The distribution and role of the Chinese in Fiji : a geographical study of an immigrant group in the plural society of Fiji.

Abstract

From the map showing the location of the Fiji Islands (Fig. 1) it can be seen that the Colony of Fiji occupies a central position in the South Pacific Ocean, and that the principal islands of the group lie between latitudes 160 and 210 south and between longitudes 1770 east and 1780 west. The 180th meridian passes through the Colony.

The Fiji Archipelago comprises more than 300 islands, ranging in various sizes, approximately 100 of which are inhabited. The remainder are used for temporary residence and for planting. The land area totals roughly 7, 055 square miles. The two principal islands, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu together account for 6, 148 square miles representing 87% of the total area. Viti Levu, the largest island, which accounts for 57% of the total area with 4,011 square miles, is 88 miles long and 64 miles broad and is roughly elliptical in shape. Upon it is located Suva, the capital, which in 1956 had a population of 37, 371 persons. The island of Vanua Levu, with an area of 2,137 Square miles, is irregular in shape, deeply indented, and has a length of 112 miles with an average width of 20 miles. The other islands, of minor importance are Taveuni and Kadavu, both being less than one twelfth the size of Viti Levu.

Fiji commands an important strategic position because of its central location in the South Pacific Ocean. The islands lie 1,300 miles north of New Zealand, and a similar distance east of Australia. As these islands are on the direct trans ~Pacific route to North America, they have become an important centre for sea and air communications in the South Pacific.