Like most countries, FIJI has quite an interesting history. It is estimated that Fiji inhabitants arrived sometime between 3500 and 1000 BC, most likely ancestors of the Polynesians. Europeans settled FIJI in the 17th century and started colonizing in the 19th century.
Did you know that Fiji was once part of the British Empire from 1847 up until the 10th of October, 1970 when it gained its independence? (Did you notice the national flag of Fiji has a replica British flag on it?)
Fiji is known around the world as the “Soft Coral Diving Capital” due to the spectacular soft coral reefs and over 1000 species of fish that flourish in this area of the South Pacific. Make sure to check out the Rainbow Reef in the Somosomo Strait between Taveuni Island and Vanua Levu Island, which consistently rates as one of the best diving locations on planet Earth! (BONUS: Fiji also has some incredible shark diving on Beqa Island and memory-making diving with the manta rays in the Yasawa Islands).
There are over 800 unique plant species in FIJI, with the most famous being the red and white tagimoucia flower which only grows on Taveuni Island and nowhere else in the world!
Hey Rugby Fans! — Yes, rugby is the national sport of FIJI! Guess which Men’s National Rugby Team has won back to back Gold Medals at the Olympic Games? FIJI! (And let’s not forget that the Fijiana Women’s 7s Rugby Team took the Bronze at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo as well).
Kava Time? — Grab your “bilo” (“cup” in Fijian) and go for “high tide” instead of “low tide” and continue this 3000 year old tradition of communal drinking of intoxicating pounded kava root powder which is mixed with famous Fiji water, then strained into a hand carved tanoa bowl.
Make sure you try Fiji’s famous “kokonda”, which is similar to Peruvian ceviche. Raw fish, some finely chopped onions, salt, coconut milk and a dash of lime and (optional: spicy local bongo chiles).
On Fiji’s “Garden Island” of Taveuni, when you aren’t being cheered by locals as you travel down the exhilarating natural rock waterslide, you can stand on the International Date Line and experience two days at the same time, with one foot in today and another foot in yesterday!
Did you know that over one third of the population of Fiji are direct descendants of former laborers sent to FIJI from India by the British to work in the sugar cane fields? So, the Hindi language and Indian customs and culinary delights fill the air throughout Fiji! The diversity of Fiji’s population adds to its charming culture.
Attention SURFERS — did you know that Fiji offers some of the world’s most famous surf breaks? Cloudbreak, Frigates and so much more await adventurous paddlers wishing to “hang ten” on epic waves others only dream of.
Are you considering a full or part-time move to FIJI? Get in touch with us by clicking “Contact Us” on our website home page. We can give you our expert ideas, suggested “next steps” and local recommendations. See you soon! Vinaka.
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