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facts about Fiji
A Diverse Archipelago Most of Fiji’s islands are uninhabited. Nearly half of Fiji’s land area is covered by forests, and many of the smaller islands have populations of less than 50 people. On these small, remote and/or underdeveloped islands, access to essential services is often impeded, and the lack of roads and other infrastructure can make life very difficult, especially for people with disabilities. The two biggest islands are Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, which mean “Great Fiji” and “Great Land”, respectively. These two major islands are home to the majority of Fiji’s population, and are where the country’s main economic activities take place. Other islands, particularly those of the Yasawa and Mamanuca groups, are popular destinations for a Fiji holiday, renowned for their sandy white beaches and the spectacular coral reefs that have earned Fiji the nickname of ‘Soft Coral Capital of the World’. Income Inequality n 2019, 29.9% of Fiji’s population lived below the national poverty line, which equates to more than 250,000 people. Communities in rural areas and remote islands are more likely to experience poverty than people living in cities. Rural and isolated communities may lack access to electricity, healthcare services, and WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) facilities. Women earn significantly less than men, and only 37% of women are represented in the labour force compared to 71% of men. People with disabilities also earn less and are less active in the labour force than people without disabilities. Challenges for People with Disabilities In 2017, Fiji ratified the Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). Despite this, people with disabilities continue to face significant barriers in Fiji, both physical and attitudinal, as well as greater difficulty in accessing healthcare, education and employment. Physical environments are often a barrier to inclusion. Buildings and roads, for instance, are not always accessible to people with disabilities, and information can be challenging to access for people with vision or hearing difficulties. Women with disabilities are also more likely to experience gender-based violence, but are socially conditioned to not report domestic violence or seek help to escape it. The Largest Hindu Temple in the Southern Hemisphere Fiji is home to the largest Hindu temple in the Southern Hemisphere, the Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple in Nadi. This temple is an important cultural and religious site for the Fijian population of Indian descent. Mount Tomanivi – The Highest Point The highest point in Fiji is Mount Tomanivi (formerly known as Mount Victoria), located on Viti Levu. At 1,324 metres (4,344 feet) above sea level, it offers breathtaking views and is a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts. A Rugby Union Powerhouse Fiji’s coastal areas are known for their pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters. The lush forests and sugarcane plantations on the main island of Viti Levu are also significant contributors to the country’s natural beauty and economy.

facts about Fiji

A Diverse Archipelago

Most of Fiji’s islands are uninhabited. Nearly half of Fiji’s land area is covered by forests, and many of the smaller islands have populations of less than 50 people.

On these small, remote and/or underdeveloped islands, access to essential services is often impeded, and the lack of roads and other infrastructure can make life very difficult, especially for people with disabilities.

The two biggest islands are Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, which mean “Great Fiji” and “Great Land”, respectively. These two major islands are home to the majority of Fiji’s population, and are where the country’s main economic activities take place.

Other islands, particularly those of the Yasawa and Mamanuca groups, are popular destinations for a Fiji holiday, renowned for their sandy white beaches and the spectacular coral reefs that have earned Fiji the nickname of ‘Soft Coral Capital of the World’.

Income Inequality

n 2019, 29.9% of Fiji’s population lived below the national poverty line, which equates to more than 250,000 people.

Communities in rural areas and remote islands are more likely to experience poverty than people living in cities. Rural and isolated communities may lack access to electricity, healthcare services, and WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) facilities.

Women earn significantly less than men, and only 37% of women are represented in the labour force compared to 71% of men. People with disabilities also earn less and are less active in the labour force than people without disabilities.

Challenges for People with Disabilities

In 2017, Fiji ratified the Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). Despite this, people with disabilities continue to face significant barriers in Fiji, both physical and attitudinal, as well as greater difficulty in accessing healthcare, education and employment.

Physical environments are often a barrier to inclusion. Buildings and roads, for instance, are not always accessible to people with disabilities, and information can be challenging to access for people with vision or hearing difficulties.

Women with disabilities are also more likely to experience gender-based violence, but are socially conditioned to not report domestic violence or seek help to escape it.

The Largest Hindu Temple in the Southern Hemisphere

Fiji is home to the largest Hindu temple in the Southern Hemisphere, the Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple in Nadi. This temple is an important cultural and religious site for the Fijian population of Indian descent.

Mount Tomanivi – The Highest Point

The highest point in Fiji is Mount Tomanivi (formerly known as Mount Victoria), located on Viti Levu. At 1,324 metres (4,344 feet) above sea level, it offers breathtaking views and is a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts.

A Rugby Union Powerhouse

Fiji’s coastal areas are known for their pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters. The lush forests and sugarcane plantations on the main island of Viti Levu are also significant contributors to the country’s natural beauty and economy.