Fiji Capital: Suva

Suva is the capital and largest city of Fiji. It is located on the southeast coast of the island of Viti Levu, in the Central Division, Rewa Province, of which it is the administrative centre. In 1877, it was decided to make Suva the capital of Fiji when the geography of former main European settlement at Levuka on the island of Ovalau proved too restrictive. The administration of the colony was moved from Levuka to Suva in 1882. At the 2007 census the city of Suva had a population of 85,691 [1]. Including independent suburbs, the population of the Greater Suva urban area was 172,399 at the 2007 census.

Suva is the commercial and political centre of Fiji, though not necessarily the cultural centre, and the largest urban area in the South Pacific outside of Australia and New Zealand. It is Fiji’s main port city.

Although Suva is on a peninsula, and almost surrounded by sea, the nearest beach is 40 kilometres (25 mi) away at Pacific Harbour, and the nearby coast is lined by mangroves. A significant part of the city centre, including the old Parliament Buildings, is built on reclaimed mangrove swamp.

Suva is noted for its considerable rainfall, it has a markedly higher rainfall than Nadi and the western side of Viti Levu, which is known to Suva citizens as “the burning west”. The First Governor of Fiji, Sir Aurthur Gordon, allegedly remarked that it rained in Suva like he had seen no where else before and that there was hardly a day without rain.

A well-known landmark is the Suva City Library or the Carnegie Library, built in 1909 as well as many other colonial buildings.

The Government buildings complex sits on what was once the flowing waters of a creek. This was drained in 1935 and over five kilometres of reinforced concrete pilings were driven into the creek bed to support the massive buildings to be erected. After the foundation stone was laid in 1937, the building was completed in 1939; a new wing was completed in 1967. Parliament, however, was moved to a new complex on Ratu Sukuna Road in 1992.

Government House was formerly the residence of Fiji’s colonial Governors and, following independence in 1970, Governors-General. It is now the official residence of Fiji’s President. Originally erected in 1882, it had to be rebuilt in 1928, following its destruction by lightning in 1921.

Suva also has many shopping and retail areas, notably Cumming street, which has since colonial times, been a vibrant and colourful shopping area. Features of these street include the original colonial buildings and narrow roads. More modern shopping malls, such as the Suva Central Shopping Mall, Mid-City Mall as well as the MHCC are all part of the developments to give the city a modern and sophisticated look. At the beginning of December 2009 the skyline of downtown Suva City has changed forever after the opening of TappooCity valued at $257,350.00 USD equality $50,000,000 FJD a joint venture 6 storey low rise building project by FNPF & Tappoo Group of Companies as Fiji’s n South Pacific’s largest department mall at present outside Australia & New Zealand.

Places To Eat

The Indian influence from the significant population in Suva is evident in the food. The Indian food is town is authentic, tasty, and good value.

Singh’s Curry House, Corner of Gordon Street & Victoria Parade, Suva. Sells cheap and delicious authentic Fijian curry. Eat in or takeaway. edit

For something upscale, try a restaurant inside one of the fancier Suva hotels, such as the Tanoa Plaza, the Southern Cross, or the Holiday Inn. For a quick economical meal in pleasant surroundings, go to the food court upstairs at the Harbour Centre and choose from a great variety of local and Chinese dishes (and you get to look before you buy) and sit and enjoy the view, or get a sack of fish and chips and sit by the waterfront or at the botanical garden.

Suva does have several western fast-food outlets available including McDonalds and Kentucky Fried Chicken.

Fr, Queen Elizabeth Drive (Just down from Suva Grammar School). The best fish & chips in town. The location also features a bar and a coffee shop. $8-10 FJD. edit

Scott’s, Southern Cross Hotel. High-end European cuisine. The best steaks in town.