Fiji has over 300 islands ranging from the very remote Lao group to the populated Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. There are plenty of picture perfect, white sandy beaches, endless coral reefs, pristine forests and world-renowned dive sites.
Fiji is comprised of five unique archipelagos:
- Viti Levu (largest island) and North West islands
- Mamanuca and Yasawa’s are strung out over 80 nautical miles
- Kadavu and Beqa
- Beqa, Kadavu, Tavuki, Vatulele, Great Astralobe Reef and Lagoon
- Central Waters: Vanua Levu and the Lomaiviti Group
- Vanua Levu, Bligh Waters, Koro Sea, Makogai, Wakaya, Koro, Ovalau, Batiki
- Taveuni and the Ringold Isles
- Tavenui, Ringold Isles, Rabi, Qamea, Laucala, Matei
- Eastern Archipelago (Lao group)
- Nothern Lao, Southern Lao and Eastern Lao
The 300 islands are spread over 200,000 square miles and they cross over the international date line even though there is only one date/time across all of Fijian waters. What’s funny is while navigating close to the date line, our digital charts freak out and always mis-calculate until we cross over the date line.
The two largest islands are Viti Levu (which has the nation’s capital, Suva) and Vanua Levu. Most of the islands are volcanic in origin and most of the summits of mountains have distinct craters (even though activity has long since ceased). Fijians own more than 80% of the lands in Fiji. However, it is not held by individuals, but rather by small tribal units.
Sugar is grown near the plains and lowlands of the north-west of Viti Levu and is their largest export.. They also export coconut oil, pearls, and copra.
The Fijians
Only 100 of the 300 islands are inhabited. Fiji has many, many nationalities and is rich and diverse in cultures. The population is near 800,000 with about 49% being Fijians, 46% being Fijian Indians and the remaining 5% being Europeans (most from New Zealand and Australia), Chinese, Roumans, and other Pacific Islanders.
Overall, Fijians have been truly the nicest and friendliest group of people we’ve ever met. They stop everything to greet you with “Bula.” And its not a softly spoken, under your breath “Bula” it is a loud, almost shout “Bula” coming from the heart. Whether you are walking down the street, in a store, on the bus, or in a small town – big and small, young and old will greet you with a wide toothy grin and a “Bula.”
It was only 50 years ago that Fiji gained its independence from Britain (October 1970) who had control for over 96 years. In 1987 Fiji was declared a republic and in 1992 the first elections were held when Fiji returned to an elected parliament.
Rich in Life
We spent most of our time in the outer islands where the villages are small (less than 100 people) and life is simple. Most do not have tables, chairs, utensils, appliances, or modern amenities. Several of the villagers are missing many teeth, but they are trim, happy, and healthy. They eat what nature provides for them, they grow casava and taro root (both starches like potatoes), the enjoy lots of fresh fruits (bananas, papayas, mangos, breadfruit, soursop) and freshly caught fish, octopus, lobster, and crab. Rich in life.
This is one of our host families. The headman assigns a host family to us each time we visit the outer islands. This family is in Fulaga (Lucy and Nico).
This is inside their modest home. We are sitting in their living room, the kitchen is in the background and they have a small separate room to sleep.
Each Fijian encounter is a unique and blessed experience. They are truly happy to meet you, know you, and share their world. They might not have much, but they will offer you what they do have.
Our last blog shares our arrival and all the arrival procedures in Fiji. Events from this blog occurred the end of June. Our blog posts run 10-12 weeks behind actual events.
