Fiji Islands Statistics

Geography-Population

Capital:  Suva (on Viti Levu)

Area:  18,274 sq km

Climate:  tropical marine; only slight seasonal temperature variation

Population:  883,125 (July 2011 est.)

Languages:  English (official), Fijian (official), Hindustani

Government-Economy

Government type: republic

Independence Day: 10 October 1970 (from the UK)

Currency: Fijian dollars (FJD)

GDP: $3.792 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP): $4,300 (2010 est.)

Information for Foreign Students in Fiji Islands

Obtaining a Visa

Nationals from the United Kingdom, other EU country members (except Lithuania), Australia and North America do not need a visa to enter the country.

Visitors' permits are issued for stays of up to four months for touristic purposes and for stays of up to 14 days for business purposes. Costs: Single-entry: $73. Multiple-entry: $128.85.

Housing

Students' hall http://www.usp.ac.fj/index.php?id=9257

Hostel http://www.backpackglobe.com/oceania/ask_bp_for/general_bps_guide/study_work_and_long_term_stay.asp

Health

Healthcare facilities in Fiji urban areas are adequate for routine medical problems. In the rural areas staff training is limited and there are often shortages of supplies and medications. Emergency response is extremely limited, and the few ambulances available are poorly equipped and staffed.

Money

There are several international banks: Lloyds TSB, HSBC, Abbey, RBS and NatWest.

Transportation

Embassy website: http://fiji.embassyhomepage.com/fijian_railway_fiji_bus_suva_airport_taxi_fiji_domestic_airports_fiji_ferries_fijian_motorway.htm

Phoning

Roaming agreements exist with many international mobile phone companies. There is no coverage on outlying islands, only on Viti Levu. International calls can only really be made from Viti Levu. Calls from hotels via an operator are very expensive. It is cheaper to get a public phonecard, available from post offices and newsagents or from the Fiji International Telecommunications (FINTEL) office.

Internet cafés are available in Suva, Nadi, Lautoka and most resorts. They are relatively inexpensive, however, Internet connectivity in Fiji isn't the best.