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Around 51 % of the population (about 800,000) are pure Fijian; two/thirds of whom are active Methodists. Eighty percent of the East Indian population (ancestors of a migration that began in 1879) are Hindus, the remaining inhabitants are Muslim.

Business and government offices are open five days a week: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. are customary. Post offices are open every week day from 8-4. Most shops are open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, till 1 p.m. There is "no trading on Sunday."

Major credit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, shops and by car rental agencies and tour operators. American Express, Diners Club, Visa, Master Card and JCB have representative offices.

Electricity is 240 volts; most hotels have 110-volt converters.

Holidays in Fiji include Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day, Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday. In addition there are the birthdays of the Queen and Mohammed, (Prince Charles' birthday's was cancelled in Fiji; escapades cost.) plus Fiji Day (October 10th) and Diwali, Constitution Day and the Hindu Festival of Lights. Ratu Sakuna Day is not a national holiday, but don't tell that to the Fijians who still honor their George Washington with affection and enthusiasm.

English is the primary language. Fijian and Hindi are secondary languages.

Currency is the Fijian dollar: Currently F$1 = US$ .51

North American headquarters for the Fiji Visitors Bureau is at 5777 West Century Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90045. Telephone: 310/568-1616 or 1/800/YEA-FIJI.

For more information on Fiji go to Suva in the drop down list.