📖 About Lami

Lami is a town on the southeastern coast of Viti Levu, Fiji's main island, located between Suva and the airport at Nausori. With approximately 25,000 residents, this industrial town serves as a key economic zone for the greater Suva area, hosting manufacturing facilities, the brewery, and various industries. While not a tourist destination, Lami plays a vital role in Fiji's economy.

The town sits on Lami Bay with views across to smaller islands. Residential areas mix with industrial zones. The nearby Colo-i-Suva Forest Park offers accessible rainforest experiences. Lami represents the working side of Fiji—the industrial and residential reality behind the tourism image.

Lami offers visitors a glimpse of everyday Fijian life beyond the resorts—a multicultural working community contributing to the nation's economic development.

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💼 Economy & Culture

Lami hosts significant industrial activity for Fiji—the brewery, food processing, and manufacturing facilities provide employment. The port area handles cargo. Residential areas house workers employed in Suva and the industrial zone. Small businesses serve local needs. The town benefits from proximity to the capital while providing more affordable housing. Economic activity reflects Fiji's efforts to diversify beyond tourism and sugar.

Lami's population reflects Fiji's ethnic diversity—indigenous iTaukei Fijians and Indo-Fijians live together in this multicultural town. Churches and temples serve both communities. Fijian culture with its traditions of community and hospitality mixes with Indo-Fijian customs brought by ancestors who came as indentured laborers. English, Fijian, and Hindi are used. The working-class character shapes a community focused on practical daily life rather than the tourist presentation of Fijian culture.

📜 History

The Lami area was traditionally iTaukei Fijian territory before colonial contact. British colonial rule and sugar industry development brought Indo-Fijian settlement. The town developed as Suva grew into the capital and administrative center. Industrial development in the 20th century established Lami's economic role.

Fiji's independence in 1970 and subsequent political history—including coups reflecting ethnic tensions—affected all communities including Lami. Despite political challenges, the town has maintained its role as an industrial center. Emigration, particularly of Indo-Fijians, has affected demographics. Today's Lami continues as a working community contributing to Fiji's economy while its residents navigate the broader national questions of identity and development.