 Fiji is known in the
Fijian language as Viti. The present name came from the
Tongans, who prior to the mid-18th century, called the island group
Fisi (now Fiji). According to linguist Albert Schutz,
early use of the name 'Fiji' by Captain Bligh and the Reverend John
Davies probably reflects this Tongan influence. Some of the early
spellings were 'Fejee' and 'Feejee,' which persisted well into the
19th century.
Geographically speaking, the two major features of the Fiji group
are Viti Levu, the largest island, with 70% of the population; and,
to the north-east, Vanua Levu, the second-largest island. Vanua Levu
is also a population center, although more sparsely settled than
Viti Levu. To the south-east of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, the
majority of Fiji's other islands are scattered over 500,000 sq km of
ocean. Among these islands are the Lomaiviti group, which includes
Ovalau, where Fiji's original capital of Levuka is; Kadavu, south of
Viti Levu and a bastion of traditional culture; and the Lau group,
whose history and culture were influenced by the close proximity of
Tonga.
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