Fiji: flag, capital, currency and history
Fiji, officially the Republic of Fiji, is a country in Melanesia, Oceania. Its capital is Suva. The currency is the Fijian dollar. Languages spoken include English, Fijian and Fiji Hindi.
Quick facts about Fiji
- Official name
- Republic of Fiji
- Capital
- Suva
- Region
- Oceania, Melanesia
- Currency
- Fijian dollar (FJD, $)
- Languages
- English, Fijian, Fiji Hindi
- Calling code
- +679
- Internet domain
- .fj
- Area
- 18,272 km² (7,055 sq mi)
- Land borders
- None (island or surrounded by water)
- Demonym
- Fijian
- National day
- Fiji Day, October 10
Flag of Fiji
Download the flag of Fiji as a scalable SVG or as a PNG in three sizes. The flag emoji is 🇫🇯.
History of Fiji
Fiji was settled by Austronesian-speaking peoples associated with the Lapita culture around 1500 BCE, and later received Melanesian and Polynesian influences. Dutch navigator Abel Tasman sighted the islands in 1643, and European contact increased in the nineteenth century. Chiefs ceded Fiji to Britain in 1874, and the colony brought in Indian indentured labourers from 1879. Fiji became independent in 1970. Coups occurred in 1987, 2000 and 2006, and a new constitution was adopted in 2013. Fiji is a parliamentary republic, and its capital is Suva.
Key dates
- c. 1500 BCELapita-culture settlers reach the Fiji islands.
- 1643Abel Tasman becomes the first recorded European to sight the islands.
- 1874Fijian chiefs cede the islands to Britain.
- 1879Indian indentured labourers begin arriving to work on plantations.
- 1970Fiji gains independence from Britain on 10 October.
- 1987Military coups lead Fiji to become a republic.
- 2013A new constitution is adopted.
A short overview, not a full history. Dates are given for well-documented events only.
Currency of Fiji
Fiji uses the Fijian dollar (FJD, $). Use our free currency converter to check exchange rates.
Festivals and greetings in Fiji
Celebrations observed in Fiji, with free greeting images and wishes you can personalise.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Fiji?
The capital of Fiji is Suva.
What currency does Fiji use?
Fiji uses the Fijian dollar (FJD, symbol $).
What languages are spoken in Fiji?
Languages used in Fiji include English, Fijian and Fiji Hindi.
What is the calling code of Fiji?
The international calling code of Fiji is +679. Its internet domain is .fj.
Which countries border Fiji?
Fiji has no land borders and is surrounded by water.
On which continent is Fiji?
Fiji is in Oceania, in the region of Melanesia.
What is the national day of Fiji?
Fiji marks Fiji Day on October 10.
More countries in Melanesia
Country data from the open mledoze/countries dataset (ODbL), with corrections. Flags from flag-icons (MIT).