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World > Oceania > Fiji
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Fiji |
Introduction:
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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. In January 2007, BAINIMARAMA was appointed interim prime minister.
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| Official name: |
Republic of the Fiji Islands |
| Capital: |
name: Suva (on Viti Levu)
geographic coordinates: 18 08 S, 178 25 E
time difference: UTC+12 (17 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time) |
| Government type: |
republic |
| Population: |
918,675 (July 2007 est.) |
| Languages: |
English (official), Fijian (official), Hindustani |
| Official Currency: |
Fiji Dollar (FJD)
Current Fiji Dollar Exchange Rates
Historical Fiji Dollar Exchange Rates
Chart Fiji Dollar Exchange Rates |
| Currency code: |
FJD |
| Area: |
total: 18,270 sq km
land: 18,270 sq km
water: 0 sq km |
| Climate: |
tropical marine; only slight seasonal temperature variation |
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Map of Fiji
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