Tourists have discovered the idyllic island and rich cultures of the Fiji Islands, which consist of 300 small islands. The first Fijians to settle were hardy seafarers, sailing double hulled canoes capable of carrying over 200 warriors. They developed an elaborate culture, skilled in house construction; weaving; making of tapa cloth; pottery and fishing and agriculture.
The first European contact was in 1643, when Dutch explorer Abel Tasman accidentally discovered the Northern Islands of the Fiji group. It was 145 years later that William Bligh sailed through Fiji after the famous Mutiny on the Bounty in 1789.
Missionaries came in 1835 and today Fijians are dedicated Christians and are strict observants of the Sabbath. In 1874 Fiji became a British Crown colony and settlers began to arrive. With the plantation of crops etc. planters found it difficult to entice Fijians to work their plantations and a scheme to import labour from India was introduced in 1878 continuing on until 1916. Most decided to stay when given the option and so created the rich multi-racial and multi-cultural society unique to Fiji and the South Pacific.
Ratu Sir Kamasese Mara has led the country since its independence. Preparations for the Meeting of the Great Council of Chiefs took more than a year. The Governor General Ratu Sir Penaia Ganilau? a distinguished soldier/polititian and one of the High Chiefs of Fiji was acting as a host on this occasion. The most solemn moment during this ceremony is the preparation and serving of yaqona - a drink made from the powdered root of the peppertree. Ceremonies of welcome include visitor entertainment, usually of mass singing and dancing known as meke.
Approximately 80% of land in Fiji is owned by native Fijians. After 96 years of colonial rule Fiji became an independent nation in 1970. On October the10th the British flag was lowered and Prince Charles handed the instruments of government back to the people and the Fijian flag fluttered proudly. In the past 20 years Fiji has made significant economic progress. Tourism, is the most promising area for development and prosperitiy and has been quickly recognised by foreign investors who are developing hotels and other tourist ventures. It was here in these islands that Columbia Pictures came twice to film the classic movie “Blue Lagoon,” the more recent starring Brooke Shields.