when was fiji discovered

What are some important historical events of Fiji?

The Top 10 Festivals You Don't Want To Miss In Fiji

• Hibiscus Festival. There is perhaps no better way to sample multiple elements of Fijian culture and experience the islanders’ famous joviality than at the annual Hibiscus Festival.
• Bula Festival. ...
• South Indian Fire Walking Festival. ...
• Holi. ...
• Fara. ...
• Diwali. ...
• Fiji Day. ...
• Lautoka Sugar Festival. ...
• Friendly North Festival. ...

Who are the native people of Fiji?

Who are the native people of Fiji? Fijians, or iTaukei, are the major indigenous people of the Fiji Islands, and live in an area informally called Melanesia. Indigenous Fijians are believed to have arrived in Fiji from western Melanesia approximately 3,500 years ago, though the exact origins of the Fijian people are unknown.

What is the ethnicity of the people of Fiji?

What Is The Ethnic Composition Of The Population Of Fiji?

• Early Settlement In Fiji. Archaeological evidence shows that Fiji was inhabited by Austronesian communities in about 3500 to 1000 BC, and in about a millennium later Melanesians were the new ...
• Ethnic Groups In Fiji. ...
• Native Fijians. ...
• Rotumans. ...
• Indo-Fijians. ...
• Chinese. ...

Why is the country of Fiji famous?

Fiji is well-known for its breathtaking underwater experiences. Fiji is a tourist destination that is famous for its multitude of activities for everyone to enjoy. This makes Fiji the perfect vacation destination offering something for everyone. Fiji offers some of the best opportunities you can find in the world for diving, snorkeling and surfing.

When did humans first arrive in Fiji?

Professor Nunn suggests there was abundant evidence that Bourewa could be the first human settlement in the Fiji archipelago, occupied from around 1200 BC onwards. "Lapita people were the first people to come to Fiji, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Tonga and Samoa.

How old is Fiji country?

Europeans first visited Fiji in the 17th century. In 1874, after a brief period in which Fiji was an independent kingdom, the British established the Colony of Fiji. Fiji operated as a Crown colony until 1970, when it gained independence and became known as the Dominion of Fiji.

Who were the first settlers in Fiji?

Fiji was settled first by the Lapita culture, around 1,500–1,000 years BCE, followed by a large influx of people with predominantly Melanesian genetics about the time of the beginning of the Common Era.

Where did Fiji originate from?

Indigenous Fijians are believed to have arrived in Fiji from western Melanesia approximately 3,500 years ago, though the exact origins of the Fijian people are unknown. Later they would move onward to other surrounding islands, including Rotuma, as well as blending with other (Polynesian) settlers on Tonga and Samoa.

Who brought first pig to Fiji?

Melanesian peopleFirst settled by the Melanesian people, a diverse range of food and agricultural practices were brought with them when they journeyed to the South Pacific archipelago. With them they introduced the pig and distinct Lapita pottery.

Who owns Fiji Water?

The Wonderful CompanyFiji Water / Parent organizationStewart and Lynda Resnick's Roll Global (since renamed to The Wonderful Company) acquired Fiji Water from Gilmour in 2004 for a reported US$50 million. The Resnicks' holding company also owns Teleflora, POM Wonderful and Suterra.

Are Fijians originally from Africa?

Despite the fact that Fijian schools teach that the Fijians originated in Africa, there is no evidence that indicates the Fijians came from anywhere else other than Southeast Asia.

Why is Fiji called Fiji?

The two major islands, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, account for some 87% of the total population. The name Fiji is the old Tongan word for the islands, which is in turn derived from the Fijian name Viti.

What was Fiji before?

They called their home Viti, but the Tongans called it Fisi, and it is by this foreign pronunciation, Fiji, first promulgated by Cook, that these islands are now known. After the explorers, other Europeans followed.

Is Fijian Indian?

Indigenous Fijians make up more than half the population; about another two-fifths are people of Indian descent, most of whom are descendants of indentured labourers brought to work in the sugar industry.

Is Fiji poor or rich?

Then again, wealth for some without a good measure of equality for everyone is problematic, to say the least....Advertisement.RankCountryGDP-PPP ($)107Fiji13,598108Mongolia13,350109Algeria13,002110Bhutan12,967141 more rows•Aug 1, 2022

What are 5 interesting facts about Fiji?

Here are nine surprising things about our neighbouring islands.Fiji is made up of only 10 per cent land. ... Fijians are obsessed with rugby. ... There are three official Fijian languages. ... It's rude to wear a hat in a Fijian village. ... You can be in two different days at the same time. ... Fijians used to practice cannibalism.More items...•

What is the population of Fiji in 2022?

910,457The current population of Fiji is 910,457 as of Wednesday, August 31, 2022, based on Worldometer elaboration of the latest United Nations data.

What race is Fijian?

MelanesiansFijians, the indigenous inhabitants of Fiji, are Melanesians who possess a mixture of Polynesian blood which is very apparent in the eastern islands (such as the Lau group), but less so in the west and interiors of the main islands.

Who was the first European to visit Fiji?

Dutch explorer Abel Tasman was the first known European visitor to Fiji, sighting the northern island of Vanua Levu and the North Taveuni archipelago in 1643 while looking for the Great Southern Continent. He called this island group Prince William's islands and Heemskerck Shoals (today called the Lau group).

How did Fiji form?

The majority of Fiji 's islands were formed through volcanic activity starting around 150 million years ago. Today, some geothermic activity still occurs on the islands of Vanua Levu and Taveuni. Fiji was settled first by the Lapita culture, around 1,500 – 1,000 years BCE, followed by a large influx of people with predominantly Melanesian genetics ...

How many people worked in Fiji?

A probable total of around 45,000 Islanders were taken to work in Fiji during this 46-year period with approximately a quarter of these dying while under their term of labour. Albert Ross Hovell, son of the noted explorer William Hilton Hovell, was a prominent blackbirder in the early years of the Fijian labour market.

What is the name of the strait between the two main islands?

Bligh Water, the strait between the two main islands, is named after him, and for a time, the Fiji Islands were known as the "Bligh Islands.". The first Europeans to maintain substantial contact with the Fijians were sandalwood merchants, whalers and "beche-de-mer" (sea cucumber) traders.

How many white settlers were there in Fiji?

By the end of 1870, there were around 2500 white settlers in Fiji and the pressures to form a functioning government that protected both the lives of the Fijians and the interests of the foreigners again became apparent. After the collapse of the confederacy, Ma'afu had established a stable administration in the Lau Islands that gave favourable land leases to the planters and Lomaloma became an important trading centre to rival Levuka. The Tongans, therefore, were again becoming influential and other foreign powers such as the United States and even Prussia were also considering the possibility of annexing Fiji. This situation was not appealing to many settlers, almost all of whom were British subjects from Australia. Britain, however, still refused to annex the country and subsequently a compromise was needed.

What did the Fijians use to maintain their hair?

Fijians would also maintain their hair into distinctive large, rounded or semi-rounded shapes. As with most other human civilisations, warfare was an important part of everyday life in pre-colonial Fiji and the Fijians were noted for their use of weapons such as decorative war-clubs and poisoned arrows.

Why did the Kai Colo warrior come to Fiji?

The rising price of cotton in the wake of the American Civil War (1861–1865) saw a flood of hundreds of settlers come to Fiji in the 1860s from Australia and the United States in order to obtain land and grow cotton.

What is the history of Fiji?

History of Fiji. When Fiji’s first settlers arrived from the islands of Melanesia at least 3,500 years ago, they carried with them a wide range of food plants, the pig, and a style of pottery known as Lapita ware. That pottery is generally associated with peoples who had well-developed skills in navigation and canoe building ...

When did Fiji become a colony?

On October 10, 1874, after negotiations had led to an offer of unconditional cession, Fiji became a British crown colony. The policies of the first governor, Sir Arthur Gordon, were decisive in shaping the history of Fiji.

What was the role of the Fijian army in World War II?

Indians also refused to cut cane at the low prices offered. Those actions led to the taint of disloyalty being applied to Indians by the other ethnic groups. After the war, the colonial authorities restructured the Fijian administration, reinforcing chiefly leadership and thus consolidating the conservatism of Fijian society .

Why did the Fiji plantations in the 1860s?

By the 1860s Fiji was attracting European settlers intent on establishing plantations to capitalize on a boom in cotton prices caused by the American Civil War.

What was the Constitutional Development of Fiji?

Constitutional development toward independence, which began in the 1960s, was more a response to international and British pressures than to any demand from within Fiji. The 1966 constitution represented a compromise between the principles of parliamentary democracy and the ethnic divisions within the country.

When did the Fijian government join the Labour Party?

In 1987 , however, the Indian-dominated National Federation Party joined in coalition with the new Labour Party (led by a Fijian, Timoci Bavadra), which had strong support from Fijian and Indian trade unionists. The coalition was successful in elections held in April.

Who won the 2014 Fiji elections?

Parliamentary elections duly took place on September 17, 2014, and were won by Bainimarama ’s FijiFirst party, bringing to an end Fiji’s so-called “transitional” period, which had begun with his coup eight years before. Bainimarama, who had resigned as head of the military in March, was sworn in as prime minister as a civilian following the elections.

Who was the first European to land in Fiji?

The first European arrivals in Fiji had been accidental. The first discovery was made in 1643 by a Dutch explorer, Abel Tasman. The second to land on Fiji was English navigator Captain James Cook in 1774, and he also continued to explore the islands during the 18th century. However, much of the credit of the discovery and recording of the Fiji Islands went to Captain William Bligh, who sailed through Fiji in 1789 after the mutiny on the Bounty, a British Royal Navy ship. At around the early 19th century, shipwrecked sailors and runaway convicts from the Australian penal settlements were the first Europeans to land and live among the Fijians, while missionaries and sandalwood traders came around at mid-century.

When did Indians come to Fiji?

In 1879 , Indians first arrived in Fiji as indentured servants to work on the sugar plantations until 1916. After the indentured system was abolished, however, most chose to stay in Fiji ever after they were offered passages back to India, and the majority became independent farmers and businessmen. Today, Indians make up a significant portion of the Fijian population and have greatly impacted its culture, though they have also faced discrimination throughout the years.

Who were the first people to settle in Fiji?

The first inhabitants of Fiji date back to ancient times. According to Fijian legend, the great chief Lutunasobasoba led his people across the seas to the newly-discovered islands of Fiji. Most experts agree that the first people to land on Fiji were from Southeast Asia and that they had entered into the Pacific via the Malay Peninsula. The Polynesians most likely arrived in Fiji over 3000 years ago, although they were conquered by Melanesian invaders around 1500 B.C. Both the Polynesians and the Melanesians mixed to create a unique culture and a highly developed society long before the first Europeans settled on the islands.

What was the 20th century in Fiji?

The 20th century brought about major economic and political changes in Fiji. A major sugar industry was developed , as well as productive copra milling tourism, and other secondary industries. Fiji’s economy has been strengthened by these important industries, which have helped pay for medical services, education, infrastructure and an expansion in other public services and works.

When did Fiji gain independence?

In 1970, Fiji gained its independence from Great Britain, although it has dealt with some governmental and racial issues. A military coup took place in 1987 to prevent the shifting of power to an Indian-dominated coalition party. In 1990, a constitution was granted that gave non-ethnic Fijians a disproportionate say in the government, although they were given greater rights when the constitution was amended in 1997.

Who was the prime minister of Fiji in 2000?

Another coup occurred in 2000 after the first Indo-Fijian Labor Party leader Mahendra Chaudhry was elected as Prime Minister of Fiji a year earlier. Chaudhry had been taken hostage by a Fijian businessman, George Speight, who demanded an end to Indian political participation. An ethnic Fijian-dominated government led by Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase took over after the incident, although the government was later ruled unconstitutional in 2003 because it did not include members of the Labor Party as they had refused to join after Chaudhry was excluded from the new government.

When did the Indians come to Fiji?

From 1879 to 1916 Indians came as indentured labourers to work on the sugar plantations. After the indentured system was abolished, many stayed on as independent farmers and businessmen. Today they comprise 43.6 per cent of the population. Fiji was first settled about three and a half thousand years ago.

Who led the people of Fiji?

History. According to Fijian legend, the great chief Lutunasobasoba led his people across the seas to the new land of Fiji. Most authorities agree that people came into the Pacific from Southeast Asia via the Malay Peninsula. Here the Melanesians and the Polynesians mixed to create a highly developed society long before the arrival of the Europeans.

What happened to the Fijian people after they were ceded to Great Britain?

After Fiji was ceded to Great Britain in 1874, epidemics nearly wiped out the population and it seemed as if the natives were doomed.

What is the Fiji sugar industry?

Fiji developed a major sugar industry and established productive copra milling, tourism and secondary industries. As the country now diversifies into small-scale industries, the economy is strengthened and revenues provide for expanded public works, infrastructure, health, medical services and education.

What is the role of Fiji in the South Pacific?

Today, Fiji plays a major role in regional affairs and is recognized as the focal point of the South Pacific.

What is the significance of the 12th century volcanic eruption in Vanuatu?

Prehistorians have noted that a massive 12th century volcanic eruption in southern Vanuatu coincides with the disappearance there of a certain pottery style, and its sudden emergence in Fiji. It is hardly surprising then, that the Fijian culture is an intricate network and that generalisations are fraught with danger.

Where did the Lapita people come from?

The original inhabitants are now called "Lapita people" after a distinctive type of fine pottery they produced, remnants of which have been found in practically all the islands of the Pacific, e ast of New Guinea, though not in eastern Polynesia.

What is the history of Fiji?

Fiji’s early history has been interpreted through archaeological findings and through the storytelling of the local Fijians. We know that the Lapita people resided in Fiji through Lapita pottery findings, while many Fijians know the legend of the first settler who arrived in Fiji, Lutunasobasoba.

When did Fiji connect with the Western world?

The Arrival of the Europeans. Avoided for its treacherous reefs, Fiji didn’t really connect with the Western world until around the 1800s. A few brief encounters were made in the early European exploration days, such as Dutch navigator Abel Tasman sailing past the island of Taveuni in 1643 and British navigator James Cook making note ...

What were the Europeans doing in Fiji in the 1800s?

Any other Europeans settling in Fiji during the early 1800s were either convicts or mercenaries, often becoming go-betweens for Fijians and merchants. During this time, the tribal chief, Cakobau traded for muskets with merchants leading to tribal warfare which saw him decimating regions.

Why did Europeans come to Fiji?

It wasn’t until later in the 1800s that more Europeans came to Fiji to exploit the land for cotton plantations, the recruitment of slaves (blackbirding), and whaling. Once Fiji started to show its “worth” to the British and Cakobau had established a government, backed by other tribal chiefs, did the British take Cakaobau up on his offer. On October 10 1874, a few of Fiji’s high chiefs and representatives of Queen Victoria of Britain signed the deed ceding sovereignty to Britain.

What were the commonplace items in Fiji?

Commonplace items were wooden carvings such as war clubs, tanoa (kava) bowls, wooden head pillows, tapa clothing and jewellery. Tattooing and raised scars around the mouth were also part of the Fijian look.

When was the first Lapita settlement?

With evidence of Lapita pottery and other findings related to the Lapita people found around Fiji, it is estimated that the first settlement in Fiji was in 1220 BC. The Lapita are said to have originated from Southeast Asia and inhabited several other South Pacific Islands. Around 1000 to 500 BC, Melanesians started ...

Who took over Fiji in 1987?

A colonel from the military, Sitiveni Rabuka, stormed parliament on May 14 and took over the county in a bloodless coup, handing over the power to Governor-General Ratu Penaia Ganilau, the high chief of Cakaudrove.

Who was the first European to visit Fiji?

Levuka, 1842. Dutch explorer Abel Tasman was the first known European visitor to Fiji, sighting the northern island of Vanua Levu and the North Taveuni archipelago in 1643 while looking for the Great Southern Continent. James Cook, the British navigator, visited one of the southern Lau islands in 1774.

Where did the name Fiji come from?

Etymology. The name of Fiji's main island, Viti Levu, served as the origin of the name "Fiji", though the common English pronunciation is based on that of Fiji's island neighbours in Tonga. An official account of the emergence of the name states:

How big is the Fiji archipelago?

The archipelago is located between 176° 53′ east and 178° 12′ west. The archipelago is roughly 498,000 square miles and less than 2 percent is dry land. The 180° meridian runs through Taveuni, but the International Date Line is bent to give uniform time (UTC+12) to all of the Fiji group.

How many Indians were repatriated to Fiji?

Given the steady influx of ships carrying indentured Indians to Fiji up until 1916, repatriated Indians generally boarded these same ships on their return voyage. The total number of repatriates under the Fiji indenture system is recorded as 39,261, while the number of arrivals is said to have been 60,553.

Why did the Kai Colo warriors come to Fiji?

The rising price of cotton in the wake of the American Civil War (1861–1865) caused an influx of hundreds of settlers to Fiji in the 1860s from Australia and the United States in order to obtain land and grow cotton.

How many islands are there in Fiji?

Fiji consists of an archipelago of more than 330 islands—of which about 110 are permanently inhabited—and more than 500 islets, amounting to a total land area of about 18,300 square kilometres (7,100 sq mi). The most outlying island group is Ono-i-Lau.

What was the vote in 2014 in Fiji?

On 17 September 2014, after years of delays, a democratic election took place. Bainimarama's FijiFirst party won 59.2% of the vote, and international observers deemed the election credible. Fiji has one of the most developed economies in the Pacific through its abundant forest, mineral, and fish resources.

Overview

Early settlement and development of Fijian culture

Early interaction with Europeans

Cakobau and the wars against Christian infiltration

Attempts at annexation

Cotton, confederacies and the Kai Colo

Kingdom of Fiji (1871–1874)

Blackbirding and slavery in Fiji