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1481 BCE
Life Before Europeans
Indigenous Groups
The aboriginal people from Fiji were thought to have come over from Southeast Asia and the Malay Peninsula. The first settlers came to Fiji 3,500 years ago. They are known as the Fijan people. -
Europeans
A Dutch explorer first discovered Fiji in 1643 by accident. The first Europeans to settle in Fiji were shiprecked sailors from Australia who lived among the Fijans. After this, missionaries came to Fiji and gained influence on the Fijans who the Europeans viewed as inhuman and wild cannibals. The Fijans accepted Christianity and tribal warfare ended. The Europeans used Fiji for producing sugar. -
Independence
Fiji requested that Britain colonize the island for better protection. Britain established their ruling in 1874 and had little economic reward. The Fijian Government began a peaceful independence movement with the help of Prince Charles of Wales and the first Prime Minister of the Fiji Islands. On October 10, 1970, Fiji gained their independence from Britain which was a turning point in Fiji's history. -
Modern Society
Today Fiji has a republic government with a president. The current president is Jioji Konrote. There are over 900,000 current citizens of Fiji. The majority religion of Fiji today is Christianity. Fiji has changed by becoming a major place for tourism because of the beautiful views. This benefits the people of Fiji because tourism is a major part of the economy.
