World Atlas: Fiji. On this page you can see the map, country flag and many detailed information about the people, history and economy of Fiji.
Here you can find online selected information about the geography, inhabitants, government, economy and history of Fiji. Included are selected statistics, an overview map and the detailed map of Fiji. But let's start with the flag of Fiji here:
Fiji - Overview:
What you should know about Fiji? Let's start with this: 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 2000 ushered in a prolonged period of political turmoil. Parliamentary elections held in 2001 provided Fiji with a democratically elected government led by Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase. Reelected 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. Following years of political turmoil, long-delayed legislative elections were held in September 2014 that were deemed "credible" by international observers and that resulted in Bainimarama being reelected.
Geography of Fiji
Where on the globe is Fiji? The location of this country is Oceania, island group in the South Pacific Ocean, about two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand. Total area of Fiji is 18,274 sq km, of which 18,274 sq km is land. So this is quite a small country. How could we describe the terrain of the country? This way: mostly mountains of volcanic origin. The lowest point of Fiji is Pacific Ocean 0 m, the highest point Tomanivi 1,324 m. And the climate is tropical marine; only slight seasonal temperature variation.
Inhabitants of Fiji
Let's take a look how many people live in Fiji. The number is: 920,938 (July 2017 est.). So not so many people live here. Who lives here? iTaukei 56.8% (predominantly Melanesian with a Polynesian admixture), Indian 37.5%, Rotuman 1.2%, other 4.5% (European, part European, other Pacific Islanders, Chinese). What are the languages in Fiji? English (official), Fijian (official), Hindustani. And the religions: Protestant 45% (Methodist 34.6%, Assembly of God 5.7%, Seventh Day Adventist 3.9%, and Anglican 0.8%), Hindu 27.9%, other Christian 10.4%, Roman Catholic 9.1%, Muslim 6.3%, Sikh 0.3%, other 0.3%, none 0.8% (2007 est.). How old are the people in average? 28.9 years. We have to add that this number is the median - so one half of the people is older than this, one half is younger. And what is their life expectancy (at birth)? This: 73 years. Where the people live in Fiji? Here: approximately 70% of the population lives on the island of Viti Levu; roughly half of the population lives in urban areas. The major urban areas of Fiji are: SUVA (capital) 176,000 (2014).
Government and Economy of Fiji
The capital of Fiji is Suva (on Viti Levu) and the government type parliamentary republic. Let's take a look at the administrative divisions - 14 provinces and 1 dependency; Ba, Bua, Cakaudrove, Kadavu, Lau, Lomaiviti, Macuata, Nadroga and Navosa, Naitasiri, Namosi, Ra, Rewa, Rotuma, Serua, Tailevu. Regarding the economy of Fiji, important industrial products are tourism, sugar processing, clothing, copra, gold, silver, lumber, small cottage industries. Important agricultural products are sugarcane, coconuts, cassava (manioc, tapioca), rice, sweet potatoes, bananas; cattle, pigs, horses, goats; fish. The most important export commodities are sugar, garments, gold, timber, fish, molasses, coconut oil, mineral wate and the most important export partners are US 21.8%, Australia 18.1%, NZ 8.5%, China 6.2%, Tonga 5.1%, Vanuatu 5.1%, UK 4.5%, Kiribati 4.1% (2016). The most important import commodities are manufactured goods, machinery and transport equipment, petroleum products, food, chemicals and the most important import partners are NZ 17.1%, Australia 17%, Singapore 15.1%, China 15%, Japan 6.7% (2016). How rich is Fiji and how rich are people in this country? The most important number here is GDP per capita (PPP): $9,900 (2017 est.). This is quite a low number. Let's add that this means Gross Domestic Product per person, which is recalculated with respect to the relative cost of local goods and services. And one more important number - population below poverty line: 31% (2009 est.).