The Fiji Islands are located in the South Pacific Ocean about two thirds of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand. From 1874 it was a UK overseas territory until 1970 when it gained it’s Independence. What used to be a democracy was interrupted by two military coups because the government was believed to be dominated by the Indian community, who were brought over by the British colony as labourers. These coups led to mass emigration of the Indo-Fijians and the country’s population fell dramatically, resulting in economic difficulties for the country but ensuring that Melanesians became the majority.
Long before the Europeans set foot on Fiji, the islanders were described by neighbouring Tongans as formidable warriors and ferocious cannibals. In fact the story goes that the first British explorer to land on the islands was eaten by the locals, who even tried to eat his rubber wellington boots.
Today Fiji is hugely popular with tourists, it’s year round tropical maritime climate provides visitors with a choice of 322 spectacular paradise islands. Over 500,000 tourists visit Fiji each year, which is over half of the country’s population. Despite being a small nation, Fiji has one of the best rugby union teams in the world and it’s rugby sevens team is currently ranked number one after winning two world cup titles in 2006.
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