Fiji Map | Polynesian Cultural Center

Fiji: Island Map

Fiji — The Crossroads of Polynesia

INTERESTING FACT: Fijians do not wear hats because they believe the head is very sacred. Your understanding and respect for their customs and traditions will make you a welcome guest in their villages and homes.

Polynesian Triangle Map

LOCATION: 1,300 miles north of Auckland, New Zealand.

AREA: Comprised of some 540 islets and 300 islands. Viti Levu (Great Fiji), the larger of the two main islands, is about 4,011 square miles. Vanua Levu (Great Land) is about 2,137 square miles.

POPULATION: About 870,000. The indigenous Fijians, or I taukei, are of mixed Polynesian and Melanesian origins. About 45% of the modern population is of East Indian heritage.

DISCOVERED: In 1643, Dutch Captain Abel Tasman sighted small Islands belonging to the Fiji group, as did Captain James Cook in 1774. In 1789, Captain William Bligh sailed through Fiji after the mutiny on HMS Bounty.

GOVERNMENT: Fiji was ruled by Britain from 1874 to 1970. Since 1970 it has been an independent, self-governing dominion within the British Commonwealth.

LANGUAGES: English (official), Fijian, Hindi

For more information:
Fiji Facts