| Anthropology Terms Abroad |
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| © Uraia Waqa |
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The program of study was patterned generally after an ongoing Union College Term Abroad Program in Barbados, sponsored by professors George and Sharon Gmelch. The students in Fiji conducted a series of exercises in basic anthropological field work, including extensive field notes, village maps, a census, structured economic interviews, and life history interviews. Each student wrote two 60-80 page papers, one a general ethnography and the other an analysis of the individual research project. Significant portions of their results are reproduced here at this web site.
The students have also donated some photographs for our on-line photo album.
An Ethnography of a Fijian Village,
by Sarah Ahart
Village Life in Rural Fiji,
by Deborah Cederbaum
Life in a Fijian Village,
by Amber Johnston
Independent Projects
Education and Tradition in Rural Fiji,
by Sarah Ahart
Special Education in a Rural Fijian Community,
by Deborah Cederbaum
Sex, Love and Marriage in Fijian Society,
by Amber Johnston
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| © 1995, World Almanac and Book of Facts |
LAND AND PEOPLE
Only about 105 of Fiji's islands are inhabited. The larger islands are volcanic and mountainous except in the river valleys; the smaller islands are mostly coral. The largest island, Viti Levu, where almost 80% of the population lives, covers 10,386 sq km (4,010 sq mi); SUVA, the capital and largest city, is located on its southeast coast. The climate is tropical, with an annual mean temperature of 27 deg C (80 deg F); rainfall varies from 1,780 mm (70 in) in the west to over 2,540 mm (100 in) in the east. Vegetation varies according to rainfall, with dense forests in the mountains, tropical savanna grasslands in the west, and dense vegetation in the east. Mount Tomaniivi (1,323 m/4,341 ft), on Viti Levu, is Fiji's highest point. Mangrove trees dominate coastal areas.
Native Fijians, who were a minority in their own country at independence, are mainly of Melanesian stock. The former Indian majority (only 46% of the population by 1991) is descended from field workers brought by the British. Although the Indians are forbidden land ownership, they operate most of the sugar plantations. Although English is the official language, Fijians speak their own language and are primarily Christian (85% Methodist). The Indian population, which is 70% Hindu and 25% Muslim, speak a dialect of Hindi. There are also small Chinese and white minorities. Fiji experiences tensions as a result of its diverse ethnic composition. Primary education is neither free nor compulsory, but the literacy rate is high. The University of the South Pacific (1968) is at Suva.
ECONOMIC ACTIVITY
Fiji's economy is primarily agricultural. Sugarcane, produced for export, comprises about 80% of total agricultural output. Coconuts and ginger are also raised for export; cassava, sweet potatoes, and rice are grown for domestic consumption. In 1990, 279,000 visitors came to Fiji, although sugar production and tourism were adversely affected by two coups in 1987. Gold is the leading mineral product. The underdeveloped industrial sector produces some consumer goods, garments, and food products. Fiji is trying to diversify exports and increase manufacturing. Exploration for offshore oil is being conducted, and pine forests (for timber) are being planted. The fishing industry has grown rapidly.
HISTORY AND GOVERNMENT
Fiji was probably settled by about 500 BC. The first European discovery was by the Dutch navigator Abel Janszoon TASMAN, in 1643. During the first half of the 19th century, shipwrecked sailors and missionaries settled in Fiji. Their influence led first to conflicts and then warfare between Fiji's indigenous tribes. Finally, in 1874, Paramount Chief Cakobau invited Great Britain to assume sovereignty of the islands. Under British rule, sugarcane plantations were established.
Fiji gained independence on Oct. 10, 1970. In May 1987, after the ruling Fijian-dominated National Alliance party was defeated by an Indian-backed coalition, tensions between Fijians and Indians contributed to a military coup led by Lt. Col. (later Col.) Sitiveni Rabuka. Fiji's Supreme Court declared the coup illegal, and the governor-general assumed executive power. His plans to establish a caretaker government including all major groups prompted another coup by Rabuka. On Oct. 6, 1987, Rabuka declared Fiji a republic; he turned power over to a civilian government on December 5. In 1990 a new constitution guaranteeing Fijians a permanent legislative majority was approved. Elections for the lower house of a new parliament were held in 1992, and Rabuka was named premier. He won a second term following elections held in February 1994.
| Michael McIntyre ©1994, Grolier Electronic Publishing |
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Cultural differences between the majority Indian community, descendants of contract laborers brought to the islands in the 19th century, and the less modernized native Fijians, who by law own 83% of the land in communal villages, have led to political polarization.
In 1987, a military coup ousted the government; order was restored May 21 under a compromise granting Lt. Col. Sitveni Rabuka, the coup s leader, increased power. Rabuka staged a second coup Sept. 25 and declared Fiji a republic. Civilian government was restored in Dec. A new constitution favoring indigenous Fijians was issued July 25, 1990.
| © 1995 World Almanac and Book of Facts |
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