Fiji Research Paper

The country I chose to do my geographic research paper was Fiji. Fiji is one of the the home of 330 islands, only having about one third being inhabited. Everyone dreams of the dream vacation. Arriving on one of the island’s, checking in the hotel, and seeing the ocean view. Taking walks on the beach, hiking in the forest to find hidden waterfalls, then later in the night, going to the night shows. This dream can be a reality visiting one of Fiji’s beautiful islands. All these aspects and many more is what makes Fiji an especially good and interesting place to visit including its culture and its geography. History:
The history of Fiji dates back to ancient times. The Fijian people have a legion about the great chief Lutunasobasoba.
Their legend goes that Lutunasobasoba led his people across the seas to the new discovered islands that are now Fiji. Whether if it’s true or not, most experts do think that the first people to arrive were from Southeast Asia, and they entered through the Malay Peninsula. The people most likely arrived in Fiji over 3,000 years ago, and they were conquered by Melanesian conquerors around the time of 1500 B.C.
The next people to arrive in Fiji were European. The arrival of the European people were accidental. The first discovery was made by a Dutch explorer, Abel Tasman. After Abel Tasman, an English explorer Captain James Cook landed in the island’s and continued to explore them in most of the 18th century. Although these two explorers had found the island’s first, most of the credit went to Captain William Bligh. While the population of Europeans increased, so did their influence on Fijian culture. During this time, houses, canoes, and confederations were formed, and western-style clothing had been adopted into its culture.
Fiji had became independent from Great Britain in 1970. A military coup took place in 1987 to prevent the shifting of power to an Indian-dominated coalition party. In 1990, there was a constitution granted that had gave non-ethnic Fijians a disproportionate say in the government.
Culture:
The fijian culture is a blend of melanesian and polynesian ethnicities.
Although the fijian culture is a blend of these two ethnicities, the fijian culture is also influenced by other cultures. Some of these cultures include Chinese Indian, European, and other cultures from the South Pacific. The fijian culture is made up of a grand variety of the traditional language, art, music, food, clothing, and their
folklore.
The fijian culture has a grand importance on the family portion of it.
The villages, tribes, are led by a chief. In order to become in position of chief, the position is inherited. In order for this to happen, a chief must die, and a male family member shall take the old chiefs place.
Fijian art is the next thing to make up the fijian culture. Fijian art is made up of gorgeous pottery, wooden, and woven crafts by hand. Weaving and pottery is usually done by the women of the tribe or village. Although these arts are performed throughout each region, each region has its own unique style. The next art of the Fijian people is their traditional dance. This dance is known as meke, but as well as pottery, each region has its own style. The dances can be used for celebrations, important events, and narrations. For example it can be used when there is a new chief.
Next, Fijian music is mostly influenced by the Melanesian and Polynesian cultures. Although they are greatly influenced, the folk songs play a huge part in it. Folk music in Fiji consist of church vocal music and it includes traditional dance. Some instruments used in Fijian music include guitar, ukulele, mandolin and the lali drum. The lali drum is also used to call the village members or the local people in a certain area for a
gathering.
The Fijian food and drink are traditional foods and ingredients. These include fish, rice, sweet potatoes, coconut, cassava, breadfruit and taro. Fiji as well has specialty dishes such as Kokoda. Kokoda is raw fish with coconut cream that is marinated in lemon and coconut chutney. The national drink is kava, or yaqona. This drink is often drank at social gatherings.
Government:
Fiji was under British rule for about 96 years. After the 96 years, Fiji was finally granted its independence on October 10, 1970. As soon as they gained their independence, they became a self-governing nation. In 1987, a military was established, then followed Fiji being declared a republic. In the year of 1995, the fijian constitution was reviewed and resulted in the signing of a new constitution which took effect in July of 1998. All major parties took part in the review process. A few years later, in May of 1999, an election was held and the Labor Party gained a victory. The new system of government, experienced a peaceful transition of power. Fijis current government is a setup of the president as the head of state, then the prime minister as the head of government. Fiji’s constitution is a bicameral parliament. This consist of the president, and elected house of representatives with one member, and a nominated senate with 32 members. Under Fiji’s government, the country is divided in four districts. The central district, based in Nausori, the northern district, based in Labasa, the eastern district, based in Levuka, and the western district, based in Lautoka. Each one of these districts have their own jurisdiction. Fijiś relations that are international created political problems became stronger after it became a member of the United Nations in 1970. The participation in Fiji became very significant, as Fijiś leadership resulted in its vital role in building up of the South Pacific forum. Fijiś embassy represents the government of Fiji in other countries. It consist of the embassy staff, honorary consuls, trade bureaus and trade commissions.
Economy:
Fiji’s economy is one of the most developed of the Pacific Islands. It may be one of the most developed, however it still is a developing country. It relies heavily on the sugar industry as well as travel and tourism and fishing industries. The sugar export makes up one-third of the country’s industrial activity is gains, as with a growing tourism industry, are Fiji's major sources of foreign exchange. Natural disasters, droughts, and political uncertainties have had some part in the fluctuations in the earning from both industries. As well there has been less skilled workers that have been going to Fiji. Fiji consists of many rich natural resources. These including water bodies, rainforests, and mineral resources. Many edible fish swim near the coast areas of the islands. This is a very important economic aspect in Fiji since fishing is a large industry. The country as well has mahogany timber reserves, but these have started to become exploited. Some other export crops include ginger and coconuts, although there production levels are declining. Another industry that is in a decline is Fiji's textile industry.
The Fijian currency is also known as a “dollar”. This dollar is divided into one hundred cents as well. Approximately two fijian dollars equal one US dollar.The currency code for the dollar is FJD. The bank's operational in Fiji consist of the Reserve Bank of Fiji, Colonial Fiji Ltd, the Bank of Baroda, and various other banks.
Fiji´s real estate, as well plays an important role in the country's economy. In Fiji, there is many houses, homes, hotels, resorts, and other properties for sale along the country. A more successful industry is the export of Fiji Still Mineral Water. Since 2000, is primarily imported into the United States. By the end of 2006, this industry had gained about 52 million per year.
Fiji is one of the most beautiful countries to visit. Fiji consist of 330 islands, and if you're looking for a dream vacation, one of Fiji's islands is the place to go. With Fiji's beautiful beaches, resorts, and its culture, it makes up one of the best countries, and most interesting to visit.

Works Cited
"Fiji Vacation and Travel Guide." Fiji Vacation | Fiji Travel Guide | Go-Fiji.com. Web. 31 Mar. 2017.