Dialing code +679
ISO 2 code FJ
ISO 3 code FJI
Capital Suva
Main Language English
Currency Dollar (FJD)
GDP $3.6 billion 163rd
Population 875,983 159th

Geography

Continent Oceania
Location Oceania island group in the South Pacific Ocean about two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand
Land 18,270 km2 157th
Terrain Mostly mountains of volcanic origin
Climate Tropical marine; only slight seasonal temperature variation
Natural Hazards Mostly mountains of volcanic origin
Note: Includes 332 islands; approximately 110 are inhabited

Neighbouring Countries

History

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). The coups and a 1990 constitution that cemented native Melanesian control of Fiji led to heavy Indian emigration; the population loss resulted in economic difficulties but ensured that Melanesians became the majority. A new constitution enacted in 1997 was more equitable. Free and peaceful elections in 1999 resulted in a government led by an Indo-Fijian but a civilian-led 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 led by Prime Minister Laisenia QARASE. Re-elected in May 2006 QARASE was ousted in a December 2006 military coup led by Commodore Voreqe BAINIMARAMA who initially appointed himself acting president but in January 2007 became interim prime minister. Since taking power BAINIMARAMA has neutralized his opponents crippled Fiji's democratic institutions and refused to hold elections.
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Demographics

Life Expectancy 70.73 years 128th
Median Age 25.5 years 114th
Birth Rate 21.92 births/1,000 population 78th
Death Rate 5.66 births/1,000 population 159th
Sex Ratio 0.82 male(s)/female 75th
Literacy 93.7% 91st
Population

875983

Transportation

Roadways 3440 km 161st
Railways 597 km 110th
Airports 28 118th
Waterways 203 km 96th
Heliports None
Airports paved 1 151st

Economy

Currency Dollar (FJD)
GDP $3.6 billion 163rd
GDP per capita (PPP) $3900 140th