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Asia and Oceania
Fiji |
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Last reviewed: 11 September 2009 |
Country information
Geography
Fiji lies in the heart of the Pacific Ocean midway between the Equator and New Zealand. Fiji comprises approximately 330 islands, of which about one-third are inhabited. The country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) covers about 1.3 million square kilometres of the South Pacific Ocean. The two main islands, accounting for 87% of the total landmass, are Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. Other sizeable islands are Taveuni, Kadavu, Ovalau, Gau and Koro. 87.9% of the land is owned by indigenous Fijians. (3.9% is owned by the State. 7.9% is freehold and 0.3% is Rotuman land). Only 16% of the landmass is suitable for agriculture. This is found mainly along the coastal plains, river deltas, and valleys. Fiji’s only cities are Suva (the capital) and Lautoka. Both are located on the island of Viti Levu. The town of Labasa is the main urban and administrative centre on Vanua Levu. Of the total population of 827,900 (unofficial 2007 Census), 57.3% are Indigenous Fijians, 37.6% are Indian Fijian ('Indo-Fijian') and 5.1% are of other races.
Climate
Fiji enjoys a tropical South Sea maritime climate without great extremes of heat or cold. The islands lie in an area that is occasionally traversed by tropical cyclones, which occur between the months of November to April. The temperature averages 28 degrees Celsius for the cooler months (May to October) while from November to April temperatures are 2-4 degrees higher with heavy downpours. Fiji's flora and fauna are relatively few in number but are of exceptional scientific interest because of the higher proportion of endemic forms.
