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Facts and information at a glance

Language

The official language is English with Fijian and Hindi being used widely. Currency The Fijian dollar - the basic unit of currency - is available in $2, $5, $10, $20 and $50 notes. Coins are available in 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c and $1. Major credit cards (American Express, Visa, Mastercard, Diners and JCB) are accepted at selected outlets. For currency exchange rates, check out the daily exchange rates on the Fiji live homepage.

Climate

Fiji has a tropical climate. The driest period is between May and November when the cool southeast trade winds blow - this is also Fiji's winter/cold season. The wet season is between December to April when it is hotter and there is a relatively high humidity. Viti Levu has distinct wet and dry zones - the wet zone is on the southeast. Suva has an annual average rainfall of 385 centimetres while Lautoka on the western side has about 191 cm of rainfall. Maximum summer temperatures average 30° Celsius (86°F) and minimum temperature is 23° Celsius (73°F). The average winter average temperature maximum is 26° Celsius (79°F) and the mean minimum is 20° Celsius (68°F).

Geography

Fiji is made up of about 332 islands, located between 15 and 22 degrees south latitude and 177 west to 175 east latitude, with a total area of about 18,376 square kilometres. There are three main islands - Viti Levu (where Fiji's capital Suva is located), Vanua Levu and Taveuni.

Population

Fiji is a multiracial and multicultural nation with a population of 775,077 (1996 Census report). Fijians comprise 51 per cent of the total, Indians 44 per cent, with the balance made up of Rotumans, Chinese, Part-Europeans, Europeans and other Pacific Islanders.

Electricity

Electricity is supplied at 240 volts AC 50 Hz and Fiji has three point outlets similar to Australia and New Zealand.

Medical Services

Fiji is free of most tropical diseases - there is no malaria or yellow fever in the country. Government-owned hospitals are located at urban centres throughout the country and private specialist medical consultation is also available (surgery hours are usually between 8.30am-5pm). Suva's CWM Hospital is Fiji's largest hospital. Patients who are not Fiji citizens are charged a minimal hospital fee - facilities are of reasonable standards.

Banking

The major banks in Fiji are: Bank of Baroda, the Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ Ltd), Habib Bank, Bank of Hawaii, Westpac Banking Corporation and the Colonial National Bank. Banking hours from 9.30am-3pm (Mon-Thurs) and 9.30pm-4pm on Friday.