ABOUT FIJI - CLIMATE Fiji enjoys an ideal South Seas tropical climate.

It is thus a perfect holiday destination, especially for those trying to escape the severe northern hemisphere winters. There are two main seasons - summer (November - April) and Winter (May - November). Maximum summer temperatures average 30 degrees Celsius (86F) and the mean minimum is 23C (73F). There is more rainfall in the summer months, and it is hotter and more humid at this time of year. It is the season when flowers are more plentiful and the islands are filled with the fragrance of frangipani. Depressions can form in this region during the hot summers, bringing with them torrential rain, strong winds and the occasional tropical cyclone. The winter average maximum is 26C (79F) and the mean minimum is 20C (68F). It is drier and cooler in the winter months and especially suited to those who are not comfortable with hot humid conditions. In the evenings, a light sweater may even be necessary. The weather in Fiji does vary from region to region - with rainfall influenced by the island topography. High land masses on Fiji's larger islands (Viti Levu, Vanua Levu and Taveuni) experience cloud build up on the higher peaks due to the south-east trade winds that are saturated with moisture. The smaller islands and coral atolls generally receive less rain and lots of sunshine. They are, of course, less densely vegetated by lush rainforest. Other information can be obtained at the Meteorological Burea http://www.fijiislandsrealestate.com/fiji_climate.cfm

History Brief
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 Indonesia. Here the Melanesians and the Polynesians mixed to create a highly developed society long before the arrival of the Europeans.

The European discoveries of the Fiji group were accidental. The first of these
discoveries was made in 1643 by the Dutch explorer, Abel Tasman and English navigators, including Captain James Cook who sailed through in 1774, and made further explorations in the 18th century.

Major credit for the discovery and recording of the islands went to Captain William
Bligh who sailed through Fiji after the mutiny on the Bounty in 1789. The first Europeans to land and live among the Fijians were shipwrecked sailors and runaway convicts from the Australian penal settlements. Sandalwood traders and missionaries came by the mid 19th century.

Cannibalism practised in Fiji at that time quickly disappeared as missionaries gained

influence. When Ratu Seru Cakobau accepted Christianity in 1854, the rest of the country soon followed and tribal warfare came to an end.

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 44 per cent of the population.

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South Sea Cruises FijiDay Cruises & Transfers to stunning Islands & Idyllic Resorts, Fijiwww.ssc.com.fj Canary Island VillasGreat selection of luxury private villas in the Canary Islandswww.LanzaroteLates.com (Continued from Page 2) Independence and Turmoil The independence movements of the 1960s did not escape the Fijian islands. While earlier demands for self-government were resisted, negotiations in Fiji and London eventually led to total political independence for Fiji on October 10, 1974. Early years of the new republic continued to see a racially divided government, with the ruling Alliance Party dominated by native Fijians. Pressure from numerous internal and external

sources resulted in the formation of the Labour Party in 1985, which, in coalition with the predominantly Indian National Federation Party, won the election of 1987. Fiji, however, could not easily escape its racially divided past. The new government was quickly overthrown in a military coup. Following a period of negotiation and civil turmoil, a civilian government returned to power in 1992 under a new constitution heavily weighted in favor of the native majority. Internal and international pressure, however, led to the appointment of an independent commission in 1996. This commission recommended another new constitution which was adopted a year later. This constitution provided for recognition of minority interests and established a mandated multi-party cabinet. Mahendra Chaudhry was sworn in as Prime Minister, and became the first ever Indo-Fijian Prime Minister of Fiji. Unfortunately, once again civilian rule was short-lived. On May 19, 2000, elite army units and racialist gunmen led by businessman George Speight seized power with the backing of the Great Council of Chiefs, an un-elected assembly of traditional land-owning chiefs. Chaudry and his cabinet were held hostage for several weeks. The crisis of 2000 was ended by the intervention of military commander chief Frank Bainimarama, a native Fijian. As a result, Chaudry was forced to resign. Speight was eventually arrested on treason charges. Laisenia Qarase, also an indigenous Fijian was subsequently elected prime minister. After weeks of tension and threats of a coup, the Fijian military, once again under the command of now Commodore Frank Bainimarama seized power on Tuesday, December 5, 2006 in a bloodless coup. Bainimarama dismissed Prime Minister Qarase and assumed the powers of president from President Ratu Josefa Iloilo with the promise that he would soon return power to Iloilo and a newly appointed civilian government. While both Bainimarama and Qarase are native Fijians, the coup was apparently prompted by Qarase's proposals which would have benefited native Fijians to the detriment of minorities, especially the ethnic Indians. Bainimarama opposed these proposals as unfair to minorities. As CNN reported "The military is angry at a government move to introduce legislation that would grant amnesty to those involved in the (2000) coup. It also opposes two bills that Bainimarama says unfairly favor majority indigenous Fijians in land rights over the ethnic Indian minority." Visiting Fiji Today Despite its history of political and racial turmoil, dating back almost 3500 years, the islands of Fiji have remained an excellent tourist destination. It is impossible to determine the effect of the most recent coup on the tourism which is so important to the islands. The people of Fiji are known as some of the most friendly and hospitable of any of the islands in the South Pacific. While islanders may disagree on many issues, they are universal in their recognition of the importance of the tourist trade to their islands' future. In fact, because tourism has suffered as a result of the turmoil of recent years, excellent travel bargains are available. For travelers wishing to escape the large number of tourists often found elsewhere in the South Pacific, Fiji is a perfect destination.

In 2000 almost 300,000 visitors arrived in the islands of Fiji. While the islands are some of the most popular vacation destinations for citizens of Australia and New Zealand, over 60,000 visitors also arrived from the United States and Canada. Online Resources Numerous resources are available online to assist you in planning a vacation in the islands of Fiji. We have gathered an extensive collection of resources in our Fiji Articles and Links section. In particular, prospective visitors should visit the official Web site of the Fiji Visitors Bureau where you can sign up for their mailing list featuring hot deals and specials. The Fiji Times offers excellent coverage of the current political climate in the islands. While English remains the official language of Fiji, the native Fijian language is preserved and widely spoken. Thus, when you visit Fiji, don't be surprised when someone walks up to you and says "bula (mbula)" which means hello and "vinaka vaka levu (vee naka vaka layvoo)" which means thank you as they show you their appreciation for your deciding to visit their country.-

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