According to a survey by the WIN/Gallup International Association – where they interviewed a staggering 64,000 people from 65 countries worldwide – 93% of Fijians are ‘satisfied’ or ‘very happy with their lives. So what makes Fiji become the happiest country in the world?
An overview of the country of Fiji – The happiest country in the world
Fiji is officially the Republic of Fiji, an independent country with sovereignty. This island nation is in Oceania in the southern part of the Pacific Ocean, east of Vanuatu, west of Tonga, and south of Tuvalu. According to statistics, this island nation has 322 islands, with two main islands, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, accounting for 87% of the population.
- Geographical location: An archipelago of more than 330 islands in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, in Oceania.
- Area: 18,274 km2
- Climate: Tropical marine; little seasonal variation. Average temperature in summer: is 350C, winter: is 150C. Average rainfall: 1,700 – 3,200 mm.
- Population: 909,389 people (July 2015 census)
- Ethnicities: Fijian (51%), Indian (44%), Europeans, Chinese, and other ethnic groups (5%).
- Primary language: English, Fijian, and Hindu.
- History: Before the arrival of Europeans, indigenous peoples of Polynesian and Melanesian inhabited Fiji. In 1874, the British took control of the islands. In 1970, Fiji gained its independence but remained a member of the United Kingdom. In 1987, when a military coup led by Mr. CSRabuka broke out, Fiji declared the establishment of a republic. In 1992, Fiji promulgated a new constitution and held general elections for a new parliament.
- Religion: Christian (52%), Hindu (38%), Muslim (8%), other (2%)
- Economy: With rich forest, mineral, and fish resources, Fiji has one of the most developed economies in the Pacific islands. Sugar exports and tourism are the main sources of foreign exchange earnings.
- Capital: Subva (Suva)
- Currency: Fijian Dollar (F$); 1 F$ = 100 cents
- National Day: October 10 (1970)
Why Fiji is the happiest country in the world
Tell about Fiji’s happiness, a tangible feeling that hits you from when you land and lingers long after you return home.
Stunning scenery and enviable climatic conditions
If you regularly wake up to shimmering oceans, palm-fringed beaches, and clear blue skies, we think you’ll be happy too! Not only is Fiji home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, but it’s also a haven for warmer weather.
Healthy exposure to sunlight increases the brain’s serotonin production (these are the neurotransmitters responsible for making a person feel happier). With Fiji getting a heat, the annual average is 24.9 degrees Celsius. No wonder the Fijians are in such a good mood!
Ceremony
Religion is deeply rooted in Fiji, and the beliefs of Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Sikhism are all evident. But apart from churches and temples (places celebrated on their days of worship), Fijian culture holds many traditions. For example, Sevusevu is extremely important when a tourist presents the village elder’s kava tuber and serves it in a traditional ceremony.
When walking through the villages, wearing a sarong (sarong) to cover the legs and shoulders is mandatory. In addition, you must cover the upper body, and no one is allowed to carry a bag from a shoulder strap or wear a hat. While this sounds complicated, these rules show respect for the community and inspire unity.
A community that unites and spreads positive energy.
Fiji stands out as a country that prioritizes connectivity. Feeling part of a close family and community is central to Fijian culture. The strong community bond makes Fijians seem happier, significantly how they’ve weathered Covid-19 together.
Besides, they are also known as smiling people, possessing cheerful personalities. Happiness in Fiji is contagious – in the best possible way.
Rich, clean, safe cuisine
Because imported food is expensive, most of the food used is local and very fresh. Organic gardens are flourishing here, from the individual level to the villages and resorts. Just looking at the fruit trees on the trees, the fish in the ocean, and the aroma from Indian restaurants is enough to make people smile happily.
In particular, Fiji is known for having the best food in the South Pacific. Thanks to the influence of Indian, Southeast Asian, and Chinese cuisines mixed with Melanesian specialties such as taro, tropical fruits, coconuts, meat and seafood.
Get away from worries.
Fijian politics has a tumultuous past, with open democratic elections only being held again after a coup in 2006. But even at the most stressful time, there was no severe violence here, and the situation seems to have stabilized. Fiji’s happiness is also due to detaching from the rest of the world. Optimism about more significant negative issues thus reduces stress. It allows them to enjoy the moment and bring meaning to the world in their lives.
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