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Fiji [ˈfidʒi] (help·info) (Fijian: Matanitu ko Viti; Fijian Hindustani: फ़िजी), officially the Republic of the Fiji Islands (Fijian: Matanitu Tu-Vaka-i-koya ko Viti; Fijian Hindustani: फ़िजी द्वीप समूह गणराज्य), is an island nation in the South Pacific Ocean east of Vanuatu, west of Tonga and south of Tuvalu. The country occupies an archipelago of about 322 islands, of which 106 are permanently inhabited, and 522 islets. The two major islands, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, account for 87% of the population.
Etymology
Fiji's main island is known as Viti Levu and it is from this that
the name "Fiji" is derived, through the pronunciation of their island
neighbours in Tonga. Its emergence was best described as follows:
Fijians first impressed themselves on European consciousness through the writings of the members of the expeditions of Cook
who met them in Tonga. They were described as formidable warriors and
ferocious cannibals, builders of the finest vessels in the Pacific, but
not great sailors. They inspired awe amongst the Tongans, and all their
Manufactures, especially bark cloth and clubs, were highly esteemed and
much in demand. They called their home Viti, but the Tongans called it
Fisi, and it was by this foreign pronunciation, Fiji, first promulgated
by Captain James Cook, that these islands are now known. [2]
History
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The first people of Fiji arrived long before contact with European
explorers in the seventeenth century. Pottery excavated from Fijian
towns shows that Fiji was settled before or around 1000 BC, although
the question of Pacific migration still lingers.[3] The Dutch explorer Abel Tasman visited Fiji in 1643 while looking for the Great Southern Continent.[4] It was not until the nineteenth century, however, that Europeans settled the islands permanently.[5]
The islands came under British control as a colony in 1874, and the
British brought over Indian contract labourers. It was granted
independence in 1970. Democratic rule was interrupted by two military coups in 1987 because the government was perceived as dominated by the Indo-Fijian (Indian) community. The second 1987 coup saw the British monarchy and the Governor General replaced by a non-executive President, and the country changed the long form of its name from Dominion of Fiji to Republic of Fiji (and to Republic of the Fiji Islands
in 1997). The coups and accompanying civil unrest contributed to heavy
Indian emigration; the population loss resulted in economic
difficulties but ensured that Melanesians became the majority.
In 1990, the new Constitution institutionalised the ethnic Fijian domination of the political system. The Group Against Racial Discrimination (GARD) was formed to oppose the unilaterally imposed constitution and restore the 1970 constitution. Sitiveni Rabuka, the Lieutenant Colonel who carried out the 1987 coup became Prime Minister
in 1992, following elections held under the new constitution. Three
years later, Rabuka established the Constitutional Review Commission,
which in 1997 led to a new Constitution, which was supported by most
leaders of the indigenous Fijian and Indo-Fijian communities. Fiji is
re-admitted to the Commonwealth of Nations.
The new millennium brought along another coup, instigated by George Speight, that effectively toppled the government of Mahendra Chaudhry, who became Prime Minister following the 1997 constitution. Commodore Frank Bainimarama assumed executive power after the resignation, possibly forced, of President Mara. Fiji was rocked by two mutinies at Suva's Queen Elizabeth Barracks, later in 2000 when rebel soldiers went on the rampage. The High Court
ordered the reinstatement of the constitution, and in September 2001, a
general election was held to restore democracy, which was won by
interim Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase's Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua party.
In 2005, amid much controversy, the Qarase government proposed a Reconciliation and Unity Commission,
with power to recommend compensation for victims of the 2000 coup, and
amnesty for its perpetrators. However, the military strongly opposed
this bill, especially the army's commander, Frank Bainimarama. He
agreed with detractors who said that it was a sham to grant amnesty to
supporters of the present government who played roles in the coup. His
attack on the legislation, which continued unremittingly throughout May
and into June and July, further strained his already tense relationship
with the government. In late November 2006 and early December 2006,
Bainimarama was instrumental in the 2006 Fijian coup d'état.
Bainimarama handed down a list of demands to Qarase after a bill was
put forward to parliament, part of which would have offered pardons to
participants in the 2000 coup attempt. He gave Qarase an ultimatum date
of 4 December to accede to these demands or to resign from his post. Qarase adamantly refused to either concede or resign and on 5 December President, Ratu Josefa Iloilo, was said to have signed a legal order dissolving Parliament after meeting with Bainimarama.
For a country of its size, Fiji has a large armed forces, and has been a major contributor to UN peacekeeping missions
in various parts of the world. In addition, a significant number of
former military personnel have served in the lucrative security sector
in Iraq following the 2003 US-led invasion.
Politics
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- See also: 2006 Fijian coup d'état
Politics of Fiji normally take place in the framework of a parliamentary representative democratic republic, whereby the Prime Minister of Fiji is the head of government, the President the head of state, and of a multi-party system. Executive power is exercised by the government. Legislative power is vested in both the government and the Parliament of Fiji. The Judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature.
Since independence there have been four coups in Fiji, two in 1987, one in 2000 and one in late 2006. The military has been either ruling directly, or heavily influencing governments since 1987.
2006 military takeover
-
Citing corruption in the government, Commodore Josaia Voreqe (Frank) Bainimarama, Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, staged a military takeover on December 5, 2006
against the Prime Minister that he himself had installed after the 2000
coup. There had been two military coups in 1987 and one in 2000 when
the military had taken over from elected governments led by or
dominated by Indo Fijians. On this occasion the military took over from
an indigenous Fijian government which it alleged was corrupt and
racist. The Commodore took over the powers of the President and
dissolved the parliament, paving the way for the military to continue
the take over.
The coup was the culmination of weeks of speculation following
conflict between the elected Prime Minister, Laisenia Qarase, and
Commodore Bainimarama. Bainamarama had repeatedly issued demands and
deadlines to the Prime Minister. At particular issue was previously
pending legislation to pardon those involved in the 2000 coup. Despite
intervention to reconcile the parties by the President, Vice President
and Helen Clark, Prime Minister of New Zealand there was no willingness
to make concessions on either side. This therefore failed to resolve
the crisis.
Bainimarama named Jona Senilagakali
caretaker Prime Minister. The next week Bainimarama said he would ask
the Great Council of Chiefs to restore executive powers to President,
Ratu Josefa Iloilo.[6] On December 6, Bainimarama declared a state of emergency, and warned that he would not tolerate any violence or unrest.
Following the coup, the Commonwealth of Nations held an emergency meeting in London, where they declared Fiji's membership had been suspended. On December 9,
the military rulers advertised for positions in the Government,
including cabinet posts, in a national newspaper. They stated people
wishing to apply must be "of outstanding character", have no criminal
record, and never have been bankrupt.[7]
Also on December 9 the IFNA withdrew the right of Fiji to host the 2007 World Netball Championships
as a consequence of the Military takeover. The withdrawal is expected
to have a significant impact in Fiji due to the popularity of sports
such as Netball.
On January 4, 2007, the military announced that it was restoring executive power to President Iloilo,[8] who made a broadcast endorsing the actions of the military.[9] The next day, Iloilo named Bainimarama as the interim Prime Minister,[10] indicating that the Military was still effectively in control.
In the wake of the take over, reports have emerged of intimidation
of some of those critical of the interim regime. It is alleged that two
individuals have died in military custody since December 2006. These
deaths have been investigated and suspects charged but not yet brought
to court.
Following ongoing criticism from neighbours, specifically Australia
and New Zealand, the New Zealand High Commissioner Michael Green was
expelled from Fiji in mid June 2007, in the aftermath of restrictive
emergency regulations having been lifted (recognised as a generally
positive development by outside observers).
On September 6, 2007, Commodore Frank Bainimarama said Fiji's military declared again a state of emergency as he believed ousted Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase was engaged in destabilization efforts when he returned to Suva after 8 months of exile on his home island Vanuabalavu in Lau, Elections were tentatively set on March 2009.[11]
The interim Government set up an anti corruption Commission which
have received numerous complaints and allegations, also there have been
a number of high profile dismissals from government and associated
industry. The anti corruption body however, has yet to successfully
prosecute anyone for alleged corruption.
During November 2007 there were a number of people brought in for
questioning in regard to an assassination plot directed at the Interim
Prime Minister, senior army officers and members of the Interim Cabinet.
Political Divisions
Map of the divisions of Fiji.
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Fiji is divided into 4 divisions:
These divisions are further divided into 14 districts.
Geography
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Fiji consists of 322 islands (of which 106 are inhabited) and 522
smaller islets. The two most impo
Classical
from 
