The International Date Line crosses
the Fiji islands. This imaginary line marks the change from
one day to the next. The Date Line swings around to the east
of the islands, so that the whole country can be in the same
time zone.
Government Information
Chief
of State: President Ratu Josefa ILOILOVATU Uluivuda
(since 18 July 2000) Head of Government: Prime Minister
Laisenia QARASE (since 10 September 2000) Government Type: republic
note: military coup leader Maj. Gen. Sitiveni RABUKA formally
declared Fiji a republic on 6 October 1987
Population Demographics
Population:
905,949 (July 2006 est.) Languages: English (official),
Fijian, Hindustani Religion: 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 Life Expectancy: 69.82
Economic Information
Currency:
Fijian dollar (FJD) GDP(per capita): $6,000 (2005
est.) 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, remittances
from Fijians working abroad, and a growing tourist industry
- with 300,000 to 400,000 tourists annually - are the
major sources of foreign exchange. Fiji's sugar has
special access to European Union markets, but will be
harmed by the EU's decision to cut sugar subsidies.
Sugar processing makes up one-third of industrial activity
but is not efficient. Long-term problems include low
investment, uncertain land ownership rights, and the
government's ability to manage its budget. Yet, because
of a tourist boom, short-run economic prospects are
good, provided tensions do not again erupt between indigenous
Fijians and Indo-Fijians. Overseas remittances from
Fijians working in Kuwait and Iraq have increased significantly.
Exports: sugar, garments, gold,
timber, fish, molasses, coconut oil Import: manufactured goods,
machinery and transport equipment, petroleum products,
food, chemicals
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Geography
Information
Location:
Oceania, island group in the South Pacific Ocean, about
two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand Area: total: 18,270 sq km
land: 18,270 sq km
water: 0 sq km
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). 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.
Independence Day: 10 October
1970 (from UK)
Capital City: Suva (Viti Levu) Administrative divisions: 4
divisions and 1 dependency*; Central, Eastern, Northern,
Rotuma*, Western
