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<p>Officially the Republic of Fiji is located in the Pacific Ocean, part of the Melanesian sub-region. The island country is a collection of more than 332 islands, of which only 110 are inhabited. The total land mass of Fiji is 18,300 square kilometers, with a population of 858,038 people. The official languages are English, Fijian, and Fiji Hindi. Its official currency is the Fiji dollar (FJD).  Fiji is one of the most developed island countries in the Pacific. The latitude and longitude of Fiji is 18 degrees 00’S and 175 degrees 00’E.</p>
<p>Suva is the capital, and the largest city. Viti Levu and Vanua Levu are the two major islands, accounting 87% of the population.</p>
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<p><strong><em>HISTORY</em></strong></p>
<p>Fiji is known to be first settled around 3500 to 1000 BC by the Lapita people. Fijian culture can be linked to Melanesian culture of the western Pacific, yet stronger connections to the older Polynesian cultures.  In traditional times, cannibalism, tribal wars were a part of life. Fiji was visited by European explorer in the 17<sup>th</sup> century, but in the 19<sup>th</sup> century Europeans settled in Fiji.</p>
<p>Fiji became a British colony in 1874. The British brought Indian laborers to work on sugar plantations. Fiji was granted independence on October 1970. Fiji’s population is mostly made up of the native people amounting to 54.3%, Indo-Fijians 38.1%, and Rotumans 1.2%</p>
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<p><strong><em>CLIMATE</em></strong></p>
<p>Fiji experiences tropical marine climate, with warmer seasons from November to April. Cooler seasons are from May to October. The island country is vulnerable to cyclones and flooding.</p>
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<p><strong><em>ECONOMY</em></strong></p>
<p>Fiji has abundance of natural resources such as: timber, fish, gold, copper, offshore oil, and hydropower. Tourism is a major industry contributing to the economy. It brings in much needed foreign exchange for the country and creates employment.</p>
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<p><strong><em>TRANSPORT                                                                               </em></strong></p>
<p>Nadi Intentional Airport is Fiji’s main portal to the world. Bus and Taxi services are the main public transport.  Inter-island ferries connect the outer islands to Viti Levu and Vanua Levu.</p>
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<p><strong><em>RELIGION</em></strong></p>
<p>The Methodist Church of Fiji and Rotuma is the largest Christian denomination affiliating 36.2% of the population.  Other Christian denominations include Roman Catholics 8.9%, the Assemblies of God 4%, Seventh-day Adventists 2.9%, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 2.2%.</p>
<p>Hindus in Fiji mostly belong to Sanatan sector with 74.3% of Hindus, 3.7% are the Arya Samaj sector. Muslims are mostly Sunni 96.4%, and Ahmadiyya with 3.6%. The Sikh affiliates 0.9% of the Indo-Fijian population.</p>
<p>Other minor religions include Jews, and the Baha’i faith.</p>
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<p><strong><em>EDUCATION</em></strong></p>
<p>Primary education in Fiji is both compulsory and free.</p>
<p><strong><em>CULTURE</em></strong></p>
<p>The traditional Fijian culture has been a mixture of other influential culture including: indo-fijian, Asian and European traditions. Nevertheless, the traditional Fijian culture is still dynamic and more popular in villages and rural areas.</p>
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<p><strong><em>SPORT</em></strong></p>
<p>Rugby union is the national sport of Fiji with national team being well-known in the international competitions.  Other popular sports in Fiji include: rugby league, netball, football, swimming, athletics, etc.</p>
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