Fiji Country Insight

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Key Facts

GDP (ppp) per CAPITA: $3,800 (2008 est.)
Inflation Rate: 4.8% (2007)
Population: 944,720 (July 2009 est.)
Country Risk Ratings: -
Ease of Doing Business: 39/181
Global Competitiveness: -/134

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Fiji : Introduction

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.

Capital City: Suva (+12 GMT)

Currency: Fijian dollar (FJD) (convert)

Languages: English (official), Fijian (official), Hindustani

Calling Code: 679

Voltage: 240

Religions: Christian 64.5% (Methodist 34.6%, Roman Catholic 9.1%, Assembly of God 5.7%, Seventh Day Adventist 3.9%, Anglican 0.8%, other 10.4%), Hindu 27.9%, Muslim 6.3%, Sikh 0.3%, other or unspecified 0.3%, none 0.7%

quick links

Fiji: Country Commercial Guide
Fiji: World Bank Doing Business Indicators
Fiji: BBC Country Profile
Fiji: MSU Global Access

Fiji: The Reserve Bank of Fiji: In addition to the normal responsibilities of a Central Bank, the Reserve Bank of Fiji fosters credit and exchange conditions conducive to the orderly and balanced economic development of the country.

Fiji: Capital Markets Development Authority

Fiji: Fiji Islands Statistical Bureau: FISB provides statistical figures and indicators including demographic, population, price, trade, financial and employment data. Some of the tables in the selected statistics section have data only up to 1996 and 1998.

Fiji: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade provides information about the foreign and trade policy of the islands. Also available are media releases as well as information for various missions abroad.

Sources:
CIA World Factbook (September 2009)
U.S. Dept. of State Country Background Notes (May 2009)