Country Profile: Fiji

Fiji is an island nation located in the South Pacific Ocean, consisting of over 300 islands, with a diverse geography featuring volcanic mountains and coastal plains. The population is approximately 951,611, predominantly composed of indigenous Fijians and Indo-Fijians, reflecting a rich cultural heritage. The country's economy is primarily tourism-based, characterized as upper-middle income, and it has recently experienced a post-pandemic resurgence in tourism. Fiji operates as a parliamentary republic, with a political history marked by various coups and constitutional reforms that have shaped its governance structure.

Geography

Fiji is situated in Oceania, about two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand, with a total land area of 18,274 square kilometers. The country has a tropical marine climate and consists of 332 islands, of which around 110 are inhabited. The terrain is predominantly mountainous with significant natural resources including timber, fish, and minerals.

• 1,129 km of coastline
• 18,274 sq km total land area
• 70% of the population resides on the island of Viti Levu
• 12 nm territorial sea claim
• Highest point: Tomanivi 1,324 m
• Natural resources include gold and offshore oil potential

People and Society

The estimated population of Fiji is 951,611 as of 2024, with a median age of 31.6 years. The society is ethnically diverse, with indigenous iTaukei people comprising 56.8% and Indo-Fijians 37.5%. English, iTaukei, and Fiji Hindi are the official languages, and religious diversity includes a significant Protestant majority.

• 24.7% of the population is aged 0-14 years
• Urban population is 58.7% (2023)
• Life expectancy: 74.8 years (2024)
• Birth rate: 15.9 births/1,000 population (2024)
• Literacy rate for females: 92.4% (2021)

Economy

Fiji has an upper-middle-income economy that heavily relies on tourism, contributing significantly to its GDP. The country's GDP in purchasing power parity is projected to reach $13.1 billion by 2024, with a real growth rate of 3.8%. Agricultural products are vital, with sugarcane and coconuts leading the sector, while service industries, including tourism, account for over half of the economy.

• GDP per capita: $14,100 (2024 est.)
• Unemployment rate: 4.4% (2024)
• Population below the poverty line: 24.1% (2019)
• Remittances represent 9.2% of GDP (2023)
• Key industries include sugar processing and tourism

Government

Fiji is a parliamentary republic with a unicameral legislature. The capital city is Suva, and the country has a legal system based on common law. Political power dynamics have shifted significantly over the years, especially following coups that have influenced the constitutional framework.

• Latest constitution signed September 6, 2013
• President: Ratu Naiqama LALABALAVU (since November 12, 2024)
• Prime Minister: Sitiveni Ligamamada RABUKA (since December 24, 2022)
• 55 seats in Parliament
• Suffrage is granted to all citizens aged 18 and over

Military and Security

The Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) includes a land force and a navy, with a military personnel strength of approximately 4,000. Military expenditures are around 1.4% of GDP in 2024, and the RFMF has a history of involvement in UN peacekeeping missions.

• Military personnel: 4,000 (2025)
• Military expenditures: 1.4% of GDP (2024)
• Fiji deploys troops to international peacekeeping operations
• Legal military service age is 18-25 years

Energy

Fiji's energy sector includes both renewable and non-renewable sources. Approximately 92% of the population has access to electricity, with hydroelectric power constituting over half of the country's electricity generation capacity.

• Installed generating capacity: 427,000 kW (2023)
• Electricity consumption: 1.048 billion kWh (2023)
• Fossil fuels account for 36.3% of total installed capacity
• Rural electrification rate: 86.8%

Environment

Fiji faces environmental challenges that include air pollution, deforestation, and the effects of climate change. However, the country is a party to several international environmental agreements aimed at addressing these issues.

• Annual municipal solid waste generated: 189,400 tons (2024)
• Carbon dioxide emissions: 1.432 million metric tonnes (2023)
• Forest cover: 61.7% of land area (2023)
• Participation in global climate agreements including the Paris Agreement

Transportation

Fiji maintains a network of 26 airports and a merchant marine fleet composed of 74 vessels. The country has no railways aside from those utilized by the Fiji Sugar Corporation.

• 5 ports with oil terminals (2024)
• 597 km of railway (2008) used for sugarcane transportation
• 26 airports expected by 2025

Communications

Fiji has a developed communications infrastructure with a significant percentage of the population accessing mobile and internet services. Telecommunication subscriptions are growing, demonstrating the country’s connectivity improvements.

• 992,000 mobile cellular subscriptions (2021)
• Internet penetration rate: 79% of the population (2023)
• Fixed-line subscriptions: 49,000 (2021)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	951,611	2024 est.
Area	18,274 sq km	Total land area
GDP (PPP)	$13.1 billion	2024 est.
Energy Consumption per capita	25.375 million Btu/person	2023 est.
Birth Rate	15.9 births/1,000	2024 est.
Unemployment Rate	4.4%	2024 est.
Life Expectancy	74.8 years	2024 est.
Adult Obesity Rate	30.2%	2016
Electricity Access	92%	2022 est.
Military Expenditures	1.4% of GDP	2024 est.