Fiji

Government
Republic.

Geography
Fiji consists of 332 islands in the southwest Pacific Ocean about Prime Minister of Australia : Kevin Rudd 1,960 mi (3,152 km) from Sydney, Australia. About 110 of these islands are inhabited.  The two largest are Viti Levu (4,109 sq mi; 10,642 sq km) and Vanua Levu (2,242 sq mi; 5,807 sq km).

Historical 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. 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. In May, 2006 parliamentary elections were held & Lisania Karase was re-elected Prime minister. But in December, 2006 elected government was overthrown by a military coup.

Facts & Figures

Name

Fiji

Capital

Suva

Government

Military junta and Parliamentary Republic

Language

English, Bau Fijian, and Fiji Hindi

National Holiday

Fiji Day,

Race/Ethnicity

28 September 1987

Area

18,274 km2 (155th), 7,056 sq mi

Population

2009 estimate 849,000

Currency

Fijian dollar (FJD)

National Day

National Youth Day