Country Profile: Fiji

Fiji is an archipelago located in the South Pacific Ocean, composed of approximately 332 islands, of which around 110 are inhabited. With a population estimated at 951,611 in 2024, the nation is characterized by a diverse culture influenced by its indigenous iTaukei, Indo-Fijian, and other ethnic groups. The economy is primarily driven by tourism, agriculture, and remittances, yet it faces challenges due to external vulnerabilities and internal labor limitations. Governed as a parliamentary republic, Fiji has experienced a complex political history marked by military coups and significant constitutional changes.

Geography

Fiji's geographical location places it in Oceania, about two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand. The country consists of a total area of 18,274 square kilometers and features a coastline that stretches 1,129 kilometers. The terrain is predominantly mountainous with volcanic origins, and the climate is tropical marine, characterized by slight seasonal variations.

332 islands make up Fiji, with around 110 inhabited.
The highest point is Tomanivi, rising to 1,324 meters.
Approximately 70% of the population resides on Viti Levu, the largest island.

People and Society

Fiji's population is estimated at 951,611 in 2024, including a mix of ethnic groups such as iTaukei (56.8%) and Indo-Fijian (37.5%). The official languages are English, iTaukei, and Fiji Hindi, reflecting the country's cultural diversity. The population is relatively young, with a median age of 31.6 years, and about 58.7% live in urban areas.

45% of the population identifies as Protestant.
24.1% of the population was below the poverty line in 2019.
The total fertility rate is 2.21 children per woman.

Economy

Fiji's economy is classified as upper-middle income and is heavily reliant on tourism and agriculture. The real GDP is projected to reach $13.1 billion in 2024, with a growth rate of 3.8%. Key sectors include tourism, sugar processing, and manufacturing. The country faces challenges related to external debt and economic vulnerabilities linked to climate change.

56.2% of GDP comes from the services sector (2024).
The unemployment rate is 4.4% as of 2024.
8.4% of GDP is derived from agriculture.

Government

Fiji is a parliamentary republic with a president as the head of state and a prime minister as the head of government. The political system is characterized by a unicameral parliament with 55 seats. Fiji's constitution, adopted in 2013, has undergone several reforms to address ethnic representation and governance challenges.

The most recent parliamentary election was held in December 2022.
Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu is the current president (since November 2024).
Suffrage is universal at 18 years of age.

Military and Security

The Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) is tasked with the country’s defense and domestic security, comprising approximately 4,000 active personnel. Fiji maintains a history of military involvement in politics and international peacekeeping missions, including operations in Egypt and Iraq.

Military expenditures are projected at 1.4% of GDP in 2024.
Fiji has participated in nearly 20 UN peacekeeping missions since 1978.
The RFMF is lightly armed and supported by Australia for logistical and equipment needs.

Energy

Fiji’s energy sector primarily relies on hydroelectric power, contributing 52.3% of the installed capacity in 2023. As of 2022, 92% of the population has access to electricity, with significant urban-rural disparities.

Total electricity consumption reached 1.048 billion kWh in 2023.
The country has a total installed generating capacity of 427,000 kW.
Carbon dioxide emissions were approximately 1.432 million metric tonnes in 2023.

Environment

Fiji faces various environmental issues, including air pollution, deforestation, and soil erosion. The country is committed to numerous international environmental agreements and employs sustainable practices to manage its resources.

63.1% of land is forested (2022).
Fiji is a party to the Paris Agreement on climate change.
Urban areas experienced a 56.9% improvement in sanitation access by 2020.

Transportation

Fiji has a comprehensive transportation system, including 26 airports and a merchant marine fleet of 74 vessels. The country's railway network primarily serves agricultural transport, while road infrastructure connects major urban areas.

The total railway length is 597 km (2008).
The country operates 5 major ports, with significant cargo handling capabilities.
Both civil and military aviation are regulated under the same framework, enhancing operational efficiency.

Communications

The telecommunication sector in Fiji has seen substantial growth, with about 79% of the population using the internet as of 2023. Mobile cellular subscriptions are particularly popular, reflecting the population's connectivity demands.

992,000 mobile cellular subscriptions were recorded in 2021.
Fixed-line subscriptions reached 49,000 in the same year.
The country code for the internet is .fj.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	951,611	Estimated for 2024
Area	18,274 sq km	Total land area
GDP (PPP)	$13.1 billion	Estimated for 2024
GDP per capita (PPP)	$14,100	Estimated for 2024
Unemployment rate	4.4%	Estimated for 2024
Birth rate	15.9 births/1,000 people	Estimated for 2024
Life expectancy at birth	74.8 years	Estimated for 2024