Fiji Geography gives information about the geographical location of Fiji, the topographical features,
the weather and climate, the flora and fauna of the country of Fiji. The island group of Fiji belongs to the Oceania Group of islands in the South Pacific. The geographical coordinates of Fiji are 18 00 S, !75 00 E.
The country of Fiji lies about two-thirds from Hawaii to New Zealand. The geography of Fiji is dominated by mountainous terrain, mostly dormant volcanoes. The highest point of Fiji Geography is Tomanivi 1,324 m.
The total land area of Fiji is 18,270sq. km. The country of Fiji is constituted by 332 islands of which only 110 are inhabited. The arable land of Fiji is only 10.95% of the total land area.
The influence of the surrounding seas and oceans is the prominent factor behind the tropical marine climate of Fiji. The flora and fauna is also according to the climatic condition. The main natural resources of Fiji are timber, gold, copper, fish, offshore oil and hydro power.
Fiji Islands
Fiji Islands are located on the way two-thirds from Hawaii to New Zealand in the Pacific Ocean. They are a part of the South Pacific island group collectively called Oceania. The total number of islands constituting the Fiji Islands is 332 of which only 110 are inhabited.
The two main islands of the Fiji Islands are Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. Other islands like Kadavu, Taveuni, Koro, Gau, Moala, Cicia, Mago, Beqa, Vatulele, Lakuba and many others surrounding the Koro Sea make up the Fiji Islands. The capital city of Fiji Islands is Suva.
The larger islands of the Fiji group of islands are the results of the volcanic activities of the past. The solidification of the molten lava and rocks erupting from the volcanoes is responsible for the formation of the islands. The mountainous relief still bears many dormant volcanoes that prove the activities of the past.
The smaller of the Fiji Islands are made of coral reefs. Thus human inhabitation is impossible on most of them. They however are home to a large number of sea creatures who have taken shelter in and around the reefs.
Fiji Islands offer tourists with a wide range of interesting descriptions. The mountainous relief is perfect for trekking and hiking. The rain forests of Viti Levu offer an opportunity to witness the amazing flora and fauna of the place. The palm fringed beaches offer a time to relax and enjoy life. Diving, surfing, snorkeling, etc are the favorite activities that tourists indulge in.
Fiji Fauna
Fauna of a place is dependent on the physiography and climate of that place. The fauna of Fiji is also determined by the characteristics of the relief and climate of Fiji. The rain forests, the volcanic mountains, the mangroves, the grasslands of Fiji all have fauna based on their characteristics.
The amazing number of birds found in Fiji make the islands a paradise for bird watchers. The rain forests spread across the larger islands are home to colorful birds like musk parrots, fantails and honey eaters. Lorikeets and parrots are found on the island of Taveuni. The island of Vanua Levu has a number of silk tails, a rare and endangered species of the fauna of Fiji.
Some of the nesting places of different birds have been transformed into Nature Reserves like the Namenalala Island, Mabualau, Bird Island and Hatana Island. Birds are protected from being killed by people for pleasure or meat.
The animals of Fiji are not many in number. Small creatures like the tiny gecko and the land crabs are the original inhabitants of the Fiji Islands. The mongoose was imported to reduce the rat population but has developed as a threat against the non-poisonous snakes of Fiji. The crested and banded iguanas are also an important part of Fiji fauna. Their color changing capability makes them unique. Tree frogs are found in the rain forests. The huge Boa is another reptile of Fiji.
The varied and colorful marine life of Fiji fauna has developed in and around the coral reefs of the surrounding water bodies. Sea turtles, rays, dolphins and reef sharks abound in the waters of the South Pacific. Exotic fishes, wonderful sea snakes and sea anemones form a significant part of Fiji fauna.
Fiji Flora
Flora of Fiji is mainly determined by the geographical location of Fiji in the South Pacific, the topographical features dominating the country, the weather conditions and the influence of the human settlement. Fiji Islands are situated in the midst of the waters of the Pacific Ocean.
The mountainous terrain of Fiji and the tropical marine climate affect the growth of flora in Fiji. The rain bearing clouds rising from the surrounding oceans and seas shed their moisture on the windward side of the mountains. Therefore the development of dense flora is possible in this region. The rain forests of Fiji are concentrated in this area. Bamboo thickets and shrubs are found in this region occasionally.
The beaches abound in different kinds of palm trees ranging from silver to fishtail, fantail to umbrella. The most important as well as the most useful being the coconut palm. Every part of the tree is used for some purpose.
Pine trees like Screw pine and Casurina pine are also found. They add to the wonderful flora of Fiji. The drier parts of Fiji islands are covered with grasslands growing coarse variety of grasses and shrubs. Mangroves also form a part of the flora of Fiji. Sugar cane is the most popular of cultivated crops.
Fiji Time
Fiji Time is mainly dependent on the location of Fiji in the South Pacific. The country of Fiji are a part of the continent of Oceania. It belongs to the sub region of Melanesia. The 180 degree Meridian passes through Fiji Islands. So the South Pacific islands of Fiji are often called ‘The Crossroads of the Pacific’.
The whole archipelago of Fiji is in one time zone. The International Date Line has been adjusted to do so.
The difference between Fiji Time with Greenwich Mean Time is 12 hours. Fiji time is 12 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. All the islands constituting the Fiji Islands fall in one uniform time zone. The calculation of time is easier due to this reason.
Fiji Time is thus 12 hours ahead of London Time, 13 hours ahead of Frankfurt, 5 hours ahead of New York Time, 8 hours ahead of Los Angeles Time. On the other hand, Fiji Time is 3 hours behind Tokyo Time and 2 hours behind Sydney Time.
Fiji Time follows Daylight Saving. So the time of Fiji moves forward by one hour between November and February. The sun rise and sun set time is adjusted accordingly. Time is calculated from Suva, the capital and the largest city of Fiji. The two main islands along with the numerous other islands forming the Fiji archipelago have the same time as Suva. Fiji Time is thus based on the location of the islands of Fiji.