo successivo le isole furono raggiunte da coloni europei, soprattutto britannici, attratti dalla possibilità di commerciare il legno di sandalo. La difficile convivenza tra i nuovi venuti e le popolazioni autoctone indusse i coloni e i capi tribali a chiedere aiuto alla Gran Bretagna. Nel 1874 le isole divennero colonia britannica e rimasero tali fino alla proclamazione dell'indipendenza. L'introduzione della monocultura della canna da zucchero e il conseguente afflusso di lavoratori indiani modificarono in breve tempo l'assetto complessivo delle isole principali. L'accrescere della popolazione indiana indusse gli indigeni, timorosi di perdere la loro supremazia, a stringere legami sempre più stretti con il paese colonizzatore. Il 10 ottobre del 1970 il paese proclamò l'indipendenza, accettata dalla popolazione indigena in cambio di una serie di garanzie costituzionali. Dopo alcuni mesi lo stato divenne membro delle Nazioni Unite. Il primo ministro delle isole indipendenti fu Ratu Kamisese Mara, portavoce dell'etnia figiana e dell'aristocrazia indigena rappresentata dal Grande consiglio dei capi. Mara rimase in carica fino al 1987 e nel maggio del medesimo anno una rivolta dei militari a sostegno dei figiani portò all'acuirsi dei conflitti tra la comunità autoctona e quella indiana, all'esautoramento del nuovo governo e a una grave crisi costituzionale del paese. Un secondo colpo di stato, guidato dal colonnello Sitiveni Rabuka, fu causa dell'espulsione delle isole dal Commonwealth. Nel dicembre del 1987 Ratu Ganilau fu nominato presidente della Repubblica e Ratu Mara primo ministro. Nel 1990 la nuova Costituzione, avallata dal Grande consiglio dei capi, riaffermò la supremazia nel paese dell'aristocrazia indigena e aggravato la situazione della popolazione indiana. Dopo le elezioni svoltesi nel 1992, Rabuka, leader del nuovo Partito figiano, sostituì Mara alla guida del governo. Nel 1995 Rabuka incaricò una commissione di studiare una proposta di revisione costituzionale, peraltro contrastata dal partito di maggioranza. Il 5 dicembre 2006, un colpo di stato condotto dal comandante delle forze armate, il controammiraglio Voreq Bainimarana, destituì il premier Laisenia Qarase - che nel maggio 2005 era stato eletto per un secondo mandato.
Nativi di Balahou in piroga in una stampa francese
del 1842
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