Life Style

Why Fiji is one of the world’s happiest countries

What would you say if anyone asked, “Are you happy?” If you lived in Fiji, you’d almost certainly say “yes!” nine times out of ten. Fiji is one of the happiest countries in the world, according to WIN-Gallup, with 89 percent of Fijians reporting happiness. And what are the chances of you being happy after a trip to Fiji? That’s great! Here are ten reasons why Fiji is such a wonderful place to visit.

Color

Empty hammock in the shade of palm trees on tropical Fiji Islands

Fiji boasts all the feel-good colors, with a plethora of greens in the landscapes, yellows and chartreuse mingling as palm trees rustle in the wind, and the vivid oranges of ripe mangos and papayas. White waterfalls cascade into black lava rock pools, creating a soothing soundscape. There’s something bright to make you smile everywhere you look. Then there’s the dazzling blue and green of a sea that’s warm enough to dive into but cool enough to keep you cool. There are enough corals and fish below the surface to please Jacques Cousteau. Dive in because there are few things on Earth that can make you feel as good as a swim in a turquoise blue sea.

Climate
Few people complain about the cold in Fiji, where temperatures range from 79 to 88 degrees Fahrenheit (26 to 31 degrees Celsius). Clothes are only worn for modesty, and life is often lived outside. No one will go vitamin D deficient thanks to all the sunlight, and plenty of rain keeps the land fresh and thriving with plenty of food and clean water. This makes it easier to stay in touch with nature, whether it’s by watching the moon phases on warm nights, appreciating the beauty of a sunset, or getting a happy jolt from cool raindrops on the skin.

Palm trees over white beach on a a Plantation Island, Fiji, South Pacific

Community
Fiji has a very close-knit community that is mostly concentrated in villages. Even large cities have a small feel to them, and aunts, uncles, and cousins are likely to live in the same area. The community looks after the children, and despite the fact that nothing is perfect, the crime rate is low. Young people have complete freedom to roam and play. People’s bonds are tangible, as is their support for one another. Perhaps it is because of this strong foundation that Fijians are so polite and welcoming to tourists.

Fresh food

Fiji is known for having some of the best food in the South Pacific, thanks to the influence of Indian, Southeast Asian, and Chinese cuisines combined with Melanesian staples such as taro, tropical fruits, coconut, pork, and seafood. Since importing food is costly, much of what is available is fresh and local, and there is a growing organic kitchen garden movement ranging from individuals to villages and resorts. Most people smile – and lick their lips – just by gazing at the fruit dripping from the trees, the various fish in the ocean, and the aromas wafting from Indian restaurants.