Fiji is an island country in the South Pacific Ocean, consisting of an archipelago of about 300 islands (just over 100 inhabited). It lies roughly midway between New Zealand and Hawaii. Fiji covers roughly 18,300 square kilometers, making it comparable in size to New Jersey. Its capital and largest city is Suva, on the island of Viti Levu. Fiji’s population is under one million. The country is officially the Republic of Fiji (in Fijian: Matanitu o Viti), and it has a tropical maritime climate, a multi-ethnic society, and a mixed economy. Fiji is often noted for its scenic beauty (coral reefs, beaches and rainforests) and a rich cultural mix of indigenous Fijian and Indo-Fijian traditions.

Geography and Climate

Fiji
Type	Sovereign country
Key terms	Melanesia; archipelago; Suva
Examples	Viti Levu; Vanua Levu; Taveuni
Domain	Geography
Wikidata	Q712

Fiji’s archipelago lies in the tropics, about 2,000 km (1,300 mi) north of Auckland, New Zealand. The two main islands, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, account for most of the land area (over 85%). Hundreds of smaller islands and islets ring these main islands. The terrain is mostly volcanic and mountainous: inland areas are rugged (highest peak Mt. Tomanivi at 1,324 m), while coastal regions have fertile plains and mangrove wetlands. Much of Fiji’s vegetation is tropical rain forest, although humans have also planted large mahogany and pine plantations (especially on Viti Levu). About two-thirds of the land remains forested, some of it protected as national parks and reserves. Fiji’s volcanoes are mostly dormant; the last eruption was the late 18th century.

Because Fiji lies just south of the Equator and is surrounded by warm ocean, its climate is warm and humid year-round. Average temperatures at sea level are roughly 22–30°C (71–86°F) throughout the year. Rainfall is plentiful (often 2,000–3,000 mm per year in highland areas) and falls in all seasons, with a wet season from around November through April. South-east trade winds keep much of the population cooler and drier than the north- and west-facing slopes. Tropical cyclones are common from late spring through autumn (especially December–March); these powerful storms can cause heavy rains, flooding and damage. For example, Cyclone Winston in 2016 caused extensive destruction on Viti Levu and nearby islands. Because of its climate and location, Fiji is very concerned with sea-level rise and extreme weather linked to global warming.

History

Early settlement. Fiji has been inhabited for well over a thousand years. The first settlers arrived around 1,000–500 BCE from Island Southeast Asia (Austronesian seafarers, ancestors of Polynesians). Over the centuries more people came via Melanesia (the nearby regions such as New Guinea and the Solomon Islands). Fijian tradition and archaeology show these waves produced the indigenous Fijian people (called iTaukei). By about 1000 CE, Fiji’s population was organized into village and tribal communities with elaborate chiefdoms. Fiji’s culture was influenced by neighboring islands: at times parts of Fiji fell under Tongan authority (roughly 10th–13th century), and Tonga also introduced a Polynesian element. The Lau Islands in eastern Fiji, for example, have long ties to Tonga. Traditional life was based on subsistence farming (root crops, coconuts) and fishing. Wood carving, mat-weaving and oral traditions like dance (meke) and ritual were well developed.

European contact and cession to Britain. The first European to sight Fiji was likely Dutch explorer Abel Tasman in 1643. More thorough contact began in the early 19th century: whalers, traders and Christian missionaries arrived (especially Methodists from Britain in the 1830s). Europeans brought new goods (tools, cloth) but also diseases and weapons, which altered Fijian society. In the mid-1800s internal wars among Fijian chiefs intensified. By 1865, a powerful chief named Seru Epenisa Cakobau (the Vunivalu of Bau) had forged a loose confederation of Fijian kingdoms. He proclaimed himself “King of Fiji” but struggled with debt and threats of foreign takeover. In 1874 Cakobau ceded Fiji to Britain; Fiji became a British colony on 10 October 1874. The written Deed of Cession guaranteed to preserve Fijians’ land rights and chiefly system under colonial rule.

Colonial era (1874–1970). The British set up a colonial government in Suva and introduced plantations and a cash economy. They began growing sugarcane (a tropical grass for sugar) and needed labor. From 1879 to 1916 about 60,000 indentured workers were recruited from India. These Indian indentured workers and their descendants (the Indo-Fijians) became a significant community in Fiji. The British also made Christian missions a central part of colonial policy: almost all indigenous Fijians adopted Christianity (mainly Methodist) by the early 20th century. Economically, Fiji grew as a sugar exporter, and copra (dried coconut) and cotton were also important. An unusual element of Fijian society was that even under colonial rule, local chiefs retained a formal role (through the Great Council of Chiefs, an advisory body to the Governor). Europeans and other foreigners remained a small minority.

Independence and modern political history. Fiji gained independence from Britain on 10 October 1970. Initially it was a Commonwealth realm (with Queen Elizabeth II as Queen of Fiji, represented by a Governor-General). The first post-independence constitution gave special safeguards to indigenous Fijians and set up an ethnically balanced legislature. For a few years Fiji had multiethnic governments. However, ethnic tensions soon emerged between indigenous Fijians (who hold traditional tribal lands) and Indo-Fijians (concentrated in sugarcane farms). In 1987 two military coups ousted an Indo-Fijian–led government; Fiji then amended its constitution to become a republic and abolished the monarchy. Further coups followed in 2000 and 2006, each with ethnic-political undercurrents.

In 1997 Fiji adopted a new, more democratic constitution, and an Indo-Fijian, Mahendra Chaudhry, became Prime Minister in 1999. But after the 2000 coup there was a return to Fijian-dominated rule. In 2006, Commodore Frank Bainimarama (head of the military) led another coup, citing corruption and ethnic divisions. He eventually became Prime Minister, overseeing a new constitution (2013) that prohibited race-based politics and established one unified electorate (instead of ethnic voting rolls). Democratic elections then resumed in 2014, 2018 and 2022 under Bainimarama’s FijiFirst party. In the 2022 elections, Sitiveni Rabuka (the former coup leader of 1987, leading a new alliance) defeated FijiFirst and became Prime Minister for the second time in mid-2023. Thus by 2025 Fiji has largely returned to an elected multi-party democracy, while still navigating complex ethnic and social legacies.

Demographics and Society

Fiji’s population is under one million (rough estimates around 0.9–1.0 million in the mid-2020s). About 60% of Fijians live in urban areas, the largest concentration on Viti Levu (the main island). Suva–Nausori (the capital area) is the largest urban cluster, with roughly 300,000 people; other sizable towns are Lautoka and Ba (in the west, both linked to sugar production), Nadi (tourist hub and site of the international airport), and Labasa (on Vanua Levu). The rural population lives in coastal and interior villages across the islands.

Fiji is a multi-ethnic society. According to recent estimates, about 57% of the population are indigenous Fijians (iTaukei, who speak Austronesian Fijian languages and follow traditional clan customs). About 37–38% are Fijians of Indian descent (Indo-Fijians), whose ancestors came mainly from northern and southern India as sugarcane laborers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The remaining 5–6% includes minority groups such as Rotumans (from the island of Rotuma to the north), Europeans, Chinese, and other Pacific islanders. In the decades after independence, many Indo-Fijians emigrated (some returning to India or moving to Australia, New Zealand and the U.S.) due to political unrest, so their share of the population has declined since the 1980s.

Fiji is religiously diverse. About 50% of the people are Protestant Christians (most of these are Methodists, reflecting the church’s early role). Another 10% are Roman Catholics or other Christian denominations. Nearly 28% are Hindus (mainly among Indo-Fijians), and about 6% are Muslims, with small percentages of Sikhs and Baha’is. Christian and Hindu festivals are both national holidays: for example, Diwali (Hindu festival of lights) and Christmas Day are widely celebrated. In everyday life, many Fijians greet each other with the word “Bula!” (a Fijian greeting meaning “life” or “hello”). Customary social rituals like the kava ceremony (drinking a pepper-root beverage in a communal bowl) remain important in many villages.

The official languages of Fiji (as of the 2013 constitution) are English, Fijian (sometimes called iTaukei or Fiji-Hindi for the dialect spoken by natives), and Fiji Hindi (a distinct form of Hindi spoken by Indo-Fijians). English is widely used in government, education and business. Fijian (with several dialects united under Standard Fijian) is taught in schools and used in local media. Fiji Hindi has become a common lingua franca as well among many communities. Literacy is high (over 90%), and Fiji has educational institutions including the University of the South Pacific (based in Suva, serving Pacific students) and Fiji National University.

Socially, Fijian society is known for its communal village life (especially among indigenous Fijians) and extended family ties. Traditional chiefs and elders still carry influence at the local level. Indo-Fijian communities often center around farming villages or urban neighborhoods of laborers’ descendants. Despite past ethnic tensions, many communities today share workplaces and schools, and there is a growing mixed community. Fiji’s culture also reflects British colonial history: many Fijians drive on the left, and legal systems have commonalty with other Commonwealth countries.

Government and Politics

Fiji is a unitary parliamentary republic. This means it has a President (head of state) and Prime Minister (head of government), with an elected Parliament making national laws. The President of Fiji is chosen by Parliament (every five years) and largely has a ceremonial role. The real executive power lies with the Prime Minister and Cabinet. As of 2024–2025, the President is Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu (a former regional chief and speaker of Parliament), and the Prime Minister is Sitiveni Rabuka (leader of the People’s Alliance party). Rabuka’s government took office after the 2022 elections, ending nearly 16 years of rule by Frank Bainimarama’s party.

Fiji’s constitution (latest version from 2013) establishes a unicameral Parliament of 50 or so seats (all members are elected by nationwide popular vote, without ethnic quotas). Elections use a party-list proportional system: citizens vote for a party, and parties get seats proportional to their share of the vote. The voting age is 18. Major parties include the People’s Alliance (PAP, Rabuka’s party), FijiFirst (Bainimarama’s party, which still retains a significant role as opposition), the National Federation Party (NFP, traditionally supported by many Indo-Fijians), and the Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA, representing indigenous Fijian interests). Historically there were separate communal voting rolls for Fijians and Indo-Fijians (until 2013), but now all citizens vote together.

Fiji is divided administratively into four major divisions (Central, Western, Northern, Eastern), each subdivided into provinces (14 in total). Local government below the provincial level includes city and town councils and traditional village councils (so called Ni sa bula councils) in rural areas. The traditional chiefly system still exists informally; the Great Council of Chiefs (a formal body of hereditary chiefs) was a feature of the past government but was suspended in 2012. Even so, many Fijians honor the chiefly titles and protocols in ceremonies and land matters.

On the international stage, Fiji is a member of the United Nations, the Commonwealth of Nations, the Pacific Islands Forum, the World Trade Organization, and APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation). Fiji was suspended from the Commonwealth in 2009 after a coup but was reinstated in 2014 following democratic elections. Fiji often plays an active role in Pacific regional affairs. For example, in 2017–2018 Fiji’s Prime Minister Bainimarama served as President (chair) of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP23) under the slogan “Talanoa Dialogue”, reflecting Fiji’s interest in climate issues.

Economy

Fiji has one of the largest and most diversified economies in the Pacific island region. Its GDP by purchasing-power-parity is on the order of USD 12–13 billion (in the mid-2020s), with per-capita GDP around 13,000 (nominally about 5,000–6,000 per person). The World Bank classifies Fiji as upper-middle-income. The economy is fairly open and service-oriented. Tourism is a key sector: before the COVID-19 pandemic, international tourism brought a large share of foreign currency and about one-quarter to one-third of GDP. Visitors come for Fiji’s resorts, beaches and cultural attractions, especially from Australia, New Zealand, the USA and Asia. Although tourism was hit by travel restrictions, it has rebounded strongly in the past few years.

Other important economic activities include agriculture (especially sugarcane, coconut and ginger) and manufacturing (mainly garment and food processing). The sugar industry is traditional but has become less dominant; Fiji also cultivates root crops (cassava, taro, etc.) and exports bottled water. Fisheries (tuna, reef fish, and farmed prawns) contribute notably. Fiji has some mineral resources: a gold mine (Vatukoula) and a few small deposits of copper and silver. It also produces timber (mainly pine and mahogany plantations). Overall, the economy’s largest component is services (banking, retail, transport, government) – over half of GDP – followed by industry (~14%) and agriculture (~12%).

Trade is important but Fiji runs a trade deficit. The country imports roughly 2–3 times what it exports (value of goods). Main imports include petroleum products, machinery, vehicles and foodstuffs. Exports are led by water (bottled Fiji Water), fish products, sugar (refined and raw), coconut oil/coproducts, and garments. Major trading partners are the United States, Australia, New Zealand and nearby Pacific nations. Remittances from Fijians working abroad (in Australia, New Zealand and the U.S., or under Pacific labor schemes in Australia/New Zealand) account for around 9–10% of GDP – a significant aid to the economy.

The national currency is the Fijian dollar (FJD). Fiji’s public finances and debt have been a concern at times (especially after major cyclones), but insofar as possible the government has managed budget deficits. Infrastructure investments (roads, ports, airports, and renewable energy projects) have been a focus in recent years. Fiji aims to improve its resilience to climate change – for example, by building better sea walls and investing in hydropower to reduce fuel imports. Key economic challenges include vulnerability to external shocks (like cyclones or global downturns), high import dependence, and limited local skill supply. Unemployment hovers in the low double digits, and many young Fijians emigrate for jobs abroad.

Culture

Fijian culture is rich and diverse, reflecting its indigenous heritage and Indo-Fijian and colonial influences. The indigenous Fijian (iTaukei) culture remains visible in village life, traditional ceremonies and arts. One distinctive tradition is the communal kava ceremony: powdered roots of the kava plant (called yaqona in Fijian) are mixed with water in a wooden bowl and shared among participants. This ritual (called sevusevu when done to welcome visitors) is a solemn rite of hospitality and respect. Me`ke dances are another hallmark, combining song, dance and chanting to tell creation stories or celebrate events; visitors to Fiji often enjoy these performances at resorts or cultural villages. Artisans carve wooden bowls, masks and war clubs; women weave fine pandanus mats and tapa cloth from tree bark for traditional dress.

Traditional attire for men and women includes the “sulu” (a polynesian-style wrap skirt or sarong). In formal settings men often wear a suva with a shirt and tie (this style dates to colonial times), and women may wear embellished sulu or dress. Fiji’s motto “Bulou ni vanua” (roughly “Blessing of the land”) underscores how many Fijians feel a spiritual connection to their land and chiefs. Chiefs and family elders still hold informal authority, and ceremonies to honor chiefs or mark rites of passage (births, marriages) follow customary protocols.

Indo-Fijian culture is evident in Fiji’s cuisine, festivals, music and language variety. Many Fijians (of all backgrounds) enjoy Indian dishes like roti (flatbread), curry, and farata; roadside eateries selling hot samosas or dahl (lentil soup) are common. The Hindu festival of Diwali (festival of lights) and Holi (festival of colors) are celebrated across communities. There is also a Muslim minority from the early indenture period: they maintain mosques (like the tall Fujian mosque in Lautoka) and celebrate Eid. Fiji Hindi (a vernacular form of Hindustani) is spoken by Indo-Fijians and has its own literature and media.

English is widely spoken and used in media, education and government, a legacy of colonial rule. Local radio and newspapers may publish in English, Fijian, and Fiji Hindi. Fijian pop culture includes both Western-influenced content and local creations: Fijian artists record gospel, pop and traditional music (popular instruments include guitars and drums), and Fijian cinema and television are small but growing industries.

Sports are central to Fijian life. Rugby union (especially the fast “rugby sevens” variant) is the national sport and a unifying passion. Fiji has a famous rugby sevens team that won gold medals in the 2016 and 2020 (Tokyo) Olympics, and rugby stars are national heroes. Other popular sports include soccer, netball (especially among women), and cricket. During major Pacific Games or Commonwealth Games, Fiji punches above its weight in medals.

Cultural intersections also appear in everyday greetings and etiquette. People commonly greet one another with “Bula” (hello/life) and share round-robin stories. Respect for elders and community is important: children often serve food to parents first, and men and women sit separately at traditional functions although this is less strict in urban settings. Fijians are often described by visitors as warm and friendly – perhaps fittingly, the word “Fiji” was derived from the Fijian word for one of the large islands (Viti), which is related to the idea of being the foremost or significant.

Environment and Biodiversity

Fiji’s environment is unusually rich for its size, with high levels of endemism (species found nowhere else). Roughly half of all plant and animal species in Fiji are unique to the islands. For example, Fiji has about 1,200 species of plants, of which some 70% grow only in Fiji. There are two native frogs (both endemic, including the Fijian ground frog), 76 species of flowering shrubs in the genus Psychotria (two species of which are Fijian), and dozens of bird species found only in Fiji (including the island’s distinctive parrots and pigeons). Reptiles and amphibians are not abundant (since Fiji was never connected to other landmasses) but include 27 reptile species (12 endemic) like the Fiji snake-eyed skink and various geckos. Fiji’s forests cover many of the islands: over 50% of the land is forested. Much of this forest is communally owned by indigenous clans. Old-growth lowland rain forest contains tropical hardwoods, while higher hills have cloud forests. Many forests have been cleared for farming or reforested with mahogany or pine plantations in the 20th century; logging and land-clearing have contributed to soil erosion.

Fiji is surrounded by rich marine ecosystems. Its coral reefs, mangrove swamps and sea grass beds are home to over 1,000 species of corals and nearly 1,200 species of reef fish. Fiji is famous for the Great Sea Reef (Cakaulevu Ring), the world’s third-longest continuous barrier reef, stretching along Vanua Levu’s coast. These reefs harbor green sea turtles, hawksbill turtles and other marine creatures. About 75% of Fiji’s population lives near coastlines, and many small communities rely on reef fisheries for food and livelihood. Fiji has also designated numerous marine protected areas (including over 100 community-managed “Locally Managed Marine Areas”). Mangrove forests (around 500 km²) line much of the coast, acting as nurseries for fish and buffers against storm surges.

However, Fiji’s natural environment faces serious threats. Climate change is the most urgent: rising sea levels and stronger cyclones bring coastal erosion and saltwater intrusion to villages. In fact, flooding and habitat loss from saltwater have already forced relocation of some communities. Warmer oceans cause coral bleaching; Fiji’s reefs have suffered bleaching events in recent decades. Deforestation for agriculture (often by slash-and-burn “bushmaisi” methods) leads to loss of native habitats and increased flood risk. Invasive species (such as feral pigs, rats, or invasive weeds) also threaten native plants and birds. Air and water pollution is locally a problem around cities: waste burning and vehicle emissions pollute the air, and improperly treated sewage can harm reefs and rivers.

The Fijian government and civil society are active in conservation. Large tracts of forest are designated as conservation zones, and national parks protect unique ecosystems (for example, the Bouma rainforest reserve on Taveuni Island has some of the country’s best-preserved rainforest). Fiji is a party to international environmental agreements (e.g. the Paris climate accord, UNESCO biosphere treaties). Notably, Fiji was the first country to declare a national climate emergency (in 2019). Local village committees, NGOs and international partners work on projects such as coral reef restoration, replanting mangroves, and protected area management. Because tourism relies on clear reefs and forests, eco-tourism and community-based tourism have become important. For instance, visiting a certified eco-lodge or volunteering in a turtle sanctuary is possible in Fiji. These efforts have helped stabilize some wildlife populations (for example, Fiji’s native fruit bat populations and giant iguanas in select reserves) and raise awareness.

The natural environment remains a source of national pride and economic value. Fiji’s pristine beaches, clear lagoon waters, and rich biodiversity are its main draw for visitors. Many Fijians regard the island’s environment as part of their heritage. Efforts like community tree-plantings, banning single-use plastics (Fiji said it would ban plastic bags by 2020), and sustainable fishing quotas show that conservation is gaining ground. Balancing development with sustainability is an ongoing challenge – for example, some coastal land is granted to resorts – but increasing numbers of Fijians recognize that their “soft” economy (tourism, fishing) depends on keeping the natural environment healthy.

Conclusion

Fiji is a small but strategically positioned country well integrated into the Pacific community. It combines diverse cultural influences – Melanesian, Polynesian, Indian and European – under a democratic framework. The country’s geography of tropical islands gives it lush landscapes but also exposure to climatic hazards. Its people continue to navigate ethnic and social differences while building a stable society. Economically, Fiji leads its region in tourism and services, and it has sought to diversify beyond sugar and garments to include digital finance and renewable energy. Contemporary Fiji is known internationally for its warm hospitality (the “Bula spirit”), its rugby prowess, and its vocal advocacy on climate change. As a middle-income Pacific nation, Fiji’s future challenges include protecting its environment, managing natural disasters, and providing jobs for its young population, but it also enjoys opportunities for growth and leadership as a crossroads of the South Pacific.