Three hundred thirty three (333) is the number of islands that comprise the Republic of Fiji Islands. Located in the South Pacific, the Fiji Islands lies abundant with beaches, coral reefs and gardens, and also rainforests. Most of the citizens live on the main island Viti Levu, where the capital Suva is also located. Fiji Islands existed as a British Colony for 96 years, until its independence was granted in 1970.
As an independent state, the
Fiji Islands Flag show British influence with the red, white and blue Union Flag of Britain in the top left hand corner and the shield from the Fiji Coat of Arms on a light blue background in the fly. The final design of the national flag was the result of a competition and won by the duo of Robi Wilcock and Murray MacKenzie. The first time that the Flag of the Republc of Fiji Islands flew was on Independence Day, October 10, 1970.
As a British Colony, the Britons on the islands imported indentured servants from India to work as laborers in the sugarcane fields. During the entire British Rule, the influx of laborers were numerous and later settled on the islands to comprise the present day Indo-Fijian citizens that constitute 40% of the population.
The Indo-Fijians are mostly devout Hindu, while the majority had their bearings as Christians. Owing to their difference in religious beliefs, tensions existed between the two communities that resulted in two coup-de-etats, one in 1987 and one in 2000. However, democracy was reinstituted in 2001.
With an improved political climate, record number of tourists are now backed to the beaches and resorts of Fiji.
by:
The Flagman
