Fiji is not only incredibly beautiful; it also has quite a few unique quirks that make it an interesting country.
Though Fiji is a popular destination, the factual awareness of most tourists, with regard to Fiji, is quite limited.
So, here are five things you probably don’y know about Fiji, but, you will, most certainly, find them pretty fascinating.
1. Fiji is a Cluster of Tiny Islands
Fiji comprises of 332 islands and over 500 tiny islets that spread out across 7000 square miles, making the country a lot bigger than most people think. However, it becomes somewhat less daunting to know that only 110 islands are habitable and about 87% of the total population lives on Vanua Levu and Viti Levu, the two biggest islands. Additionally, Mt Tomanivi, extending to a remarkable altitude of 1324 meters, is located on Viti Levu, is the highest point in Fiji. Most of these Fiji Islands were formed as a result of volcanic eruptions over 150 million years ago while; some of the smaller islands were formed due to coral deposits.
2. Tourism
Fiji receives over 1,000,000 international tourists per annum due to its islands, beaches, resorts, friendly people, culture and activities. Fiji is also one of the most popular exotic honeymoon destinations.
3. Fiji Used to Be a British Colony
Even though Fiji became independent in 1970, after being a British colony for almost a century, the Queen of England still owns the title of “Paramount Chief of the Great Council of Chiefs” of Fiji. The coins and colorful banknotes of the country carry her images.
4. Travel in Time
One of the most fun things to know about Fiji is its prime location on the International Date line. The 180th meridian–commonly called the International Date Line–splits the island of Taveuni from today and yesterday. There is a spot in Taveuni where you can place one foot in the current date and the other foot in the previous date.
5. Cannibalism
Before the 19th century, the Fijians practiced cannibalism and human sacrifices. The bodies of the enemies killed in sacrifice, or in battle, were cooked for festivals like the coronation of chiefs. The last person to be cannibalized was Reverend Thomas Baker in the year 1867 because he accidentally touched the chief’s head gear. His partly consumed shoes are preserved in the National Museum. The practice of human sacrifice was abandoned and the Fijians stick to fish now. In 2003, the tribe expressed their regrets to the Reverend’s family.
6. Taboo
Palm trees are believed to be dangerous by the islanders. There is a legend in Fiji that states that coconuts have eyes and they spy on people to fall on them. In case a coconut does fall on someone, the Fijians consider it as bad luck. So, they do not hang their hammocks by the palm trees to avoid a sore head as well as bad luck. Additionally, if you decide to pay a visit to the local villages, you must remember that only the village chiefs are allowed to wear sunglasses and hats!
7. Difference Between Fijian and Fiji Islanders
Be careful and avoid calling the islanders “Fijian”. A Fijian is a person of indigenous Fiji descent, whereas, Fiji Islander represents everyone who lives in Fiji. Though the official term used for the inhabitants is “Fiji National,” there is still an ongoing debate around the term “Fijian” as most people in the government wants to apply it for all inhabitants of Fiji but, the indigenous Fijians are strictly against it.
Fiji is one of the most spectacular countries and a perfect holiday destination. Knowing about the amazing and unknown things about Fiji can certainly arouse interest and help you in preparing for a vacation to Fiji to enjoy your time in the island nation. Book your flights to Fiji in advance and enjoy in this amazing island for yourself.
