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Fiji in Oceania, an island group in the South Pacific Ocean is two thirds of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand. Suva, located on Viti Levu island is the capital of Fiji and home to three fourths of the country's population. Fijians celebrate the anniversary of both Fiji's cession to the United Kingdom in 1874 and attainment of independence in 1970, as Fiji Day in Fiji. The complete country name is Republic of the Fiji Islands. The Constitution of Fiji was implemented from 25th July 1997, making multi-party government mandatory with effect from 28th July 1998. Fiji Day in Fiji is celebrated on 10th October. The week leading up to Fiji Day in Fiji is called Fiji Week and comprises a week of religious and cultural ceremonies to celebrate the country's diverse culture. The major ethnic groups are Fijian at 51% and Indians at 44%. Other ethnic groups constitute the remainder. Major religions are Christianity and Hinduism. Fijians are mostly Christians, the Indians are Hindus, and the Muslims are in a minority. English and Fijian are the official languages. Prominently displayed on Fiji Day in Fiji is the Fijian flag, light blue, with UK flag in the upper quadrant on the hoist side. The Fijian shield, a yellow lion above a white field (quartered by the cross of Saint George), with sugarcane, palm tree, bananas, and white dove is centered on the outer side of the flag. Fiji has experienced armed forces and has been a party to UN peacekeeping operations in many places in the the world. The two most important islands are Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. Important places are Nadi international airport, and Lautoka, with a sugar mill and port.
Fiji, is endowed with natural resources making it one of the developed Pacific island economies, though with a largely subsistence sector.
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