Country Profile: Fiji

Fiji is an island nation situated in the South Pacific Ocean, comprising over 300 islands, of which around 110 are inhabited. The country has a diverse population of approximately 951,611 individuals, primarily consisting of indigenous Fijians (iTaukei) and Indo-Fijians. Its economy is largely driven by tourism, agriculture, and services, making it an upper-middle-income nation susceptible to environmental changes. Governed as a parliamentary republic, Fiji has experienced significant political shifts, particularly in recent decades, culminating in a transition to democratic elections after years of military influence.

Geography

Fiji is located in Oceania, about two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand, consisting of 332 islands and more than 500 islets. The main island, Viti Levu, houses the majority of the population and experiences a tropical marine climate with slight seasonal temperature variation.

Area: 18,274 sq km
Coastline: 1,129 km
Highest Point: Tomanivi at 1,324 m
Natural Hazards: Cyclonic storms can occur from November to January.

People and Society

Fiji has a population of approximately 951,611 (2024 estimate), with a demographic makeup of 56.8% iTaukei, 37.5% Indo-Fijian, and other groups including Rotumans and Europeans. The official languages are English, iTaukei, and Fiji Hindi. The society is characterized by diverse cultural practices and a variety of religious beliefs, predominantly Protestant and Hindu.

Urban Population: 58.7% of the total population (2023)
Life Expectancy: 74.8 years (2024 estimate)
Median Age: 32 years (2025 estimate)
Population Growth Rate: 0.38% (2025 estimate)

Economy

Fiji has an upper-middle-income economy largely based on tourism, agriculture, and services. The nation shows signs of recovery post-pandemic, with growing GDP and improvements in economic indicators. However, it remains vulnerable to climate change and economic fluctuations.

Real GDP (PPP): $13.1 billion (2024 estimate)
GDP Growth Rate: 3.8% (2024 estimate)
Unemployment Rate: 4.4% (2024 estimate)
Exports: $2.376 billion (2022 estimate)

Government

Fiji operates as a parliamentary republic with a unicameral legislature consisting of 55 seats. The current Prime Minister is Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka, who took office in December 2022. The country transitioned to democracy after several coups and has a legal system based on common law.

Independence: 10 October 1970
Last Election: 31 October 2024
Suffrage: Universal at 18 years of age
Executive Branch: President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu (since November 2024)

Military and Security

Fiji maintains a military primarily for external security and peacekeeping missions. The Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) consists of land forces and a navy, with a history of political engagement and participation in international peacekeeping operations.

Military Expenditures: 1.4% of GDP (2024 estimate)
Active Personnel: Approximately 4,000 (2025)
Military Deployments: Troops are stationed in Egypt, Iraq, and the Golan Heights (2025)

Energy

Electricity access in Fiji is high, with about 92% of the population connected. The energy mix includes a significant contribution from hydroelectric sources, supplemented by fossil fuels and biomass.

Installed Generating Capacity: 427,000 kW (2023 estimate)
Electricity Consumption: 1.048 billion kWh (2023 estimate)
Rural Electrification Rate: 86.8% (2022 estimate)

Environment

Fiji faces several environmental challenges, including air pollution, deforestation, and the impact of climate change. The country is active in international environmental agreements aimed at addressing these issues.

Forest Cover: 61.7% of total land area (2023 estimate)
Carbon Dioxide Emissions: 1.432 million metric tonnes (2023 estimate)
Total Renewable Water Resources: 28.55 billion cubic meters (2022 estimate)

Transportation

Fiji is connected through a network of airports and ports, facilitating both domestic and international travel. The country has a limited railway system primarily serving the agricultural sector.

Airports: 26 (2025)
Merchant Marine: 74 vessels (2023)
Railways: 597 km (2008)

Communications

The communication infrastructure in Fiji is developing, with a substantial number of mobile cellular subscriptions and internet access among the population.

Internet Users: 79% of the population (2023 estimate)
Mobile Subscriptions: 5.33 million (2024 estimate)
Fixed-line Subscriptions: Approximately 49,000 (2021 estimate)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	951,611	(2024 est.)
Area	18,274 sq km
Real GDP (PPP)	$13.1 billion	(2024 est.)
Electricity Access	92%	(2022 est.)
Unemployment Rate	4.4%	(2024 est.)
Life Expectancy	74.8 years	(2024 est.)
Literacy Rate (female)	92.4%	(2021 est.)
Urban Population	58.7%	(2023 est.)
Total Renewable Water Resources	28.55 billion cubic meters	(2022 est.)
Military Expenditures	1.4% of GDP	(2024 est.)