People
The population of Fiji is approximately 905,000. Ethnic Fijians and Indo Fijians (Indians) are the two major races found in the Fiji Islands. The remaining percentages of the population is made up of Chinese, European, other Micronesian's, and Polynesians.
The Indians are hard working people and are skilled businessmen who run the majority of the businesses in Fiji. Their origins were some sixty thousand immigrants brought from India by the British between 1879 and 1916 to work in the European-managed sugar can fields. Family traditions are followed strictly by them.
Fijians are very friendly and outgoing people. They are also very kind and generous in their relationships with others. Fijians generally lead a casual lifestyle, and are leisurely and fun-loving people. The Fijians also observe cultures and traditions strictly. Most Fijians come from small villages. Each village has a chief and it's own regional dialect.
Missionary Work in Fiji
The first missionaries arrived in Fiji in May 1954. The Lord has blessed the work here and has prepared his children to accept the gospel. The Church is growing steadily in Fiji and new chapels are being built in many areas. The people of Jiji are very receptive to the gospel of Jesus Christ brought by the missionaries. Missionaries may teach 21 or more lessons a week. With appropriate teaching, members are good about assisting missionaries in their proselyting efforts. Fiji has been blessed with a full operating temple in Suva which was dedicated in 2000.
Languages
Because Fiji is a multi-cultured country, English is recognized as the official language. Many Fijians and Indians understand and speak a form of English. Most would prefer to speak in their native tongue, particulary senior citizens and preschool children. Those in rural areas communicate almost exclusively in their native language.The Fijians speak Fijian. The Indians speak Fijian-Hindustani. The predominant Fijian dialect is Bauan one of the 300 used.
Food
Fruit crops are readily available. There is an abundance of pineapple, mango, papaya, banana, watermelon, local oranges, breadfruit, and local root crops such as cassava, dalo.
Geography and Climate
Approximately 333 scattered islands make up the Fiji Group, one hundred of which are inhabited. The tow largest islands are Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. Although the islands are volcanic in origin, they are not active volcanoes. Tropical rain forests cover more than half the total area of Fiji. Like most countries in the south Pacific, the Fiji Islands are hot and humid. Temperatures range from 68 degrees F and 90 degrees F. In the wetter months of December to April, the humidity is higher and the nights and days are pleasant. Rain falls often in Suva and the eastern side of Viti Levu. The western side is much dryer and is often called "The Burning West".
