What is Levuka known for?

Levuka is famous for many of Fiji’s “firsts.” It was the site of Fiji’s first bank, post office, school, private members club, hospital, town hall, and municipal government. Levuka was also the site of Fiji’s first public electricity system, which began in 1927, three days before the capital Suva was electrified.

In which particular year European settlements began in Levuka?

From the early 1860s, in an unruly period, European settlers began arriving in greater numbers. At Levuka in 1874, the Deed of Session was signed, making Fiji a British colony. The first indentured labourers from India – as the beginning of the girmit – also disembarked at Levuka in 1879.

Why is Levuka historical port town?

In June 2013, Levuka has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for being “an outstanding example of late 19th century Pacific port settlements, reflects the integration of local building traditions by a supreme naval power, leading to the emergence of a unique landscape“.

When was the capital moved from Levuka to Suva?

1882
About Suva In 1877, it was decided to make Suva the capital of Fiji when the geography of the 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.

How many villages are there in Levuka?

On the islands are 23 villages and one town, Levuka, Fiji’s former capital.

How big is Levuka?

It is a lush tropical volcanic island of about 100 square kilometers surrounded by large coral reefs. The island’s population is around 8000 of which nearly 25% reside in town.

Why was the capital city moved from Levuka to Suva?

In 1877, the colonial authorities decided to move the capital to Suva from Levuka, Ovalau, Lomaiviti, because Levuka’s location between a steep mountain and the sea made any expansion of the town impractical. Colonel F.E. The transfer to Suva was made official in 1882.

Why was capital shifted from Levuka to Suva?

In 1877, the colonial authorities decided to move the capital to Suva from Levuka, Ovalau, Lomaiviti, because Levuka’s location between a steep mountain and the sea made any expansion of the town impractical.

Which is better Nadi or Suva?

The Nadi area has more tourist facilities and activities. Suva is more administrative but just out of Suva is the fantastic area of Pacific Harbour.

Is Kadavu a volcanic island?

Kadavu (pronounced [kanˈdaβu]), with an area of 411 square kilometres (159 sq mi), is the fourth largest island in Fiji, and the largest island in the Kadavu Group, a volcanic archipelago consisting of Kadavu, Ono, Galoa and a number of smaller islands in the Great Astrolabe Reef.

What is the biggest city in Fiji?

Suva
The largest city in Fiji is Suva, with a population of 77,366 people….Population.

When did Levuka become a World Heritage Site?

Levuka and the island of Ovalau had been seeking recognition from UNESCO as a World Heritage Site for decades, finally being designated in June 2013. The modern town of Levuka was founded around 1820 by European settlers and traders as the first modern town in the Fiji Islands, and became an important port and trading post.

Where is the port town of Levuka located?

Levuka Historical Port Town is set amongst coconut and mango trees along the beach front of Ovalau Island against the forested slopes of the island’s extinct volcano.

Is there a cannery on the island of Levuka?

A cannery, a joint PAFCO-government venture, was opened in 1976, and is the largest private employer on the island of Ovalau. Owing largely to Levuka’s isolation, tourism plays only a minor role in the Levuka/Ovalau economy. Levuka has been incorporated as a Town since 1877, and is governed by a Town Council of 8 members, elected for 3-year terms.

When did Levuka become the capital of Fiji?

When the first modern nation state of Fiji was founded in 1871, Seru Epenisa Cakobau was crowned King at Levuka. After Fiji was annexed as a British colony in 1874, Levuka remained the capital until 1877, when the administration was moved to Suva, although the move was not made official until 1882.