Country Profile: Fiji

Fiji is an island nation located in the South Pacific Ocean, comprised of over 300 islands, with a population of approximately 951,611 as of 2024. The economy is primarily tourism-based, supported by agriculture and service sectors, making it vulnerable to environmental changes such as rising sea levels. Governed as a parliamentary republic, Fiji has experienced significant political changes over the years, with a history marked by coups and shifts in leadership.

Geography

Fiji is situated in Oceania, about two-thirds of the distance from Hawaii to New Zealand, and covers an area of 18,274 square kilometers. The country's terrain is predominantly mountainous, with volcanic origins, and a climate characterized as tropical marine. The archipelago consists of 332 islands, approximately 110 of which are inhabited.

• 1,129 km of coastline
• 12 nm territorial sea
• 200 nm exclusive economic zone
• 61.7% of land covered by forests (2023)
• 40 sq km of irrigated land (2012)
• Approximately 70% of the population lives on Viti Levu

People and Society

The total population of Fiji is estimated at 951,611 people in 2024, with the majority being iTaukei (indigenous Fijians) at 56.8%, followed by Indo-Fijians at 37.5%. The official languages are English, iTaukei, and Fiji Hindi, reflecting the nation's diverse cultural heritage. Life expectancy at birth is approximately 74.8 years, with a median age of 32 years for the population.

• 66.4% of the population is aged between 15-64 years
• 15.63 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
• Population growth rate: 0.38% (2025 est.)
• 58.7% of the population is urbanized (2023)
• 30 deaths/100,000 live births maternal mortality ratio (2023 est.)
• 92.4% female literacy rate (2021 est.)

Economy

Fiji's economy is classified as upper-middle income and heavily relies on tourism, agriculture, and services. The estimated GDP (PPP) for 2024 is $13.1 billion, with a projected growth rate of 3.8% for the same year. Despite challenges, including limited workforce and susceptibility to climate change, the economy is seeing a post-pandemic resurgence in tourism.

• 56.2% of GDP from services (2024 est.)
• Unemployment rate: 4.4% (2024 est.)
• Remittances: 9.2% of GDP (2023 est.)
• Exports: $2.376 billion (2022 est.)
• Imports: $3.434 billion (2022 est.)
• Public debt: 47.5% of GDP (2016 est.)

Government

Fiji operates as a parliamentary republic with a strong executive branch and a legal system based on the English common law model. The President serves as the head of state while the Prime Minister is the head of government. The political landscape has been shaped by multiple coups since its independence in 1970, and the most recent elections in 2022 saw Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka assume office.

• Capital: Suva
• 55 seats in Parliament, all directly elected
• Latest constitution signed: 6 September 2013
• 18 years of universal suffrage
• Next election expected in 2027

Military and Security

The Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) consists of land and naval forces, with approximately 4,000 active personnel. Military expenditures in 2024 are estimated at 1.4% of GDP. Fiji is known for its participation in UN peacekeeping missions and has engaged in regional security collaborations, including a partnership with the United States for maritime enforcement.

• 170 Fijian troops deployed in Egypt (MFO)
• 160 deployed in Iraq (UNAMI)
• 150 deployed in the Golan Heights (UNDOF)
• Military service age for men and women begins at 18 years
• RFMF has a history of political involvement

Energy

Fiji's electricity access is relatively high, with 92% of the population having access to electricity as of 2022. The country's energy generation is dominated by hydroelectric sources, constituting 52.3% of total installed capacity. There is also a focus on developing renewable energy sources to ensure sustainability.

• 427,000 kW of installed electricity generating capacity (2023 est.)
• 1.048 billion kWh of electricity consumption (2023 est.)
• 36.3% of capacity from fossil fuels (2023 est.)
• 10,000 bbl/day refined petroleum consumption (2023 est.)

Transportation

Fiji maintains a network of transportation options, including 26 airports and a merchant marine fleet of 74 vessels. The railway system is primarily for agricultural transportation, particularly for sugarcane. The roads and ports facilitate both domestic and international trade, crucial for the economy.

• 597 km of railway (2008)
• 5 ports in total (2024)
• 2 heliports (2025)
• Merchant marine includes 21 general cargo vessels

Communications

Fiji's communication infrastructure includes both fixed and mobile telephony services, with significant penetration of internet users. As of 2024, there are over 5.33 million mobile subscriptions, highlighting the extensive use of mobile technology in the country.

• 79% internet users in the population (2023 est.)
• 49,000 fixed-line subscriptions (2021)
• 23,000 fixed broadband subscriptions (2022)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	951,611	2024 est.
Area	18,274 sq km	Total area
GDP (PPP)	$13.1 billion	2024 est.
Unemployment Rate	4.4%	2024 est.
Birth Rate	15.63 births/1,000	2025 est.
Life Expectancy	74.8 years	2024 est.
Energy Consumption per Capita	25.375 million Btu/person	2023 est.
Literacy Rate	92.4%	Female literacy (2021 est.)
Total Fertility Rate	2.18 children/woman	2025 est.
% of Population below Poverty Line	24.1%	2019 est.