Anthropology Terms Abroad

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Facts About Fiji

Area: 7,056 sq. mi.
Topography: 322 islands (106 inhabited), many mountainous, with tropical forests and large fertile areas. Viti Levu, the largest island, has over half the total land area.
Population: 772,891
Pop. density: 110 per sq. mi. Urban: 39%.
Ethnic groups: Fijian (Melanesian-Polynesian) 49%, Indian 46%, Europeans 5%
Capital: Suva (1986 est.): 70,000
Religions: Christian 52%, Hindu 38%, Muslim 8%
GDP Per Capita: $US4.000

© 1995, World Almanac and Book of Facts

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About Fiji

Fiji is an independent nation in the South Pacific Ocean, about 2,100 km (1,300 mi) north of New Zealand. It is an archipelago of more than 800 islands spread over about 1,600,000 sq km (1,000,000 sq mi). A British colony for nearly a century, Fiji became independent in 1970.

LAND AND PEOPLE

Only about 105 of Fiji's islands are inhabited. The larger islands are volcanic and mountainous except in the river valleys; the smaller islands are mostly coral. The largest island, Viti Levu, where almost 80% of the population lives, covers 10,386 sq km (4,010 sq mi); SUVA, the capital and largest city, is located on its southeast coast. The climate is tropical, with an annual mean temperature of 27 deg C (80 deg F); rainfall varies from 1,780 mm (70 in) in the west to over 2,540 mm (100 in) in the east. Vegetation varies according to rainfall, with dense forests in the mountains, tropical savanna grasslands in the west, and dense vegetation in the east. Mount Tomaniivi (1,323 m/4,341 ft), on Viti Levu, is Fiji's highest point. Mangrove trees dominate coastal areas.

Native Fijians, who were a minority in their own country at independence, are mainly of Melanesian stock. The former Indian majority (only 46% of the population by 1991) is descended from field workers brought by the British. Although the Indians are forbidden land ownership, they operate most of the sugar plantations. Although English is the official language, Fijians speak their own language and are primarily Christian (85% Methodist). The Indian population, which is 70% Hindu and 25% Muslim, speak a dialect of Hindi. There are also small Chinese and white minorities. Fiji experiences tensions as a result of its diverse ethnic composition. Primary education is neither free nor compulsory, but the literacy rate is high. The University of the South Pacific (1968) is at Suva.

ECONOMIC ACTIVITY

Fiji's economy is primarily agricultural. Sugarcane, produced for export, comprises about 80% of total agricultural output. Coconuts and ginger are also raised for export; cassava, sweet potatoes, and rice are grown for domestic consumption. In 1990, 279,000 visitors came to Fiji, although sugar production and tourism were adversely affected by two coups in 1987. Gold is the leading mineral product. The underdeveloped industrial sector produces some consumer goods, garments, and food products. Fiji is trying to diversify exports and increase manufacturing. Exploration for offshore oil is being conducted, and pine forests (for timber) are being planted. The fishing industry has grown rapidly.

HISTORY AND GOVERNMENT

Fiji was probably settled by about 500 BC. The first European discovery was by the Dutch navigator Abel Janszoon TASMAN, in 1643. During the first half of the 19th century, shipwrecked sailors and missionaries settled in Fiji. Their influence led first to conflicts and then warfare between Fiji's indigenous tribes. Finally, in 1874, Paramount Chief Cakobau invited Great Britain to assume sovereignty of the islands. Under British rule, sugarcane plantations were established.

Fiji gained independence on Oct. 10, 1970. In May 1987, after the ruling Fijian-dominated National Alliance party was defeated by an Indian-backed coalition, tensions between Fijians and Indians contributed to a military coup led by Lt. Col. (later Col.) Sitiveni Rabuka. Fiji's Supreme Court declared the coup illegal, and the governor-general assumed executive power. His plans to establish a caretaker government including all major groups prompted another coup by Rabuka. On Oct. 6, 1987, Rabuka declared Fiji a republic; he turned power over to a civilian government on December 5. In 1990 a new constitution guaranteeing Fijians a permanent legislative majority was approved. Elections for the lower house of a new parliament were held in 1992, and Rabuka was named premier. He won a second term following elections held in February 1994.

Michael McIntyre ©1994, Grolier Electronic Publishing

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Fiji Data from
World Almanac and Book of Facts

Republic of Fiji

People:

• Population: 772,891.
• Age distrib. (%): <15: 38; 65+: 3.
• Pop. density: 110 per sq. mi.
• Urban: 39%.
• Ethnic groups: Fijian (Melanesian-Polynesian) 49%, Indian 46%, Europeans.
• Principal languages: English (official), Fijian, Hindustani.
• Religions: Christian 52%, Hindu 38%, Muslim 8%.

Geography:

• Area: 7,056 sq. mi.
• Location: In western South Pacific O.
• Neighbors: Nearest are Solomons on NW, Tonga on E.
• Topography: 322 islands (106 inhabited), many mountainous, with tropical forests and large fertile areas. Viti Levu, the largest island, has over half the total land area.
• Capital: Suva (1986 est.): 70,000.

Government:

• Type: Republic.
• Head of state: Pres. Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara; b May 13, 1920; in office: Jan. 18, 1994.
• Head of government: Prime Min. Sitiveni Rabuka; b 1948; in office: June 2, 1992.
• Local divisions: 4 divisions, 1 dependency.
• Defense: 2% of GDP (FY 1991-92). Active troop strength: 3,900.

Economy:

• Industries: Sugar refining, light industry, tourism.
• Chief crops: Sugar, bananas, ginger.
• Minerals: Gold.
• Other resources: Timber.
• Arable land: 8%.
• Electricity prod. (1992): 420 mln. kWh.
• Labor force: 67% subsistence agric.

Finance:

• Monetary unit: Dollar (May 1995: 1.38 = $1.00 US).
• Gross domestic product (1993): $3 bln.* Per capita GDP: $4,000.
• Imports (1992): $517 mln.; partners: Australia 30%, Japan 13%, N.Z. 17%.
• Exports (1992): $417 mln.; partners: EU 26%, Australia 15%.
• Tourism (1992): $223 mln.
• National budget (1993 est.): $546 mln. International reserves less gold (Apr. 1995): $251 mln. Gold: 1,000 oz t.
• Consumer prices (change in 1994): 0.6%.

Transport:

• Motor vehicles: in use: 44,000 passenger cars, 31,000 comm. vehicles.
• Civil aviation: 147 mln. passenger-mi.; 13 airports with scheduled flights.
• Chief ports: Suva, Lautoka.

Communications:

• Television sets: 1 per 73 persons.
• Radios: 1 per 1.7 persons.
• Telephones: 1 per 9.6 persons.
• Daily newspaper circ.: 36 per 1,000 pop.

Health:

• Life expectancy at birth (1995): 63 male; 68 female.
• Births (per 1,000 pop.): 24.
• Deaths (per 1,000 pop.): 6.
• Natural increase: 1.7%. Hospital beds: 1 per 413 persons.
• Physicians: 1 per 2,438 persons.
• Infant mortality (per 1,000 live births 1995): 18.

Education:

• Literacy (1991): 87%. 95% attend school.
• Major International Organizations: UN (IMF, WHO).
• Embassy: 2233 Wisconsin Ave. NW 20007; 337-8320.

A British colony since 1874, Fiji became an independent parliamentary democracy Oct. 10, 1970.

Cultural differences between the majority Indian community, descendants of contract laborers brought to the islands in the 19th century, and the less modernized native Fijians, who by law own 83% of the land in communal villages, have led to political polarization.

In 1987, a military coup ousted the government; order was restored May 21 under a compromise granting Lt. Col. Sitveni Rabuka, the coup s leader, increased power. Rabuka staged a second coup Sept. 25 and declared Fiji a republic. Civilian government was restored in Dec. A new constitution favoring indigenous Fijians was issued July 25, 1990.

© 1995 World Almanac and Book of Facts