(WIPO code: FJ) (latest review March 2024)

by MUNRO LEYS, Suva

General Information

Area

18,333 sq. km.

Population

884,887 (2017 census).

Capital

Suva.

Languages

English (official), i-Taukei, Hindi.

Currency

Fiji dollar (FJD).

General Remarks

Formerly a British colony, on October 10, 1970, Fiji became an independent state.

Fiji, a developing and fast-growing nation, comprises 332 islands varying in size from 10,000 square kilometers to tiny islets a few meters in circumference. Around one third of these islands are inhabited. The largest island, Viti Levu, is 10,429 square kilometers and the second largest, Vanua Levu is 5,556 sq. km.

Situated in the hub of the South-West Pacific, Fiji has become the crossroads of air and shipping services between North America, Australia-New Zealand and Asia. Travellers and international vessels enter the country via the international airports at Nadi or Nausori or the natural harbors at Suva and Lautoka.