Introduction
Background
Fiji became independent in 1970 after nearly a century as a British colony. 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.
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
947,760 (2023 est.)
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
0.42% (2023 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 Voreqe "Frank" BAINIMARAMA (since 22 September 2014)
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)
$9.578 billion (2021 est.)
$10.094 billion (2020 est.)
$12.162 billion (2019 est.)
Real GDP per capita
$10,400 (2021 est.)
$11,000 (2020 est.)
$13,200 (2019 est.)
Agricultural products
sugar cane, cassava, taro, poultry, vegetables, coconuts, eggs, milk, ginger, sweet potatoes
Industries
tourism, sugar processing, clothing, copra, gold, silver, lumber
Remittances
11.26% of GDP (2021 est.)
7.94% of GDP (2020 est.)
5.39% of GDP (2019 est.)
Exports
$1.171 billion (2021 est.)
$1.23 billion (2020 est.)
$2.636 billion (2019 est.)
Exports - partners
United States 34%, Australia 14%, China 7%, New Zealand 7%, Tonga 4% (2021)
Exports - commodities
water, fuel wood, gold, sugar, refined petroleum, fish (2021)
Imports
$2.344 billion (2021 est.)
$1.977 billion (2020 est.)
$3.206 billion (2019 est.)
Imports - partners
New Zealand 18%, China 16%, Singapore 14%, Australia 13%, United States 9% (2021)
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, aircraft, cars, dentistry devices, broadcasting equipment (2021)
Exchange rates
Fijian dollars (FJD) per US dollar -
Exchange rates:
2.071 (2021 est.)
2.169 (2020 est.)
2.16 (2019 est.)
2.087 (2018 est.)
2.067 (2017 est.)
Page last updated: Wednesday, December 06, 2023
