General background: 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 of 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.
Area comparative:
Slightly smaller than New Jersey
Climate:
Tropical marine; only slight seasonal temperature variation
Terrain: Mostly mountains of volcanic origin
Population: 856,346 (July 2002 est.)
Ethnic groups: Fijian 51% (predominantly Melanesian
with a Polynesian admixture), Indian 44%, European,
other Pacific Islanders, overseas Chinese, and other
5% (1998 est.)
Religions: Christian 52% (Methodist 37%, Roman
Catholic 9%), Hindu 38%, Muslim 8%, other 2%
note: Fijians are mainly Christian, Indians are
Hindu, and there is a Muslim minority (1986)
Language: English (official), Fijian, Hindustani
Government type: Republic
Capital: Suva
Legal system: Based on British system
Economic overview: 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.
Sugar processing makes up one-third of industrial activity.
Long-term problems include low investment and uncertain
property rights. The political turmoil in Fiji has had
a severe impact with the economy shrinking by 2.8% in
2000 and growing by only 1% in 2001. The Fiji Visitor's
Bureau expects visitor arrivals to reach pre-coup levels
during 2002. The government's ability to manage its
budget - which is expected to run a net deficit of 6%
in 2002 - will depend upon a return of political stability
and investor confidence.
Communication/Telephone system: Modern local,
inter-island, and international (wire/radio integrated)
public and special-purpose telephone, telegraph, and
teleprinter facilities; regional radio communications
center.
Places of interest: Fiji is beautiful, it has
a pleasant tropical climate, the diving and snorkeling
are superb and it has excellent facilities for tourists,
whether they are on a tight budget or indulging in the
luxuries of a plush resort.
Travel tips: The Australian Department of Foreign
Affairs warns that lawlessness and further civil disturbance
are a possibility in Fiji following an unsuccessful
coup in mid-2000. While it is possible to travel safely
to Fiji, some areas remain under night curfew, and civil
unrest relating to the trials of the coup participants
is possible.
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