Difference between revisions of "Fiji"
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| − | '''Fiji''', officially the Fijian Republic, is an island group | + | '''Fiji''', officially the Fijian Republic, is an island group 5500 miles south west of the continental United States (3100 miles from Hawaii). It is located north of [[New Zealand]] and west of [[Tonga]]. The largest islands are [[Viti Levu]] with the capital [[Suva]] on the east coast and international airport at [[Nadi]] on the west coast, and [[Vanua Levu]]. |
| − | + | About four thousand years ago, [[Lapita]] people, ancestors of current Fijian aborigines settled in Fiji. These aborigines are genetically related to Malay and Polynesians, and linguists classify their language as Austronesian. | |
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| + | Fiji gained independence from [[Britain]] in 1970. Almost two-fifths of the population is of [[India]]n descent, who's ancestors were brought to Fiji to work on sugar plantations in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The comflict between the indigenous Fijian and Indo-Fijian populations has led to a number of political coups since independence. | ||
[[Category:Oceanian Countries]] | [[Category:Oceanian Countries]] | ||
[[Category:Islands]] | [[Category:Islands]] | ||
Revision as of 08:28, April 9, 2007
Fiji, officially the Fijian Republic, is an island group 5500 miles south west of the continental United States (3100 miles from Hawaii). It is located north of New Zealand and west of Tonga. The largest islands are Viti Levu with the capital Suva on the east coast and international airport at Nadi on the west coast, and Vanua Levu.
About four thousand years ago, Lapita people, ancestors of current Fijian aborigines settled in Fiji. These aborigines are genetically related to Malay and Polynesians, and linguists classify their language as Austronesian.
Fiji gained independence from Britain in 1970. Almost two-fifths of the population is of Indian descent, who's ancestors were brought to Fiji to work on sugar plantations in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The comflict between the indigenous Fijian and Indo-Fijian populations has led to a number of political coups since independence.