Introduction
Background
Fiji became independent in 1970 after nearly a century as a British colony. Coups and a 1990 constitution that cemented native iTaukei control of Fiji led to heavy Indian emigration. The population loss resulted in economic difficulties but ensured that ethnic iTaukei became the majority. A new constitution enacted in 1997 was more equitable.
Geography
Area
total : 18,274 sq km
land: 18,274 sq km
water: 0 sq km
Climate
tropical marine; only slight seasonal temperature variation
Natural resources
timber, fish, gold, copper, offshore oil potential, hydropower
People and Society
Population
total: 951,611
Ethnic groups
iTaukei 56.8% (predominantly Melanesian with a Polynesian admixture), Indo-Fijian 37.5%, Rotuman 1.2%, other 4.5% (European, part European, other Pacific Islanders, Chinese) (2007 est.)
Languages
English (official), iTaukei (official), Fiji Hindi (official)
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.)
Population growth rate
0.4% (2024 est.)
Government
Government type
parliamentary republic
Capital
name: Suva (on Viti Levu)
Executive branch
chief of state: President Ratu Wiliame KATONIVERE (since 12 November 2021)
head of government: Prime Minister Sitiveni Ligamamada RABUKA (since 24 December 2022)
Legislative branch
description: unicameral Parliament (55 seats; members directly elected in a nationwide, multi-seat constituency by open-list proportional representation vote with a 5% electoral threshold; members serve 4-year terms)
Economy
Economic overview
upper-middle income, tourism-based Pacific island economy; susceptible to ocean rises; key energy and infrastructure investments; post-pandemic tourism resurgence; improved debt standing; limited workforce
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$12.699 billion (2023 est.)
$11.756 billion (2022 est.)
$9.795 billion (2021 est.)
Real GDP per capita
$13,600 (2023 est.)
$12,600 (2022 est.)
$10,600 (2021 est.)
Agricultural products
sugarcane, cassava, taro, chicken, vegetables, coconuts, ginger, rice, milk, sweet potatoes (2022)
Industries
tourism, sugar processing, clothing, copra, gold, silver, lumber
Exports
$2.376 billion (2022 est.)
$1.171 billion (2021 est.)
$1.23 billion (2020 est.)
Exports - partners
US 39%, Australia 11%, Tonga 5%, NZ 5%, China 4% (2022)
Exports - commodities
water, fish, refined petroleum, wood, garments (2022)
Imports
$3.434 billion (2022 est.)
$2.344 billion (2021 est.)
$1.977 billion (2020 est.)
Imports - partners
Singapore 23%, China 16%, Australia 13%, NZ 11%, South Korea 8% (2022)
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, plastic products, plastics, wheat, garments (2022)
Exchange rates
Fijian dollars (FJD) per US dollar -
Page last updated: Wednesday, July 24, 2024
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