Fiji

The Republic of Fiji is a South Pacific island nation situated about two-thirds of the way between Hawaii and New Zealand. Comprising more than 300 islands—around one-third of which are inhabited—Fiji is among the most developed economies in the Pacific. Known for its tropical climate, multicultural society, and tourism-driven economy, the nation blends traditional indigenous governance with a modern parliamentary democracy. Despite a history marked by several coups since independence, Fiji has evolved into a stable multi-ethnic democracy.

Historical Background

Human settlement in Fiji dates back to around 1000 B.C., when Austronesian voyagers arrived, followed by Melanesian migrations during the first millennium A.D. The iTaukei (indigenous Fijians) developed intricate clan systems and chieftain hierarchies, influenced by trade and intermarriage with Polynesian societies, particularly Tonga and Samoa. Between 900 and 1200 A.D., parts of Fiji fell under the Tu‘i Tongan Empire, leaving lasting cultural imprints.
European contact began in 1643 when Abel Tasman sighted the islands. The 19th century saw rising European activity—missionaries, traders, and whalers—alongside increased intertribal conflict. In 1865, Seru Epenisa Cakobau, the Vunivalu of Bau, unified several chiefdoms into the Confederacy of Independent Kingdoms of Viti, and later proclaimed himself King of Fiji (1871). Mounting debts and instability led him to cede Fiji to Britain in 1874, establishing a colonial protectorate.
The British colonial era (1874–1970) reshaped Fiji’s economy and society. The administration introduced a plantation system, importing more than 60,000 Indian indentured labourers (1879–1916) to work in sugarcane production. Their descendants, the Indo-Fijians, remain a significant and influential community.
Independence was achieved on 10 October 1970, under a constitution balancing iTaukei and Indo-Fijian representation. However, ethnic and political tensions led to two military coups in 1987, reinstating iTaukei dominance and prompting large-scale Indo-Fijian emigration. A new, inclusive constitution (1997) allowed for Mahendra Chaudhry, an Indo-Fijian, to become prime minister in 1999, but another coup in 2000 disrupted democratic governance.
In 2006, Commodore Frank Bainimarama seized power, citing corruption and ethnic division. His government introduced the 2013 Constitution, ending race-based politics. After two democratic elections (2014 and 2018) under Bainimarama’s FijiFirst Party, the 2022 general election marked a peaceful transfer of power to Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka, a former coup leader turned reformist democrat. In 2024, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu became President, cementing Fiji’s ongoing democratic consolidation.

Geography

• Location: South Pacific Ocean, roughly midway between Hawaii and New Zealand
• Coordinates: 18°00′ S, 175°00′ E
• Area: 18,274 sq km (slightly smaller than New Jersey, USA)
• Coastline: 1,129 km
• Islands: 332 islands and over 500 islets; Viti Levu and Vanua Levu are the largest and most populous

Terrain: Volcanic and mountainous, with rugged interiors and fertile coastal plains.Highest point: Mount Tomanivi (1,324 m).Climate: Tropical marine; warm, humid, and moderated by trade winds. Cyclones occur between November and January.Natural resources: Timber, fish, gold, copper, hydropower, and potential offshore oil.Land use (2022):

• Agricultural land: 17.1%
• Forest: 63.1%
• Arable land: 4.2%

Population distribution: About 70% live on Viti Levu, which hosts the capital, Suva.

People and Society

Population (2024): 951,611Median age: 31.6 yearsUrbanisation: 58.7%Population growth rate: 0.4%Life expectancy: 74.8 years (male 72.2; female 77.6)Total fertility rate: 2.21 children per woman
Ethnic composition:

• iTaukei (Indigenous Fijians): 56.8%
• Indo-Fijians: 37.5%
• Rotuman: 1.2%
• Others: 4.5% (Europeans, Chinese, Pacific Islanders)

Languages: English, iTaukei, and Fiji Hindi (all official).Religions: Protestant 45%, Hindu 27.9%, Roman Catholic 9.1%, Muslim 6.3%, other 11.7%.
Social indicators:

• Literacy rate: 92.4%
• Access to sanitation: 100%
• Access to clean water: 95.5%
• Adult obesity: 30.2%
• Tobacco use: 26.8%

Maternal and infant mortality rates are low relative to regional averages, and Fiji offers free primary education and subsidised healthcare.

Government and Politics

System: Parliamentary republic under the 2013 ConstitutionCapital: Suva
Head of State: President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu (since Nov 2024)Head of Government: Prime Minister Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka (since Dec 2022)
Legislature:

• Unicameral Parliament (55 seats), directly elected by proportional representation for four-year terms.
  • 2022 election results:
    • FijiFirst: 26 seats
    • People’s Alliance: 21 seats
    • National Federation Party (NFP): 5 seats
    • Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA): 3 seats

Judiciary: Common law system based on English precedent. Comprises the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, and High Court, with magistrates’ courts at lower levels. Judges are appointed by the President on the Prime Minister’s advice.
Major political parties:

• FijiFirst
• People’s Alliance
• National Federation Party (NFP)
• Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA)
• Fiji Labour Party (FLP)
• Freedom Alliance
• Unity Fiji

While the military retains influence, Fiji’s political environment has stabilised significantly since 2014.

Economy

Fiji is an upper-middle-income, diversified economy centred on tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing.
Economic indicators (2024 est.):

• GDP (PPP): $13.1 billion
• GDP per capita (PPP): $14,100
• GDP growth rate: 3.8%
• Inflation: 4.5%
• Unemployment: 4.4%
• Poverty rate: 24.1%

Sectoral composition:

• Agriculture: 8.4%
• Industry: 14.1%
• Services: 56.2%

Key exports (2023): $2.37 billion

• Bottled water, sugar, fish, petroleum, garments
• Main partners: USA (32%), Australia (12%), Tonga (6%)

Imports (2023): $3.43 billion

• Refined petroleum, vehicles, machinery, plastics
• Main partners: Singapore (25%), China (16%), Australia (15%)

Remittances: 9.2% of GDP (primarily from overseas Fijians).Foreign reserves (2024): $1.6 billion.
Government priorities include infrastructure investment, renewable energy expansion, and sustainable tourism as growth drivers.

Environment and Energy

Fiji’s natural environment includes lush forests, coral reefs, and fertile volcanic soils. It faces environmental threats from deforestation, soil erosion, and rising sea levels. Fiji plays a leading role in climate diplomacy, notably as president of the 2017 UN Climate Conference (COP23).
Energy (2023):

• Electricity access: 92% (urban 97.6%; rural 86.8%)
• Generation mix:
  • Hydropower: 52.3%
  • Fossil fuels: 36.3%
  • Biomass: 10%
  • Solar: 1.1%

Fiji targets 100% renewable electricity generation by 2050, supported by international green financing and regional partnerships.

Defence and Security

The Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF), established after independence, consist of the Land Force and Navy, totalling about 4,000 active personnel (2025).

• Military expenditure: 1.4% of GDP (2024)
• Service: Voluntary for men and women (ages 18–25)

The RFMF has historically influenced national politics but is also recognised for its significant contributions to UN peacekeeping missions in Iraq, Egypt, and the Golan Heights. Fiji also maintains a “shiprider agreement” with the United States, allowing joint maritime patrols against illegal fishing and trafficking in its vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

Culture and National Identity

Fiji’s national identity reflects a fusion of iTaukei traditions, Indo-Fijian customs, and Western influences. Traditional community practices such as kava ceremonies (yaqona), chiefly gatherings, and solesolevaki (collective labour) remain central to Fijian life.
Languages, music, dance, and cuisine highlight Fiji’s cultural diversity—blending South Asian spices with Pacific staples like taro, cassava, and seafood.