Overview of Fiji

Profile

Fiji consists primarily of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu islands, formed by volcanic islands and coral reefs, with blue lagoons and lush tropical rainforests. It gained independence from the UK in 1970 and is now a parliamentary republic. Melanesian indigenous people and Indo-Fijians who arrived in the 19th century support society, with rugby and the traditional kava ceremony deeply rooted in daily life. Main industries are tourism, sugarcane, and garments, with bottled water utilizing clear water quality also performing well in exports. English is widely spoken, and the country is actively attracting study abroad programs and international conferences.

Official name: Republic of Fiji
Common name: Fiji
Numeric code: 242
Alpha-3 code: FJI
Alpha-2 code: FJ
Population: Approximately 930,000 (2022)
Population density: Approximately 50 people/km2
Primary languages: English, Fijian, Fiji Hindi
Major religions: Christianity, Hinduism, Islam
National anthem: God Bless Fiji (Meda Dau Doka)
Calling code: +679
Internet TLD: .fj

History

Indigenous settlement dates back approximately 3,000 years. Became a British colony in 1874, gained independence in 1970, and returned to civilian government in 2014 after experiencing coups.

The land where ancient Lapita pottery remains developed through trade with Tonga and Samoa. In the 19th century, many Indian indentured laborers arrived for sugarcane plantations, changing the ethnic composition. After the British colonial period, it became independent in 1970 as a Commonwealth realm. It experienced coups in 1987 and 2000, and military rule from 2006, but promulgated a new constitution in 2013 and returned to parliamentary democracy through elections in 2014.

Geography & climate

Undulating islands formed by volcanic activity with vast coral reefs, tropical rainforests and waterfalls inland, and developed mangroves along the coast.

Tropical maritime climate (hot and humid, cyclone belt)

Area: Oceania / 18274 km²
Capital: Suva
Largest city: Suva
Coastal status: Yes

Natural resources

Forest resources, Fishery resources, Gold mines, Copper mines, Hydropower, Coral reefs suitable for tourism, Fertile volcanic soil, Mahogany, Coconut, Sugarcane, Groundwater (bottled water), Bamboo forests, Sandalwood

Politics

Government: Republic (Parliamentary system, unicameral legislature)

Economy

Currency: Fijian Dollar (FJD)

GDP (nominal): Approximately 5.5 billion USD (2023)

GDP (PPP): Approximately 12.8 billion USD (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: English, Fijian, Fiji Hindi

Time zone: Fiji Time

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Fijian Melanesians, Indo-Fijians, Rotumans, Chinese, European Fijians

Life expectancy

Approximately 67 years

Literacy rate

Approximately 99%

National sports

Rugby (15s), Rugby Sevens, Football, Cricket, Netball