Most of the islands of Fiji were formed by volcanic activity, approximately 150 million years ago. In the 17th century, Europeans first visited Fiji. Because of its abundant forest, mineral, and fish resources, Fiji has one of the most developed economies in the Pacific. Here are 20 interesting facts about Fiji.
1. Fiji Consists Of 333 Islands
Fiji consists of 333 tropical islands, and almost 110 of those islands are permanently inhabited.
READ ALSO: 15 Unknown Facts About Andaman and Nicobar Islands
2. 87% Of The Total Population Lives On Viti Levu And Vanua Levu
Viti Levu and Vanua Levu are the two major islands of Fiji. Almost 87% of the total population of 898,760 live on these two islands only.
3. 37% Of The Fijians Are Of Indian Origin
Fijians of Indian origin currently make up about 37% of the total population in Fiji.
4. Total Land Mass Of Fiji Is Smaller Than New Jersey
The total land mass of Fiji is slightly smaller than the US state of New Jersey.
5. Fiji Gained Independence On 10 October 1970
Fiji gained independence from British rule on 10 October 1970. Fiji was a British colony from 1874 to 1970.
READ ALSO: 14 Fun Facts About October
6. Three Official Languages – English, Fijian, And Hindi
One of the most interesting facts about Fiji is that Fiji has three official languages – English, Fijian, and Hindi. The most widely spoken language in the country is English.
7. Fiji Hindi Is Derived From Awadhi And Bhojpuri Language
Fiji Hindi is derived mainly from Awadhi and Bhojpuri languages or dialects of Hindi. It also contains words from other Indian languages. Thus, Fiji Hindi is slightly different from standard Hindi in India.
8. The Main Religion Is Christian
The main religion of Fiji is Christianity, as almost 64.4% of the Fijians are Christian. In the rest of the population, 28% people are Hindu and 6% are Muslim.
READ ALSO: 15 Mind-Blowing Facts About Islam
9. Mount Tomanivi Is The Highest Mountain
Mount Tomanivi is the highest mountain in Fiji at 4,344 feet (1,324 meters). It is an extinct volcano located in the northern highlands of Viti Levu.
10. There Are 1,500 Species Of Marine Life In Fiji’s Waters
Fiji’s waters are inhabited by over 1,500 species of marine life.
READ ALSO: 10 Interesting Facts About Turtles That Will Amaze You
11. 400,000 To 500,000 Tourists Every Year
Fiji receives approximately 400,000 to 500,000 tourists every year.
12. Suva Is The Capital And Largest City Of Fiji
Suva is the capital and largest city of Fiji, which is located on the southeastern coast of Viti Levu. It also serves as the principal port of Fiji.
13. Fiji Has 28 Airports
The island country of Fiji has 28 airports. But only four of them have paved runways.
14. Fiji Is The “Soft Coral Capital Of The World”
The Fiji Islands are home to over 4,000 square miles of coral reef and around 1,000 species of fish. This includes the “Great Astrolabe Reef”. Fiji is also known as the “Soft Coral Capital of the World”.
READ ALSO: 10 Mind-Blowing Facts About Fish
15. Three-quarters Of The Total Population Lives On The Coasts Of Viti Levu
Almost three-quarters of the total population of Fiji live on the coasts of Viti Levu. They mainly live either in Suva or in smaller urban centers like Nadi or Lautoka.
Nadi is a city on Fiji’s main island, which is famous for the tourism industry and Lautoka is the second largest city in Fiji, which is known for its sugar cane industry.
16. Fiji Has 800 Different Species Of Plants That Are Found Nowhere Else
The Islands of Fiji are also home to approximately 800 different species of plants which are found nowhere else in the world.
READ ALSO: 12 Fun Facts About Roses
17. The Literacy Rate Is 94 Percent
In Fiji, the literacy rate among adults is almost 94 percent.
18. Largest Hindu Temple In The Southern Hemisphere
The colorful Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple is the largest Hindu temple in Fiji. It is also the largest Hindu temple in the Southern Hemisphere. This temple is one of the major landmarks in Nadi.
19. Rugby Is The Most Popular Sport
Fiji’s people are usually recognized for their excellent performances in sports that require hand–to–hand combat skills such as rugby, which is the most popular sport in Fiji.
READ ALSO: 12 Amazing Facts About Your Hands That Will Blow Your Mind
20. Whale Teeth Are The Most Precious Gift
In Fiji, whale teeth are the most precious gift one can receive.
These are 20 interesting facts about Fiji.
FAQ: 20 Interesting Facts About Fiji
As a lot of people are curious to know about Fiji, they have many questions in their minds related to it. Here I have tried to give brief answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about Fiji.
Q1. How Many Islands Does Fiji Consist Of?
Ans: Fiji consists of 333 tropical islands and approximately 110 of those islands are permanently inhabited.
Q2. What Percent Of Fiji Is Indian?
Ans: Currently, 37 percent of the total population of Fiji is of Indian origin.
Q3. When Did Fiji Gain Its Independence?
Ans: Fiji gained its independence from British rule on 10 October 1970. It was a British colony from 1874 to 1970.
Q4. How Many Official Languages Does Fiji Have?
Ans: Fiji has three official languages, which are English, Fijian, and Hindi. However, English is the most widely spoken language in the country.
READ ALSO: 15 Interesting Facts About Panama
- 10 Fun And Interesting Facts About Oranges You Must Know - September 14, 2022
- 10 Interesting Facts About Aluminum That You Might Not Know - August 24, 2022
- 10 Fun Facts About Smiling That Will Make You Smile - August 14, 2022