Fiji, the Republic of Fiji, is an island nation located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, east of Vanuatu, west of Tonga, and south of Tuvalu.
Geography. Fiji is located in Melanesia, approximately 2,800 km east of Australia and 2,000 km north of New Zealand. The country comprises about 300 islands (of which around 100 are inhabited) and 540 islets of volcanic and coral origin, surrounded by coral reefs. The two largest islands are Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. Viti Levu accounts for half of Fiji’s total land area and is home to the capital, Suva, as well as the country’s highest peak, Tomanivi (1,324 m above sea level). Volcanic mountains rising over 1,200 m above sea level feature on the islands, covered by evergreen equatorial forests, deciduous forests, and savannas. The islands have a humid equatorial climate, with tropical cyclones occurring between November and April.
History. The first known inhabitants of Fiji settled there approximately 3,500 years ago, arriving from the vicinity of present-day Vanuatu and New Caledonia. Considered the ancestors of the Polynesians, they were the creators of Lapita pottery. Later, migrations from western Melanesia took place. A Tongan “empire” likely existed around 1250 AD, encompassing parts of Fiji. The first European to reach the islands was Abel Tasman in 1643. Subsequently, in 1774, the islands were explored by James Cook. In 1854, a kingdom was established in the western part of the territory, with its capital at Bau. The islands became a British colony in 1874. Between 1879 and 1917, there was an influx of Indian people to work on plantations. In 1966, Fiji gained internal autonomy within the British Commonwealth. It achieved independence in 1970. On October 10, 1970, pursuant to UN Security Council Resolution 287, Fiji became a member of the United Nations. Fiji has been a republic since 1987 (previously, the British monarch was the head of state). Democratic rule has been interrupted by two military coups. Both were caused by tensions between ethnic Fijians and the Indian population, which constituted the majority. The 1990 constitution guaranteed ethnic Fijians control over the country, leading to the emigration of Indians. This caused economic difficulties but resulted in Melanesians becoming the majority. Amendments adopted in 1997 made the constitution fairer. Free and peaceful elections in 1999 resulted in the formation of a government led by ethnic Indians. A year later, it was ousted in a coup staged by nationalist George Speight. Democracy was restored in late 2000 with the formation of an interim government led by Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase, who remained in office. A military coup took place on December 5, 2006. Following this event, Fiji’s membership in the Commonwealth of Nations was suspended on December 8, 2006. Fiji possesses a highly capable military and is a key partner of the UN, participating in peacekeeping missions across the globe.
Political system. Fiji is a republic originally based on the Westminster model, though this has undergone increasingly significant modifications through successive constitutional changes. The current constitution, promulgated in September 2013, provides for a unicameral parliament with 50 members elected to four-year terms, and a government led by a prime minister that relies on a parliamentary majority. The head of state is the President of Fiji, elected by parliament for a three-year term, though the role is primarily ceremonial.
The Republic’s armed forces (RFMF) are a professional force. The land forces are roughly equivalent in size to a British light infantry brigade, totaling approximately 3,500 troops. The air component consists of two helicopters: an AS-355 Ecureuil and an AS-365 Dauphin 2. The naval forces (comprising about 300 sailors and officers) operate three large *Kula*-class patrol boats and four smaller vessels of the *Levuka* and *Vai* classes. Artillery assets include twelve 81mm mortars and four 25-pounder guns used exclusively for ceremonial purposes. The RFMF headquarters is located in the capital, Suva, where the commander—holding the rank of brigadier general—is also stationed. There is also a Strategic Command and a Land Forces Command (LFC). The LFC is organized into three regular battalions and three territorial defense battalions. Two regular battalions are deployed on overseas missions: the 1st Infantry Battalion (223 personnel) is stationed in Iraq (UNAMI mission), while the 2nd Infantry Battalion (338 personnel) serves with the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) on the Sinai Peninsula, along the Israeli-Egyptian border. The 3rd Battalion (600 personnel) maintains domestic security, supported by the territorial defense battalions (which operate as skeletal, company-sized units during peacetime). Additionally, there are engineering and logistics units.
Society, ethnic groups, and languages. Fiji’s population exceeds 896,000 (as of 2019), consisting primarily of Melanesians and Indians. Indigenous Fijians own 83% of the land, while Indians were brought in by the British in the 19th century to work on plantations. The population is divided almost evenly between indigenous Fijians—people of Melanesian descent (51%)—and Indians (43.7%), the descendants of indentured laborers brought by the British in the 19th century. About 1.2% of the population are inhabitants of Rotuma Island, who are culturally closer to the people of Tonga or Samoa than to the rest of Fiji. There are also small but economically significant groups of Europeans, Chinese, and other minorities. Relations between indigenous Fijians and Indians have often been tense, a factor that has dominated Fijian politics in the past. The constitution recognizes three official languages: English (a legacy of British rule), Fijian (an Austronesian language spoken by ethnic Fijians), and Hindustani (the primary language of the Indian community). Fijian citizens have a constitutional right to communicate with any government agency in any of the official languages. English serves primarily as the medium of communication between the two largest communities and with the outside world; it is also the language of government, business, education, commerce, and the courts. Among the Indian population, Hindi is preferred by Hindus, while Muslims prefer Urdu. Several dialects of Fijian spoken in the western part of the country differ significantly from the official standard. Some Indians use Tamil, Bengali, and other languages. On the island of Rotuma, a local language of Polynesian origin is spoken.
Culture, music, and media. The music is distinctly Polynesian in character, even though Fiji is geographically closer to Melanesia. Traditional music is dominated by vocal church music and dances characterized by rich harmonies and complex rhythms played on drums or other local instruments. Modern Fijians perform folk music using instruments such as the mandolin, guitar, and Hawaiian guitar, alongside various indigenous instruments—most notably *lali* drums, which were historically used to signal across distances. *Lali* drums are an integral part of traditional Fijian culture, serving as a means of communication to announce births, deaths, or the outbreak of war; a smaller version of the drum (*lali ni meke*) is used in musical performances. The most popular daily newspaper in Fiji is *The Fiji Times*—published since 1869—which is more conservative than its rival, the *Daily Post*. Fiji has had a television channel, Fiji One, since 1991, and the Fiji Broadcasting Commission operates several radio stations broadcasting in Fijian, English, and Hindi.
Economy. Fiji is rich in forests and fish resources. It has one of the most developed economies in the Pacific. The main sources of income are tourism (a key source of foreign currency) and agriculture. Key agricultural activities include the cultivation of sugarcane and sugar production (accounting for one-third of income), as well as the growing of tobacco, coconuts, and various local edible root crops. Gold, silver, and copper are mined, and fishing is also a significant activity.
Key regions (islands). Fiji’s total land area is 18,272 km². The archipelago is dominated by two main islands, which account for 87% of the entire territory.
Viti Levu – the largest island (10,388 km²), home to approximately three-quarters of the country’s population. It houses the official capital, Suva, as well as the city of Nadi—the main air gateway for tourists from around the world. Its mountainous interior features the country’s highest peak, Tomanivi (1,323 m above sea level).
Vanua Levu – the second-largest island; it is much quieter and covered with dense forests and plantations.
The Mamanuca and Yasawa archipelagos – smaller island groups scattered to the west of Viti Levu, renowned for their stunning beaches, luxury resorts, and excellent snorkeling conditions.
Practical information for travelers. Climate: Tropical and hot year-round, with an average temperature of around 27°C. The best time to visit is during the dry season (May to October), when humidity is lower and the risk of cyclones is negligible. Economy and currency: The official currency is the Fijian dollar (FJD). The economy is based on tourism, agriculture (primarily sugarcane cultivation), and the export of gold and the famous Fiji Water mineral water. Attractions: Beyond its paradise beaches and opportunities for luxury relaxation, Fiji attracts diving enthusiasts. Visitors can explore the “Soft Coral Capital of the World” or swim with manta rays and sharks. History buffs can visit Levuka on Ovalau Island—a former colonial capital listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
