About Fiji
Fiji is a group of pacific islands located in Oceania approximately two thirds of the way to New Zealand from Hawaii. Pottery excavated throughout the Fiji islands suggests the first arrival of human settlement is dated back to 3500-1000 B.C, much earlier than previously thought. During the years of exploration by western powers many explorers visited Fiji before it was formally colonized by Britain around 1870. After its colonization, to protect local customs and traditions, land was bought by British companies and Indians, not local indigenous Fijians, worked the land. The main crop grown in Fiji was sugar cane and rubber plantations. Fiji became independent in 1970 after nearly a century of British rule. Democratic rule was interrupted by two military coups during 1987. These coups were caused through fear from the indigenous Fijians that the Indians, who resided after the departure of the British, had too much say in local governance. These coups and a 1990 constitution amendment saw that indigenous Fijians would always have control over Fiji′s political arena. This resulted in population loss and economic difficulty as heavy Indian emigration was a result of this amendment. The constitution was later re-amended in 1997 to make it more equitable between Fijians and Indo-Fijians (Indian Fijians) and peaceful elections took place in 1999. However in 2000 a civilian lead coup disrupted democracy again until August 2001, when democratic elections were held again. However, again, in December 2006 the government was once again over thrown by a military coup led by Commodore Frank Bainimarama, the current prime minster of Fiji.
Whenever you travel to a new country it can be daunting and because of this it is often important to have some background information on your destination. Because of this we have provided a general outline of Fiji below. Please be advised that information contained in this page is subject to change without prior warning or knowledge, and as such you should consult an expert for the most accurate details.
Official Name: Republic of the Fiji Islands
Capital: Suva
Location : Fiji is located in the South Pacific Ocean and is approximately two thirds of the way to New Zealand from Hawaii
Size: Fiji is 18,270 sq km′s; this is slightly bigger than the Middle Eastern nation of Kuwait.
Climate: Fiji is predominately tropical throughout the year with only minor temperate variation.
Population: Fiji has a population of approximately 944,720.
Life expectancy at birth: The average Fijian can expect to live up to 70.73 years of age.
Major illnesses: There are no permanent major illnesses that remain a permanent threat throughout Fiji; however it is not uncommon for outbreaks of Typhoid and Dengue Fever to occur.
Ethnicities: Fijian (Melanesian with a Polynesian admixture) 57.3%, Indian 37.6 %, Rotuman 1.4%, others (Europeans, other Pacific Islanders, Chinese and Japanese) 3.7%.
Languages: Fijian (official), English (official) and Hindustani.
Religion: Christian 53% ( Methodist 34.5%, Roman Catholic 7.2%, Assembly of God 3.8%, Seven Day Adventists 2.6%, other 4.9%), Hindu 34%, Muslim 7% ( Sunni 4.2%, other 2.8%), other 5.6%, none 0.3%.
Government: Fiji is a republic.
Head of State: The current president of Fiji is Ratu Josefa Iloilovatu Uluivuda (Josefa Iloilo).
Economy: Fiji, blessed with forest, mineral and fish resources, is the most developed of the Pacific Island economies, though still heavily relies on agricultural, remittances, and tourism sector of the economy. Fiji′s largest export is sugar, which is mainly shipped to the European Union markets. Fiji′s sugar processing industry makes up to one third of the industrial activity, this section of the economy however is not efficient. Fiji′s tourist sector of the economy is constantly being interrupted by coups that disturb the peace. The most recent coup led by Frank Bainimarama led to significant contractions in the economy, up to 3.7% in 2007. Long term problems faced by Fiji include low foreign investment, uncertain land ownership and the government′s inability to employ correct fiscal policies to control the economy and control its budget. It was noted late last year that remittances form Fijians working overseas, particularly in Iraq and Kuwait were down significantly.
GDP: The Fijian GDP has the purchasing parity of approximately 3.616 billion USD.
For more information about Fiji, the international health insurance plans that we can offer there, or to receive a free quote, please contact one of our expert advisers today.