Suva

Suva (population 141,000) is the capital of Fiji. It is located on the southeast coast of the island of Viti Levu, in the division of Central Fiji, which it is also the capital of. Suva became the capital of Fiji in 1877 when the geography of former main Kaivalagi (European) settlement at Levuka on the island of Ovalau proved too restrictive. Suva is located at 18°10' South, 178°27' East (-18.1667, 178.45).

History

In return for a promise to pay off debts owed to the United States by the Bauan chieftain, Seru Epenisa Cakobau, the Australian-based Polynesia Company was granted 575 km² of land near what was then the village of Suva in 1868. The original intention was to develop a cotton farming industry, but the land and climate proved unsuitable.

Related Topics:
United States - Bauan - Chieftain - Seru Epenisa Cakobau - Australia - Polynesia Company - 1868

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Following the annexation of the Fiji Islands by the United Kingdom in 1874, the colonial authorities decided to move the capital to Suva from Levuka in 1877. The transfer was made official in 1882. Following the promulgation of the Municipal Constitution Ordinance of 1909, Suva acquired municipal status in 1910. The town initially comprised one square mile; these boundaries remained intact until 1952 when the Muanikau and Samabula wards were annexed, expanding its territory to 13 square kilometers. In October that year, Suva was proclaimed a City - Fiji's first. Tamavua was subsequently annexed; the most recent extension of the city boundaries has been to incorporate the Cunningham area to the north of the city. Urban sprawl has resulted in a number of suburbs that remain outside of the city limits; together with the city itself, they form a metropolitan area known as the Greater Suva Area.

Related Topics:
United Kingdom - 1874 - Colonial authorities - Levuka - 1877 - 1882 - 1909 - 1910 - 1952 - Muanikau - Samabula - Ward - Tamavua - Cunningham - Urban sprawl - Greater Suva Area

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