CultureGramsTM Republic of World Edition 2016

may have come from Asia. Various Pacific peoples later BACKGROUND migrated to the Fijian Islands, which they called Viti; Western explorers used the Tongan word Feejee to name the islands Land and Climate and the people. According to legend, sons of an early settler Fiji is located in the southwestern Pacific, north of New named Degei established the chiefly system (yavusa) that Zealand. More than 300 islands comprise Fiji, but only about ordered society for centuries to come. Until Christianity was 110 are inhabited. Fiji is just larger than Kuwait and about the introduced, Degei was worshiped as a god who took the form same size as the U.S. states of or New Jersey. Three of a snake. main islands, Viti Levu, , and Taveuni, are home Although the Dutch had a brief encounter with in to the majority of the population. The larger Fijian islands are 1643, Captain James Cook of England spent more time with volcanic, mountainous, and surrounded by coral reefs. The them in 1774. Later, trade vessels came for sandalwood, southeastern sides of the islands are covered with dense which was used in ornamental carving and cabinetmaking. tropical forests. The northwestern sides consist of grassy The islands were known by many as the Cannibal Islands plains that receive less rain. because of the Fijians' reputation as fierce warriors and The climate is humid and tropical. The rainy season is cannibals. Fijians believed that eating the enemy let them from November to April, when violent cyclones and possess the enemy's power; it was not for lack of food. After hurricanes are possible. In December 2012, Cyclone Evan, a years of tribal warfare, Chief Cakobau converted to Category 4 storm, caused heavy damages to Fiji's Christianity in 1854, united rival tribes under the new infrastructure. In February 2016, Fiji was hit by Cyclone religion, ended cannibalism, and became king of Fiji in 1871. Winston, a Category 5 storm that was the strongest cyclone Colonial Period and Independence recorded in the Southern Hemisphere. The western side of Cakobau was aware of European competition for territory in Fiji's main island, Viti Levu, is also prone to flooding. the Pacific and, in 1874, offered to cede the islands to Great Earthquakes are common as well. Annual temperatures Britain (after the United States refused the same offer). change little and range from 72 to 86°F (22-30°C). Britain brought in laborers from India to work on sugarcane plantations. The descendants of these workers now comprise History more than a third of the population. First Inhabitants Exactly 96 years to the day after cession to Britain, Fiji The islands of Fiji were first settled at least 3,500 years ago gained its independence (10 October 1970). That year, it also by migrating sailors whose descendants became known as the joined the Commonwealth of Nations, an organization mostly Lapita. Though their actual origins are unknown and written composed of former British colonies. Ratu Sir Kamisese records do not exist, researchers think these early migrants Mara became the first prime minister, and his Alliance Party

1 TM CultureGrams Fiji (mostly indigenous Fijians) governed until 1987, when a In March 2014, Bainimarama was elected prime minister coalition led by the National Federation Party (mostly ethnic in the country’s first elections since 2006. International Indians) won a majority in parliamentary elections. observers deemed the elections free and fair. That same year, Elections and Military Coups Fiji rejoined the Commonwealth as a full member. Although Two weeks after the elections, however, General Sitiveni neighboring countries support Fiji’s step toward democracy, Rabuka led a military coup to restore control to native Fijians the country remains under condemnation for its poor (callediTaukei in Fijian). The coup was halted because human-rights record. Britain's governor-general (Queen Elizabeth's representative Recent Events and Trends in Fiji) assumed executive control and negotiated a settlement •Climate change concerns: At the United Nations Climate between the Indo-Fijians and iTaukei. Rabuka then staged a Change Conference in December 2015, Fiji was among a second coup, establishing a civilian government dominated by coalition of 140 countries, led by the , that iTaukei. Fiji subsequently was voted out of the called for stricter measures to keep the global temperature Commonwealth by its member nations. Rabuka appointed from increasing more than 1.5 degrees Celsius. In September Mara to once again serve as the prime minister. In 1992 2013, leaders of the Pacific Islands Forum, including Fiji, elections, Rabuka was elected prime minister. Mara became signed the Majuro Declaration to fight climate change. The president in 1994. threat of rising ocean tides due to climate change is a major A new constitution ratified in 1990 favorediTaukei over concern to the low-lying island countries. Indo-Fijians, making it impossible for Indo-Fijians to control •Cyclone Winston: In February 2016, Fiji declared a state of the government. President Mara subsequently created a natural disaster after being hit by Cyclone Winston. The commission to review the constitution, which was officially storm was rated a Category 5 cyclone and registered winds of amended and signed into law in July 1997. The amended up to 143 miles per hour and gusts as high as 202 miles per constitution opened the way for multiracial elections in 1999 hour. Cyclone Winston is the strongest cyclone ever recorded and promised equality and basic human rights. Fiji rejoined in the Southern Hemisphere. The storm damaged housing and the Commonwealth soon after the constitutional changes were infrastructure and left many without power or access to implemented. drinking water. Cyclone Winston left over 50,000 Fijians A landslide victory in May 1999 gave the Fiji Labour homeless. Party (FLP, an ethnic Indian party) a majority in Parliament, •Olympic gold medal: In the Summer 2016 Olympic and Mahendra Chaudhry served as Fiji's first Indo-Fijian Games, the Fijian men's team won the gold prime minister. However, in May 2000, rebels seeking control medal in the rugby final—the first Olympic medal in Fiji's of the government for Fiji's indigenous majority stormed history. The win was met with huge celebrations in Fiji, Parliament, taking Chaudhry and members of his multiethnic where people went out into the streets to dance, sing, and coalition hostage. Ten days later, the military took control of participate in processions. Rugby is the most widely played the country and declared martial law. After nearly two months in Fiji. of negotiations between the government and rebel leader George Speight, the hostages were released, Chaudhry was deposed, and an interim government was established. THE PEOPLE Laisenia Qarase of the Fijian United Party (an iTaukei party known by the Fijian acronym SDL) headed the interim Population government until parliamentary elections were held in August The majority of Fiji’s population lives on its two main 2001. The SDL won by a slim margin over Chaudhry's FLP, islands, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. The largest urban areas allowing Qarase to remain prime minister. are (the capital), , and Nadi. The number of Bainimarama Rule urban residents is growing as an increasing number of In December 2006, Fiji experienced its fourth coup in 20 families search for better opportunities in cities. Urbanization years when Fiji's military leader, Commodore Frank is causing changes in lifestyle, family structure, and work Bainimarama, deposed Qarase. Despite international patterns as city dwellers spend less time working the land and condemnation, Bainimarama installed himself as the head of transition to living with nuclear families rather than extended the interim government. The regime weakened organized families. labor, silenced opposition leaders, and was plagued with Indigenous Fijians (iTaukei, 57 percent) and Indo-Fijians corruption. Fiji was suspended by the Commonwealth in late (38 percent) together form 95 percent of the total population. 2009 for not agreeing to hold elections in 2010. Though the iTaukeiand Indo-Fijian populations were once In January 2012, Bainimarama announced the lifting of roughly equal, an estimated 250,000 Indo-Fijians have left the emergency laws that had been in place since 2009. A new country since the first coup in 1987, in part due to constitution came into force in September 2013. The discrimination. The Indo-Fijians who remain live mostly on constitution aimed to decrease race-based politics in Fiji and Viti Levu. The Rotuman, a Melanesian ethnic group, make up to maintain a strong military role in governing. It was 1 percent of the population. The remaining 4 percent of the criticized by international human-rights organizations for its total population consists of other Pacific Islanders, Chinese, strong limitations on freedoms of association, assembly, and and Europeans. expression, as well as for the legal immunity it offered to perpetrators of past human-rights abuses. Language

2 TM CultureGrams Fiji English and Fijian are the official languages. Hindi is widely also disadvantaged when it comes to education, employment, spoken. Fijian can be written in two ways, one of which is and housing. For example, they are eligible for fewer more phonetic than the other. For instance, the letter b is government scholarships. pronounced with an m sound before it, as in the case of the town Ba. Its name can be written Ba or Mba, but it is Personal Appearance pronounced "mbah." Also, a q is usually pronounced "ngg." The people of Fiji wear light, casual clothing throughout the That is, yaqona is pronounced "yanggona." In this text, most year, but public attire is fairly conservative (no bathing suits), Fijian words are written in the more standard, less phonetic especially for women. In traditional villages, women do not spelling. The Hindi spoken in Fiji is called Fiji Hindi (or, wear shorts or pants. Everyday clothing for indigenous Fijian more informally, Fiji Bat or Fiji Talk) and differs slightly men and women is most often the sulu vaka toga, a from the Hindi spoken in India. Fiji Hindi also varies slightly medium-to-long wraparound cloth made of colorful cotton. between the Fijian islands themselves. English spoken among Businessmen, clergy, and civil servants (such as police the people often includes words and phrases from Fijian, officers) wear a tailoredsulu made from suit material. This Hindi, and other languages. sulu, called asulu vakatagaor pocket sulu, is worn with a short-sleeved shirt and sometimes a tie. Indo-Fijian men wear Religion long pants and shirts. Indo-Fijian women wear a sari Religion plays a major role in the lives of Fijians. Most (wraparound dress) or a salwaar kameez(pants with a long iTaukei(indigenous Fijians) are Christian, belonging to matching tunic). various churches. Methodists (35 percent) and Roman In recent years, Western fashions have become the most Catholics (9 percent) predominate. Indo-Fijians are mostly popular form of clothing in larger urban areas, where tourists, either Hindu (28 percent of the total population) or Muslim (6 movies, and social media influence clothing styles. Most percent of the population), and the Chinese are either youth in Fiji wear jeans or pants and T-shirts or other tops; Christian or Buddhist. There are also some Sikhs and may be seen in dresses and both long and short skirts as Christian Indo-Fijians. People often celebrate festivals of well. other religions. Freedom of religion is guaranteed by the constitution, though in recent years the military government has put some CUSTOMS AND COURTESIES limits on this, restricting the frequency and nature of the Methodist Church's annual conferences, for example. The Greetings Methodist Church has long played a major role in politics, Most Fijians are friendly and will go out of their way to greet often in conjunction with theiTaukei political party, SDL. It whomever they meet. The most common way to say hello backed Fiji's first three iTaukei-led coups (opposing the one among indigenous Fijians is Bula (pronounced "mboola," in 2006) and has been highly critical of the current military meaning "Health"). For formal meetings, they use a regime. Some Methodist church leaders have even gone as far handshake and the more formal Ni Sa Bula. The Fijian as advocating that Fiji become a Christian state, though that handshake can last a little while, as the greeters continue view does not reflect the position of the church as a whole. polite conversation before they let go. Indo-Fijians typically The Fijian government has designated Sunday as a day of rest use shorter handshakes and say Namaste when they greet. on which work is generally not allowed. When passing a rural Fijian house, a person is often greeted with Mai kana (Come eat). General Attitudes Fijians commonly address most people by first name. Fijians are often generous, friendly, and easygoing. Daily life When people are related or have an established relationship, in Fiji is largely relaxed and casual. Some call it the "Pacific they may greet by reference to that relationship rather than way." The community is important, as is evident in use first names. For example, close friends may address each cooperative building projects, community ceremonies, and other by itau (a traditional friendship), and male cousins community pride. The custom of kerekere dictates that a might use tavale (cousin). People address chiefs by the title relative or neighbor can ask for something that is needed and Ratu before their first names. it must be given willingly, without expectation of repayment. An exception is if the requested item were a gift from Gestures someone else, in which case a person does not have to give it AmongiTaukei (indigenous Fijians), tilting the head down away. Although Fijians have abandoned their tradition as and avoiding eye contact while speaking to someone shows fierce warriors for a more peaceful life, they remain proud of respect. Staring is offensive. One indicates agreement by their cultural heritage and traditions. raising the eyebrows, closing the mouth, and making an Ethnic tensions exist between indigenous Fijians (iTaukei) "mm-mm" sound (similar to a sound that would mean "no" in and Indo-Fijians, although they may work, attend church or the United States). A "thumbs up" gesture means "good" or school, or play soccer together. Indo-Fijians often feel "okay." Pointing directly at someone while speaking to him or discriminated against by iTaukei government leaders. They her is considered rude. Standing with hands on hips is thought point to such inequalities as land ownership to argue their to be aggressive or brash. Pointing the bottom of one's foot at case. More than 80 percent of all land is owned by iTaukei another person is impolite. AmongiTaukei , it is especially clans; Indo-Fijians do not have access to it. Indo-Fijians are offensive to touch someone's head (except for a child's); one

3 TM CultureGrams Fiji must say Tulou if it happens by accident to restore respect to traditional manner in a lovo (ground oven). Indo-Fijian homes the person. Tulou is also said when walking in the midst of generally have a small washbasin in the dining room for people who are gathered and conversing. One beckons by washing hands. Indo-Fijians eat with the right hand. waving all fingers of the hand with the palm facing down. Tipping is not expected in most restaurants. Though Public displays of affection, even for married couples, are nuclear families and single students living away from their frowned upon. People practice a custom called cobo families may eat out regularly, most Fijians do not. Fast food (pronounced "thombo") when accepting a gift, presenting is growing in popularity, especially among the youth. yaqona (see Visiting), or excusing oneself when reaching above a person's head. Cobo involves clapping cupped hands three or more times. LIFESTYLE

Visiting Family Visiting is an important part of social relations. Most people Structure visit unannounced, and guests are welcome. Removing one's On average, urban couples have two or three children, while shoes when entering a home is customary. Sitting rural ones have three or four. Catholic families tend to be cross-legged on a mat-covered floor is common in an iTaukei larger, with five to eight children. Urban families usually live (indigenous Fijian) home, but Indo-Fijian homes have in nuclear units, but in rural areas, extended family members furniture. A chief or guest sits in a place of honor. It is commonly live together or near each other. impolite to stand higher than those who are sitting, so one Villages are composed of families that form clans or takes care to also be seated or to walk in a stooped position mataqali (landholding units). In this extended-family system, when others are seated. Fijians live in a collective or communal way.Kerekere (the The people of Fiji are hospitable; they enjoy sharing a custom that dictates that a relative or neighbor can ask for visitor's company, so visits may last a long time. Hosts nearly something that is needed and it must be given willingly, always offer refreshments, including tea, juice, or food. It is without expectation of repayment) plays an important role in impolite to refuse them. Instead, one accepts the offering and family relationships. Extended family members work together says Vinaka or Dhananbaad, the respectiveiTaukei and Hindi to help raise children, with everyone looking after each child's words for "Thank you." physical, social, and economic development. An important symbol of social relations is yaqona (also Parents and Children called ). Considered Fiji's national drink, it is made by Fijian parents are expected to support their children in every mixing water with the powdered root and lower stem of a way until they are grown and independent. Usually, single shrub in the pepper family. Yaqona may be offered to guests adult children live with their parents until marriage, though as a special sign of goodwill. People also use it to mark employment and educational opportunities may require them special occasions and end disputes; they drink it at all official to move out of the house beginning at age 19. ceremonies. The bitter-tasting drink numbs the tongue, is not Children begin helping with household chores around age addictive, and can produce a mild sense of well-being. Both six. For boys, this may include the outdoor tasks of picking iTaukeiand Indo-Fijians use the drink socially. Yaqona is up trash, raking the compound, and collecting firewood, in prepared in a tanoa (a special wooden bowl) and drunk from addition to scraping the meat from coconuts and taking the a bilo (coconut shell). When strangers enter a Fijian village, garbage out. Girls help prepare meals, set the table, and keep they seek out the chief or village headman to ask for the house clean. permission to enter and visit and are expected to present some When aging parents begin needing additional care, their unpounded yaqona to him. adult children decide among themselves who is best equipped Receiving the gift of atabua (whale's tooth) is considered to take on that responsibility, which includes providing the a great honor. These expensive gifts are generally reserved for parents shelter, cooking their meals, facilitating their health high-ranking officials, visiting dignitaries, and local care, and the like. If an adult child cannot handle these tasks chieftains. A ceremonial presentation, complete with feasts, alone, a caretaker may be hired to assist. yaqona, and dances, marks the giving of a tabua. Gender Roles The father acts as the head of the Fijian family and is the Eating traditional breadwinner. customarily stay home, Traditionally, neither iTaukei (indigenous Fijians) nor where they care for children and perform household duties. Indo-Fijians have used eating utensils, but spoons and forks However, with modernization, urbanization, and the increased are becoming more common in urban areas. For all meals, cost of living, many families today rely on the incomes of iTaukeispread a cloth on the mat-covered floor, sit both fathers and mothers. In these cases, families often cross-legged, pray, pass a bowl of water around for washing employ someone to help with the children and household hands, and eat from tin plates and bowls. They pass around chores. In villages, subsistence chores are shared between the water bowl again after the meal. Women and girls usually men and women. Men engage in spearfishing, gardening, and eat after the men and boys. Food is shared in iTaukei villages, construction, while women cook, collect wild food, and do due not only to communal obligations but also to the fact that line and small-net fishing. most homes do not have refrigerators to keep leftovers. For Though gender roles are changing, Fiji nonetheless retains large feasts and special meals,iTaukei still cook food in the a strongly patriarchal culture. Due to cultural expectations

4 TM CultureGrams Fiji and customs, women find it difficult to access the resources elements. and opportunities necessary to excel economically. The gender pay gap in Fiji is significant, with men generally Dating and Marriage making more than women; Fiji’s economy is one of the Dating and Courtship world’s least equitable in terms of wage equality. A minority Dating was traditionally nonexistent in Fijian culture, but of women may be found in business, teaching, and secretarial Western influences are changing society so that dating is now positions, though they are rarely leaders in their fields and widespread, though parental approval remains an important remain underrepresented in government. Those who lack the aspect of dating and marriage. Most couples begin dating in education or training necessary for such jobs may work in high school or college. Some group dating happens, but garment factories or in other manufacturing industries as individual dates are more common. Boys usually ask girls out laborers. They may also work in fishing, as house maids, as to movies, or youth group events, dinner, or other cane-cutters, or in other unskilled jobs. recreational activities. Through the work of women's rights activist groups in the Engagement country, the voices and opinions of Fijian women are Normally, a young man who is interested in marrying a young increasingly being heard and their rights gradually recognized will inform his parents of his intentions. If the couple to a greater degree. Gender-based violence, however, remains has already been dating and the woman's family knows about a serious problem for most . They have one of the relationship, the process of formalizing the engagement the highest suicide rates in the world, with almost half of tends to go smoothly. The man's extended family formally those deaths tied to domestic violence. approaches the woman's to request marriage, which is seen as the social and economic binding of not just the couple but Housing also their two families. If, however, the young man has been Rural courting her without her family's knowledge, the request can The traditional Fijian home is called a belo. It usually is built lead to hostility and, in years past, even violence between the of local hardwoods and a thatched roof. A compound made two families. from finely scraped soft stone, soil, and animal dung is Marriage in Society applied to floors, creating a strong, smooth finish. Dried Most Fijians marry when they are around age 25, after dating coconut husks or leaves are burned outside the home or in a for a period of roughly six months to two years. Traditionally, corner of thebelo to control mosquitoes at night. The four most marriages (especially among Indo-Fijians) were doors of thebelo , which typically remain open to improve air arranged. While this is still true in rural areas, in urban areas circulation, are used by different people. For example, visitors marriage today tends to be based more on romantic love enter through the front door, except for the village chief, who between two individuals. enters at the side. A beloconsists of one large room and is Whereas most people used to marry someone who lived in typically built by the entire community. the same village, today individuals often meet their future In all traditional types of rural dwellings, there is usually a spouses through work, sport teams, or social occasions. In small, detached structure in which women cook. Parents and these cases, families play less of a role in the marriage older children generally live and sleep in separate houses. process due to the geographic distance between them. Sleeping quarters are found at the top of abelo , accessible by Once in a while, young couples (especially those who have stepladder. A lean-to structure enclosing a pit latrine serves as been intimate before marriage) will run off together and the bathroom. A similar but larger structure, called a bure, marry without their families' knowledge or approval. serves as a communally owned gathering place. Cohabitation outside of marriage is considered completely Urban unacceptable, though attitudes are starting to change in urban City dwellers from all of Fiji's ethnic groups often live in areas. Western-style homes made of tin, cement, or wood. These Same-sex marriage is illegal in Fiji. Though many homes typically consist of a living room, kitchen, and two or religious groups oppose same-sex unions, tolerance toward three bedrooms. This type of home is becoming increasingly homosexuality is growing. common in rural areas as well. Security in urban areas is a Weddings growing concern. In an attempt to deter robberies, many Traditional wedding customs vary by area and even family. urban residents attach heavy iron bars to windows and doors. The extent to which they are followed depends on the degree Other than beds and sometimes a dresser, there to which the families involved maintain a traditional lifestyle traditionally has not been much furniture in Fijian homes. and whether they have the money and time required to carry However, this is changing, and many middle-class families out a full customary celebration. Such a celebration is now have more furniture as well as washing machines, characterized by a one to two-week-long event, which air-conditioning units, microwaves, and other modern extended family members travel from afar to attend. conveniences. Traditional clothing and customary gifts add to the expenses Outside the major city centers, tin shacks can spring up involved. Increasingly, families faced with the demands and almost overnight. These neighborhoods are referred to as costs of modernizing lifestyles plan for scaled-back weddings bangladesh (a term coined by Indo-Fijians in reference to the to which, contrary to tradition, guests unrelated to the couple impoverished country that neighbors India), have no access to may be invited. In other cases, couples opt out of traditional utilities, and provide only modest protection against the weddings, which customarily are reserved for virgins,

5 TM CultureGrams Fiji because they have had a pre-marital relationship. river. Before marrying, a couple must register the marriage Milestones civilly. Wedding ceremonies themselves may be performed In iTaukei communities, boys are circumcised at about age by a civil, religious, or traditional authority. They are 10, though the Western practice of circumcising soon after followed by asolevu (great feast) and celebrations that birth is becoming more common. Typically, a circumcision include singing, dancing, and drinking. rite will be held for a group of boys. On the fourth day Divorce following the operation, the boys swim together in the sea. Divorce, once virtually unheard of, has become more After returning, they are honored with a large celebratory common in recent years, especially in urban areas. However, feast. it still carries with it immense social stigma, including When aniTaukei gets her first menstrual cycle, a disgrace and humiliation to both families involved. special mat is laid out for her to sit on while she is taught about the nature and importance of this life event. On the Life Cycle fourth day, the girl's family prepares a feast to celebrate her Birth womanhood. Once brothers and sisters have reached physical Many traditional beliefs surround pregnancy. According to maturity, their interactions shift from playful to more one, an owl flying near a house and hooting in the early guarded. Youth are legally considered adults at age 18 and evening indicates that a woman living in or near the house is socially when they begin working or begin university studies. pregnant. A woman who realizes she has become pregnant Death but for whatever reason does not tell others is considered a Death has important social and religious significance to potential source of bad luck. For example, a look from her is Fijians. It brings together relatives and friends of the deceased thought to hasten the death of a sick person and bring other who are usually separated by geography, time, or other problems to the family. factors while strengthening existing social and political Families eagerly anticipate a pregnancy in a couple's first connections. A dying person will often gather family around year of marriage. In some areas of Fiji, women are confined him or her to bid them farewell and perhaps offer advice. A to the house for one to three months during the early stage of person's death is usually announced by a sudden shrill pregnancy and fed daily with specially prepared food. An outburst of wailing and grief by the women attending the expectant woman's and husband attend to her during bedside. Others from the neighborhood and community arrive birth. Today most births take place in a hospital or, in rural soon after and join in the weeping and wailing. areas, are at least attended by a midwife. Women are expected The death of an iTaukei high chief is announced by a to bear the pain of labor and childbirth calmly. particular pattern beaten on alali (wooden drum). Traditional In some areas, babies (especially firstborns) are kept inside iTaukei funerals stretch over the course of one to two weeks, for a period of a few days to a month after birth. After a birth, while those in urban areas tend to be only one or two days. family members and fellow villagers help the mother in the iTaukeis and other ethnic groups are usually buried, while early stages of childrearing. IniTaukei (indigenous Fijian) Indo-Fijians are cremated and their ashes are thrown into the communities, there is feasting for usually four nights after a sea. birth. If the baby is born to a chiefly family, the family holds Many Fijians mourn the passing of a loved one for one lengthy and dramatic celebrations in which the newborn is hundred days, after which a celebratory feast is held. If the showered with gifts and villagers take part in large feasts, death occurs within the family of a chief, then the number of yaqona ceremonies (see Visiting), and prayer meetings. mourners and the length and elaborateness of the rituals In iTaukei families, babies are normally named after a increase significantly. Indo-Fijians grieve for 13 days, during member of the father's family (typically a grandparent), which time they sing tributes to the deceased every night. largely because this practice aids in tracing one's paternal They hold a feast 13 days after the death and a second feast 6 kinship line. Sometimes a person may request that a child be months following the death. After a year, they hold the final named after him or her, irrespective of kinship group. Such a rites. request is often made formally to the child's parents by the presentation of tabua (whale's tooth); to have a child named Diet after oneself is considered an honor. Sometimes babies may The mainstays of the Fijian diet are boiled taro and cassava, be named after important events their relatives experienced. starchy roots often grown in the family garden. There are also For example, a baby may be named Sukanaivalu ("return some leafy vegetables and many tropical fruits (papaya, from war") after a veteran in the family or named mangoes, pineapples, bananas). Many families rely on Vulimailaucala ("educated in Laucala") after a family produce grown in their own backyard garden patches. member who studied at the University of the South Pacific, Coconuts have many functions: the meat is eaten and the located in Laucala. Parents may alternate picking names from water is drunk from young coconuts, while older coconuts are paternal and maternal lines. used to produce coconut milk (lolo, a common ingredient), In Indo-Fijian families, astrological charts are often copra, and coconut oil. consulted before a name is chosen. A naming feast follows, Seafood, chicken, pork, and beef are eaten in Fiji. Foods during which the child is blessed. Within six days of birth, are rarely deep-fried, but are steamed, boiled, or roasted. In parents host a ceremony for which the child's head is shaved. Fijian villages, breakfast consists of tea drunk from tin bowls The hair is placed in dough that is later cast into the sea or a and possibly rice or any leftovers from the previous night's

6 TM CultureGrams Fiji dinner. Hindus do not eat beef; Muslims do not eat pork. Chanting, clapping, bamboo percussion sticks, and wooden Many Indo-Fijians are vegetarians. Indo-Fijian meals are drums accompany the dancers. Indo-Fijians perform often spicy and consist of curries, rice dhal (lentil soup), and classical Indian dances with intricate movements. Both roti (round, flat bread). iTaukei (indigenous Fijians) and Indo-Fijians hold ceremonies in which participants walk across hot stones or embers. In the Recreation Indo-Fijian ceremony, religious songs and drumming play a Sports prominent role. Many Fijians are sports enthusiasts. Soccer, , and rugby are the most popular team sports. Though children Holidays often lack proper sports equipment, those who have it are Official public holidays include New Year's Day (1 Jan.), eager to share. Women's rugby games are becoming culturally Easter, National Sports Day (24 June), Constitution Day (7 acceptable. The national rugby team has been successful in Sept.), Fiji Day (or Independence Day, 10 October), Diwali, international competition. The annual Fiji National Athletics the Prophet Muhammad's Birthday (12 Dec.), Christmas (25 Meet, held in April, is a beloved event. Thousands of people Dec.), and Day (26 Dec.). Many festivals throughout gather in Suva from all over the country to watch an annual the year celebrate different events. The largest, held in Suva track-and-field competition among high school students. The for a full week in August, is the Hibiscus Festival. winners become local sports stars and are likely to be selected Fiji Day to represent Fiji in the Pacific Games and other regional Independence Day, or Fiji Day as it is officially called, is competitions. celebrated at home and abroad byiTaukeis (indigenous Leisure Fijians) and some Indo-Fijians. The week leading up to the Most Fijians enjoy movies, cultural events, walking, visiting, holiday is called Fiji Week, during which religious and and camping near the beach or in villages. Socializing with cultural ceremonies celebrate the country's diversity. Fiji Day friends around the yaqona, orkava , bowl is also a favorite itself is often marked by church services followed by feasts, activity (see Visiting). Card games and swapping stories are yaqona (or kava), sports, and cultural performances. Taralala, popular ways to pass the time. Children and youth may play traditional Fijian music, is accompanied by laughter and a marbles, go , or attend the movies, and groups of general sense of good will and pride for country on this day. women may go fishing together. Some people participate in Diwali canoe and horse racing. Urban residents enjoy video games Also popular is Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights, held in and spend time on the internet as well. either October or November. Indo-Fijians andiTaukei alike People enjoy gardening, whether in backyard plots or celebrate this holiday, though the broader population may not larger areas located away from their homes. Backyard participate in all of the Hindu rituals associated with it. Diyas gardens are usually large enough to grow vegetables like (lamps) are lit as a way of paying respect to deity for the cabbage, eggplant, beans, pumpkin, chilies, and cassava in attainment of health, wealth, knowledge, and peace; houses addition to fruits such as pawpaw (papaya), mangoes, are decorated with candles and other items; and firecrackers pineapple, sugarcane, and mandarins. are set off. Friends and family gather together for a feast. In Festivals are also a time of recreation for many Fijians and several schools, Diwaliis marked with organized singing, an opportunity to interact with family and friends. Women in essay writing, quizzes on the holiday, and Diwali villages play the traditional Fijian game ofveicaqe moli (kick card-designing competitions. Schools also host talks in Hindi, the orange) during January to celebrate the New Year. The English, and Fijian to develop greater multicultural winning team must present the losers with clothes, while the understanding among students. losers are responsible for mixing and servingyaqona to the Christmas winners that night. Christmas is celebrated by all Fijians as a time to spend with Vacation family, but it is especially significant for Christians, for Fijian families rarely take vacations other than to travel to whom it is the highlight of the year. Most families decorate villages during the holidays to spend time with extended their houses and a Christmas tree. Parties and family family. Visitors to Fiji enjoy the country's beaches, golfing, gatherings are common during the Christmas season, with many water sports (snorkeling, windsurfing, scuba diving, individuals traveling to or from villages to be with the larger etc.), and game fishing. Depending on the nature of their jobs, extended family. Fijians receive between two and four weeks of vacation. Christmas Eve is usually spent singing carols and going to church. On Christmas Day, children receive toys and books The Arts from Santa Claus. Villagers throw huge communal parties, Fijian handicraft artists produce masi cloth from bark and use while Christians in more urban areas have picnics and parties stencils to decorate them with elaborate patterns. These on the beach. Boxing Day, the day after Christmas, comes highly valued cloths are used for ceremonial dress and from the British tradition of presenting gifts to tradesmen and traditional domestic purposes, although today they largely are service persons. It is now a day for relaxing and visiting made for the tourist market. Other handicrafts include friends and family. detailed wooden yaqona bowls and ibe mats, made of pandanus leaves. Fijian dances describe legends and historical events.

7 TM CultureGrams Fiji that was not compulsory; the turnout for this election was SOCIETY similarly high. The voting age is 18.

Government Economy Structure Tourism is Fiji’s primary industry and accounts for a majority Fiji is a republic. The president, who serves a mostly of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Subsistence ceremonial role, is head of state. The president is elected by farming (supplemented by fishing) is the primary livelihood members of Parliament to serve a three-year term, with a of many Fijians. Indo-Fijians comprise the vast majority of two-term limit. The legislature consists of a 50-seat sugar farmers, though few own the land they farm on. These unicameral Parliament. Members of Parliament are directly farmlands are leased primarily from indigenous Fijian elected in an open-list proportional representation system and owners. serve four-year terms. The party with the greatest number of Primary cash crops include sugar and copra (coconut seats in Parliament selects the prime minister, who serves as kernels from which coconut oil is extracted). Fiji also exports head of government. Though formally independent of the ginger, gold, lumber, and fish. The clothing industry is also an executive branch, Fiji’s judicial system has been criticized as important source of income. Although the agricultural sector lacking independence. accounts for less than 15 percent of Fiji’s gross domestic Political Landscape product, a large majority of the population works in this Fiji’s political landscape is extremely volatile; since industry. independence in 1970, the country has experienced four The service industry (primarily tourism) as a whole was coups and multiple constitutions. Fierce rivalry between the hurt by the 2006 coup but has grown since then. Fiji receives country's two main ethnic groups—iTaukei (indigenous a significant amount of foreign aid from other countries, Fijians) and Indo-Fijians—lies at the heart of Fijian politics. including aid for development projects. Remittances from Land reform is a charged issue, with iTaukei clans holding abroad remain important, but they vary depending on the over 80 percent of all Fijian land. Historically, political global economic situation. Though poverty still affects many parties were largely ethnically based, with Indo-Fijians Fijians, the rising generation is already benefiting from dominating the Fiji Labour Party (FLP) andiTaukeis the increased economic opportunities. The currency is the Fiji Fijian United Party (SDL). Fijian politics have begun to move dollar (FJD). away from strictly ethnically oriented parties, though the majority of political parties tend to have ethnic associations. Transportation and Communications Fiji First is the ruling party and advocates racial equality. Most people travel by open-air bus because service is regular The Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) is the main and inexpensive. Taxis and private automobiles are also used opposition party. A number of smaller parties also operate, but are more expensive. Relatively few people own cars. but they have little power. Parties may also be strongly Following the British tradition, traffic travels on the left side influenced by churches (the Methodist Church in particular of the road. A ferry service and two airlines provide has been closely linked to the SDL). passenger travel between more populated islands, though Despite the lifting of emergency laws in 2012 that had these options are unaffordable for many. been in place since 2009, police and the military maintain Fiji has a modern communications system, with satellite broad powers. The interim government following the 2006 links to other countries. Several radio stations broadcast in coup weakened organized labor and silenced opposition English, Fijian, or Hindi. Television broadcasting services leaders. Corruption is a major problem in all levels of continue to expand. Daily and weekly English, Fijian, and government. Hindi papers are published in Fiji. A growing number of Government and the People people use the internet, and social networking sites are very In general, Fijians feel that few governments since popular. However, internet access is more limited in rural independence have fairly represented the population as a areas. whole. In particular, Indo-Fijians point to discrimination against them in the political realm. Though the government Education heads development projects related to transportation, utilities, Structure housing, health care, and natural disaster relief, it is unable to The government provides free education for grades one properly maintain and repair all of Fiji's deteriorating through eight. Students generally begin school at age six. infrastructure or improve the poor living conditions that Advancement to the next grade is based on merit (proven by characterize many citizens' lives. This, coupled with regular passing exams at the end of each year) and, after the primary political turmoil, results in a government that few people feel level, financial capacity (ability to pay yearly tuition). A they can depend on. student lacking in either area may not complete high school, While Fiji’s constitution guarantees freedoms of speech, though some government support is available to financially assembly, association, religion, and press, these rights are not needy families. respected in practice. Political activism is rare, and reformers Almost all secondary schools in Fiji are private are often seen as troublemakers with political ambitions. institutions, owned and managed by cultural groups, Voter turnout is generally high, around 80 percent. The 2014 non-governmental organizations, and religious groups, such parliamentary election was the first vote in over two decades as the Catholics, Methodists, Hindus, Latter-day Saints

8 TM CultureGrams Fiji (Mormons), and Muslims. Some offer internationally infectious disease transmitted by mosquitoes, may occur recognized curriculums. Most accept both boys and girls. during the rainy season, November to April. The number of Access non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, The quality of most school facilities is poor, and essential and obesity, is on the rise due to changing diets and more equipment is usually lacking. While some schools offer sedentary lifestyles. Discrimination against those with textbooks, in most cases students are required to purchase HIV/AIDS remains a problem despite a government decree their own copies. Students also must pay for school uniforms; that officially outlawed it in 2011. each school's uniform has its own unique design. Many parents lack the means to pay for the costs associated with their children's education, which even for tuition-free schools AT A GLANCE include lunch fees, bus fares, and building-maintenance dues. The dropout rate is high, and school attendance laws are Contact Information rarely enforced. Parents often prioritize their children's social Embassy of Fiji, 1707 L Street, Suite 200, Washington, DC and religious commitments over education. The geographical 20036; phone (202) 466-8320; web site isolation of schools located on small outlying islands or in www.fijiembassydc.com. Fiji Visitors Bureau, phone (310) remote areas of the main islands presents challenges of 568-1616; web site www.fijime.com. administration and staffing, as teachers are reluctant to take posts in isolated areas with poor living conditions. Prior to 2001, private-school admission was determined on the basis Country and Development Data of academic or athletic abilities, but now a school is legally required to admit anyone living within its zone. Capital Suva School Life Population 915,303 (rank=156) Area (sq. mi.) 7,056 (rank=151) The subjects of English and math are emphasized. English is Area (sq. km.) 18,274 the official language of school instruction, though the subjects Human Development Index 90 of 188 countries of Fijian and Hindi languages have recently become Gender Inequality Index 90 of 188 countries GDP (PPP) per capita $9,000 mandatory. Most students do not speak English natively, so in Adult Literacy 94% practice early levels of primary school tend to be taught in Infant Mortality 10 per 1,000 births students' native tongues. Life Expectancy 67 (male); 73 (female) Currency Fiji dollar Teaching styles tend to be lecture based, though sometimes discussions also play a role. Textbooks are the most commonly used materials in classrooms. Knowledge is assessed through exams, including comprehensive final TM exams held at the end of each school year. Cheating is CultureGrams uncommon and warrants serious punishment. Relationships ProQuest 789 East Eisenhower Parkway between teachers and students are very formal, and students Ann Arbor, Michigan 48106 USA treat their teachers with great respect. Teachers go by the Toll Free: 1.800.521.3042 Fax: 1.800.864.0019 titles of Madam, Mistress, Sir, or Master. They sometimes www.culturegrams.com mentor groups of students after school. Apart from the occasional end-of-year event, schools do not usually host © 2016 ProQuest LLC and Brigham Young University. It is against the law to copy, reprint, store, or transmit any part of this publication in any form by social events for students. any means without strict written permission from ProQuest. Higher Education The University of the South Pacific is a joint effort by several small Pacific Island nations to provide their people with higher education. It receives substantial funding from Fiji's government, and one of its many campuses is located in Suva. The University of Fiji, located in Nadi, was established in 2005. In 2010, several state educational institutions merged to form . With campuses in all four of Fiji's administrative divisions, it offers a wide range of courses in and public health, humanities, technology, business, agriculture, and more. Higher education is unaffordable for many Fijians, who strive to secure government- or privately-funded scholarships.

Health The government provides most medical care through local clinics. In recent years, hospitals have been built in rural areas. Life expectancy rates are rising steadily and infant mortality rates are falling. Outbreaks of dengue fever, an

9

Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org)