About
Fiji became independent in 1970, after nearly a
century as a British colony. Democratic rule was interrupted by two military coups in 1987, caused by concern over a
government perceived as dominated by the Indian community (descendants of contract laborers brought to the islands by the
British in the 19th century). A 1990 constitution favored native Melanesian control of Fiji, but led to heavy Indian
emigration; the population loss resulted in economic difficulties, but ensured that Melanesians became the majority.
Amendments enacted in 1997 made the constitution more equitable. Free and peaceful elections in 1999 resulted in a government
led by an Indo-Fijian, but a coup in May 2000 ushered in a prolonged period of political turmoil. Parliamentary elections held
in August 2001 provided Fiji with a democratically elected government and gave a mandate to the government of Prime Minister
Laisenia QARASE.
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Source: The World Factbook
Population: 893,354 (July 2005 est.)
Capital: Suva (Viti Levu)
Languages: English (official), Fijian, Hindustani
Religions: Christian 52% (Methodist 37%, Roman Catholic 9%), Hindu 38%, Muslim 8%, other 2%
Fijians are mainly Christian, Indians are Hindu, and there is a Muslim minority (1986)
Government: republic
military coup leader Maj. Gen. Sitiveni RABUKA formally declared Fiji a republic on 6 October 1987
Climate: tropical marine; only
slight seasonal temperature variation
Terrain: mostly mountains of volcanic
origin
Geography: includes 332 islands of which approximately 110 are inhabited
Ethnic groups: Fijian 51% (predominantly Melanesian with a Polynesian
admixture), Indian 44%, European, other Pacific Islanders, overseas Chinese, and other 5% (1998 est.)
Economy: Fiji, endowed with forest, mineral, and fish resources, is one
of the most developed of the Pacific island economies, though still with a large subsistence sector. Sugar exports and a
growing tourist industry - with 300,000 to 400,000 tourists annually - are the major sources of foreign exchange. Fiji's
sugar has special access to European Union markets, but will be harmed by the EU's decision to cut sugar subsidies. Sugar
processing makes up one-third of industrial activity, but is not efficient. Long-term problems include low investment,
uncertain land ownership rights, and the government's ability to manage its budget. Yet short-run economic prospects are
good, provided tensions do not again erupt between indigenous Fijians and Indo-Fijians. Overseas remittances from Fijians
working in Kuwait and Iraq have increased significantly.
GDP per capita: purchasing power
parity - $6,000 (2005 est.)
GDP real growth: 2% (2005 est.)
Unemployment rate: 7.6% (1999)
Internet country code: .fj
Dial code: +679
Cities
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Find a flight to any city in Fiji Islands
Local currency is the Fiji Dollar
Airlines based in Fiji Islands
Airlines flying to Fiji Islands
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