Multicultural Life

With around 800 000 people living in Fiji it is the most populated in the South Pacific. Fiji is a multi-cultural society with more than 50% being indigenous Fijians and about 44% Indians (primarily Hindu and Muslim belief). Others that populate the island include Banabans, Polynesian Rotumans, and Tuvaluans and some European and Chinese settlers.

The Fijians
The Indigenous Fijians adhere to a traditional system that involves a hierarchical ladder with the chief at the top. Most Fijians still bind to village life where clans of people live on the same land that is controlled by the chief. The chiefs power and his family claims are hereditary. The common people do not have any substantial say in the goings on of the village and traditionally Fijian women are not treated as equals when making decisions in the family. This is the traditional way of life for Fijians although some of the village people leave the village to work in towns or other countries. Those away from home are still expected to contribute to their village and provide financial support. Many of the younger generation Fijians find this tradition difficult to live by due to western influence.

Fiji-Indians
Indians that reside in Fiji are the descendants of labourers brought over to work the sugar cane plantations in the late 1800's. Many of the Indians assumed residency in Fiji even though the contracts that they were under lasted only five years. The Indians dominate the business and sugarcane industry of Fiji today and make up 44% of Fiji's population.

Rotumans
The Polynesian island of Rotuma is a state of Fiji however is quite different in its culture and tradition from the native Fijians. Families structures differ in that the Rotumans have individual houses with distinct boarders, The people in the villages are not particularly controlled by the chiefs and the village clan. Women in Rotuma are also treated with greater respect here and have primary responsibilities in family decision making. Rotumans are known for their good nature and fun humor.

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