Suva, 10 October 2023 (TDI): Fiji Day is commemorated annually on October 10. The Republic of Fiji is a diminutive island nation situated in the South Pacific Ocean, approximately 1,100 miles northeast of New Zealand.
Renowned for its archipelago, which comprises numerous small islands, Fiji boasts unspoiled white sandy beaches and a delightful, balmy, tropical climate.
The 53rd Fiji Day 🇫🇯 festivities, which took place across the country, began on an enthusiastic note as families and friends gathered in significant numbers at Suva’s Albert Park.
The event was graced by the presence of the President, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, and the Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka.
Fiji Day marks the culmination of Fiji Week, a period dedicated to honoring the culture, religion, and history of the Fijian people.
It is a time of jubilation and merriment, yet it also serves as an occasion for reflection and remembrance. Additionally, Fiji Day is also celebrated in Australia and New Zealand.
On Fiji’s national day, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan also extended wishes to its people.
Fiji, a multicultural island nation in the South Pacific, has a rich tapestry of cultural influences from Oceanic, European, South Asian, and East Asian origins.
Suva, the capital of Fiji, is located along the southeastern coast of the island and boasts a highly favorable harbor. In contrast, Lautoka, situated on the northwestern coast, serves as a port for a region known for its sugarcane cultivation.
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Despite the assimilation of some indigenous culture, a unified national identity remains in development due to the historical impact of Western ideologies and British colonial rule.
The indigenous name for the islands is Viti, and the population is diverse, with Fijians, Indo-Fijians, and mixed European-Fijians.
Indentured laborers from India arrived in the late 19th century to work on sugar plantations, significantly shaping the demographic landscape.
Geographically, Fiji comprises hundreds of islands, with the largest, Viti Levu, housing key infrastructure and the capital, Suva. The climate varies from humid coastal regions to drier interiors and savanna grasslands.
Language-wise, English and Hindi are official languages, with English serving as the primary language for communication, administration, and education. Indigenous Fijian languages are also spoken, maintaining cultural ties.
Fiji’s history includes Lapita ancestry, European colonization, and attempts at forming a modern multi-ethnic state, leading to a complex social landscape.
The nation’s identity is defined by shared citizenship, multi-ethnic institutions, English-language media, and national pride in its natural beauty, fostering harmony among its diverse ethnic groups.
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