Matanitu Tu-Vaka-i-koya ko Viti | |
Motto Rerevaka na Kalou ka Doka na Tui Fear God and honour the Queen | |
Anthem God Bless Fiji | |
Region | Micronesia |
Capital | Suva |
Government | Republic and parliamentary |
President | |
- From 2009 | Epeli Nailatikau |
Paramount Chief | |
- From 1987 | Elizabeth II |
Prime Minister | |
- From 2009 | Frank Bainimarama |
Legislature | Parliament |
- Upper house | Senate |
- Lower house | House of Representatives |
History | |
- September 28, 1987 | Monarchy abolished |
Area | 18,274 km² |
Population | |
- 2009 | 849,000 |
Density | 46.4/km² |
GDP | 2009 (PPP) |
- Total | US$ 3.6 billion |
- Per capita | US$ 4,358 |
Currency | Fijian dollar |
Fiji | |
v |
The Republic of the Fiji Islands is a state in Micronesia. After a military coup in 2006 the country is governed by a military junta. Fiji became a republic 1987, and even if Queen Elizabeth II no longer have a constitutional role she is still hailed as Paramount Chief by the Great Council of Chiefs.
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 (descendants of contract laborers brought to the islands by the British in the 19th century). 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. Parliamentary elections held in August 2001 provided Fiji with a democratically elected government led by Prime Minister Laisenia QARASE. Re-elected in May 2006, QARASE was ousted in a December 2006 military coup led by Commodore Voreqe BAINIMARAMA, who initially appointed himself acting president but in January 2007 became interim prime minister. Since taking power BAINIMARAMA has neutralized his opponents, crippled Fiji's democratic institutions, and refused to hold elections.[1]
Economy
Fiji, endowed with forest, mineral, and fish resources, is one of the most developed of the Pacific island economies though still with a large subsistence sector. Sugar exports, remittances from Fijians working abroad, and a growing tourist industry - with 400,000 to 500,000 tourists annually - are the major sources of foreign exchange. Fiji's sugar has special access to European Union markets but will be harmed by the EU's decision to cut sugar subsidies. Sugar processing makes up one-third of industrial activity but is not efficient. Fiji's tourism industry was damaged by the December 2006 coup and is facing an uncertain recovery time. In 2007 tourist arrivals were down almost 6%, with substantial job losses in the service sector, and GDP dipped. The coup has created a difficult business climate. The EU has suspended all aid until the interim government takes steps toward new elections. Long-term problems include low investment, uncertain land ownership rights, and the government's inability to manage its budget. Overseas remittances from Fijians working in Kuwait and Iraq have decreased significantly. Fiji's current account deficit reached 23% of GDP in 2006.[2]
President
- Epeli Nailatikau (₩) (July 30, 2009 - )
Paramount Chief
- Elizabeth II (₩) (October 6, 1987 - )
Prime Minister
- Frank Bainimarama (₩) (April 11, 2009 - )
Nation
Fijian Polities
- Dominion of Fiji (1970-1987)
Micronesian Polities
- Guam (From 1898)
- Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (From 1978)
Neighbouring Nations
References
- Fiji: Guide to Law Online (Library of Congress)
- The World Factbook (CIA)
- Chiefs of State and Cabinet Members of Foreign Governments (CIA)
- U.S. Department of State
- Australian Government
- Inter-Parliamentary Union - Senate
- Inter-Parliamentary Union - House of Representatives
- BBC News Country Profile
- BBC News Time Line
- World Statesmen.org
- International Constitutional Law Project
- Psephos Election Archive
- Wikipedia