Fiji
10707
225029553
2008-07-11T15:22:27Z
Synthebot
3658625
robot Adding: [[bh:Fiji]]
{{otheruses}}
{{Infobox Country
|native_name = {{lang|fj|''Matanitu Tu-Vaka-i-koya ko Viti''}}<br/> {{lang|hif|फ़िजी द्वीप समूह गणराज्य}}
|conventional_long_name = Republic of the Fiji Islands
|common_name = Fiji
|image_flag = Flag of Fiji.svg
|image_coat = Coat of arms of Fiji.png
|image_map = LocationFiji.png
|national_motto = {{lang|fj|''Rerevaka na Kalou ka Doka na Tui''}}<small><br/>Fear God and honour the Queen</small>
|national_anthem = ''[[God Bless Fiji]]''
|official_languages = [[English language|English]], [[Fijian language|Bau Fijian]], and [[Fiji Hindi|Hindustani]]<ref>https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/fj.html#People CIA World Factbook-Fiji-People</ref>
|demonym = Fijian / Fiji Islander
|capital = [[Suva]]
|latd=18 |latm=10 |latNS=S |longd=178 |longm=27 |longEW=E
|largest_city = capital
|government_type = [[Republic]] under military rule
|leader_title1 = [[President of Fiji|President]]
|leader_title2 = [[Prime Minister of Fiji|Prime Minister]]
|leader_title3 = [[List of Chairmen of the Great Council of Chiefs (Fiji)|GCC Chairman]]
|leader_title4 = [[Paramount Chief of Fiji|Great Chief of Fiji]]
|leader_name1 = [[Ratu]] [[Josefa Iloilo|Josefa Iloilovatu Uluivuda (Josefa Iloilo)]]
|leader_name2 = [[Commodore (rank)|Commodore]] [[Frank Bainimarama|Josaia Voreqe (Frank) Bainimarama]]
|leader_name3 = [[Ovini Bokini|Ratu Ovini Bokini]]
|leader_name4 = [[Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom|Queen Elizabeth II]]{{smallsup|1}}<!--NOTE: It's open to question whether Elizabeth should be listed here. She is NOT recognized in any capacity by the Fijian government or constitution. The Great Council of Chiefs recognizes her as the most senior chief, but that is not a governmental position of any kind, ceremonial or otherwise.-->
|area_rank = 155th
|area_magnitude = 1 E10
|area_km2 = 18,274
|area_sq_mi = 7,056 <!--Do not remove per [[WP:MOSNUM]]-->
|percent_water = negligible
|population_estimate = 853,445
|population_estimate_rank = 156th
|population_estimate_year = December 2006
|population_census =
|population_census_year =
|population_density_km2 = 46
|population_density_sq_mi = 119 <!--Do not remove per [[WP:MOSNUM]]-->
|population_density_rank = 148th
|GDP_PPP = $3.677 billion
|GDP_PPP_rank = 152nd
|GDP_PPP_year = 2007
|GDP_PPP_per_capita = $4,230
|GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank = 112nd
|sovereignty_type = [[Independence]]
|sovereignty_note = from the [[United Kingdom]]
|established_event1 = Date
|established_date1 = [[10 October]] [[1970]]
|HDI = {{increase}}0.762
|HDI_rank = 92nd
|HDI_year = 2007
|HDI_category = <font color=#FFCC00>medium</font>
|currency = [[Fijian dollar]]
|currency_code = FJD
|country_code =
|time_zone =
|utc_offset = +12
|time_zone_DST =
|utc_offset_DST =
|cctld = [[.fj]]
|calling_code = 679
|footnote1 = Recognised by the [[Great Council of Chiefs]].
}}
'''Fiji''' ({{lang-fj|Matanitu ko Viti}}; {{lang-hif|फ़िजी}}), officially the '''Republic of the Fiji Islands''' ({{lang-fj|Matanitu Tu-Vaka-i-koya ko Viti}}; {{lang-hif|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 [[island]]s, of which 106 are permanently inhabited, and 522 [[islet]]s. 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:
<blockquote>
Fijians first impressed themselves on European consciousness through the writings of the members of the expeditions of [[James Cook|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. <ref>[http://www.fiji.gov.fj/uploads/FijiToday2005-06.pdf PDF article] from [http://www.fiji.gov.fj/publish/history_culture.shtml Fiji Government] on Line, section on Europeans in Fiji</ref>
</blockquote>
== History ==
{{main|History of Fiji}}
The first inhabitants of Fiji arrived long before contact with [[Europe]]an 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.<ref>[http://humanities.cqu.edu.au/history/52148/modules/pacific_peoplesA.html Pacific Peoples, Melanesia/Micronesia/Polynesia], Central Queensland University</ref> The [[Netherlands|Dutch]] explorer [[Abel Tasman]] visited Fiji in 1643 while looking for the Great Southern Continent.<ref>[http://www.answers.com/main/ntquery;jsessionid=ch285bg7t494l?method=4&dsid=2222&dekey=Abel+Tasman&gwp=8&curtab=2222_1&sbid=lc05b&linktext=Abel%20Tasman Abel Janszoon Tasman Biography], ''Answers.com''</ref> It was not until the nineteenth century, however, that Europeans settled the islands permanently.<ref>[http://www.janesoceania.com/oceania_history Oceania - A Short History of Fiji], Jane Resture's Oceania Page</ref> 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 [[Fiji coups of 1987|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 of Fiji|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 (Fiji)|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]].
{{History of Fiji}} [[Image:Urville-Viti-Lebouka2.jpg|thumb|left|[[Levuka]], 1842.]]
The new millennium brought along [[2000 Fijian coup d'état|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 [[Mutinies of the 2000 Fijian coup d'état|two mutinies]] at Suva's Queen Elizabeth Barracks, later in 2000 when rebel soldiers went on the rampage. The [[High Court (Fiji)|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|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==
{{main|Politics of Fiji}}
{{see also|2006 Fijian coup d'état}}
Politics of Fiji normally take place in the framework of a [[parliamentary system|parliamentary]] [[representative democracy|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 (Fiji)|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 Fijian coups d'état|1987]], one in [[2000 Fijian coup d'état|2000]] and one in late 2006. The military has been either ruling directly, or heavily influencing governments since 1987.
===2006 military takeover===
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[Image:Bainimarama.jpg|thumb|upright|Commodore Josaia Voreqe (Frank) Bainimarama]] -->
{{main|2006 Fijian coup d'état}}
Citing corruption in the government, Commodore [[Frank Bainimarama|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.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=2&ObjectID=10414033 |title=Fiji – alone under the gun |publisher=NZ Herald |author=Phil Taylor |date=[[2006-12-06]] |accessdate=2007-09-30}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/6164265.stm |title=Ads for Fiji's post-coup cabinet |publisher=BBC News |author=Phil Mercer |date=[[2006-12-09]] |accessdate=2007-09-30}}</ref>
Also on [[December 9]] the [[International Federation of Netball Associations|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,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.fijivillage.com/artman/publish/article_34881.shtml |title=Commander hands back Executive Authority to Ratu Iloilo |publisher=Fijivillage |date=[[2007-01-04]] |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20070107051230/http://www.fijivillage.com/artman/publish/article_34881.shtml |archivedate=2007-09-30}}</ref> who made a broadcast endorsing the actions of the military.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.fijilive.com/news/show/news/2007/01/04/04fijilive09.html |title=I support army takeover: Iloilo |publisher=Fijilive |date=[[2007-01-04]] |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20070125100134/http://www.fijilive.com/news/show/news/2007/01/04/04fijilive09.html |archivedate=2007-09-30}}</ref> The next day, Iloilo named Bainimarama as the interim Prime Minister,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.fijilive.com/news/show/news/2007/01/05/05fijilive08.html |title=President swears in interim PM |publisher=Fijilive |date=[[2007-01-05]] |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20070125100307/http://www.fijilive.com/news/show/news/2007/01/05/05fijilive08.html |archivedate=2007-09-30}}</ref> 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 (rank)|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 [[Vanua Balavu|Vanuabalavu]] in [[Lau Islands|Lau]], [[Elections]] were tentatively set on March 2009.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/6981381.stm |publisher=BBC News |title=Emergency rule declared in Fiji |date=[[2007-09-07]] |accessdate=2007-09-30}}</ref>
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==
[[Image:Fiji divisions named.png|right|thumb|Map of the divisions of Fiji.]]
{{main|Local government of Fiji}}
Fiji is divided into 4 divisions:
* [[Central Division, Fiji|Central]]
* [[Eastern Division, Fiji|Eastern]]
* [[Northern Division, Fiji|Northern]]
* [[Western Division, Fiji|Western]]
These divisions are further divided into 14 districts.
==Geography==
[[Image:Fiji map.png|thumb|left|Map of Fiji]]
{{main|Geography of Fiji}}
{{Islands of Fiji}}
Fiji consists of 322 islands (of which 106 are inhabited) and 522 smaller islets. The two most important islands are Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. The islands are mountainous, with peaks up to 1,300 metres (4,250 [[Foot (unit of length)|ft]]), and covered with tropical forests. Viti Levu hosts the capital city of Suva, and is home to nearly three quarters of the population. Other important towns include [[Nadi]] (the location of the international airport), and [[Lautoka]] (the location of a large sugar mill and a sea-port). The main towns on Vanua Levu are Labasa and [[Savusavu]]. Other islands and island groups include [[Taveuni]] and [[Kadavu]] (the third and fourth largest islands respectively), the [[Mamanuca Group]] (just outside Nadi) and [[Yasawa Islands|Yasawa Group]], which are popular [[tourist]] destinations, the [[Lomaiviti|Lomaiviti Group]], outside of Suva, and the remote [[Lau Islands|Lau Group]]. [[Rotuma]], some 500 [[kilometre]]s (310 [[mile|mi]]) north of the archipelago, has a [[Local government of Fiji|special administrative status]] in Fiji. Fiji's nearest neighbour is Tonga. The climate in Fiji is tropical and warm most of the year round.
==Economy==
{{main|Economy of Fiji}}
Fiji, endowed with forest, [[mineral]], and fish resources, is one of the more developed of the Pacific island economies, though still with a large subsistence sector. Fiji experienced a period of rapid growth in the 1960s and 1970s but stagnated in the 1980s. The coup of 1987 caused further contraction. Economic liberalisation in the years following the coup created a boom in the garment industry and a steady growth rate despite growing uncertainty of land tenure in the [[sugar]] industry. The expiration of leases for sugar cane farmers (along with reduced farm and factory efficiency) has led to a decline in sugar production despite a subsidised price. Subsidies for sugar have been provided by the [[European Union|EU]] and Fiji has been the second largest beneficiary after [[Mauritius]].
Urbanization and expansion in the service sector have contributed to recent [[GDP]] growth. Sugar exports and a rapidly growing [[tourism|tourist]] industry — with 430,800 tourists in 2003<ref>[http://www.asiarooms.com/travel-guide/fiji/fiji-overview/fiji-economy-and-politics.html Fiji Economy and Politics,Economy and Politics in Fiji,Economy and Politics at Fiji]. Retrieved 10 May 2008.</ref> and increasing in the subsequent years — are the major sources of foreign exchange. Fiji is highly dependent on tourism for revenue. Sugar processing makes up one-third of industrial activity. Long-term problems include low investment and uncertain property rights. The political turmoil in Fiji has had a severe impact on the economy, which shrank by 2.8% in 2000 and grew by only 1% in 2001. The tourism sector recovered quickly, however, with visitor arrivals reaching pre-coup levels again during 2002, which has since resulted in a modest economic recovery. This recovery continued into 2003 and 2004 but grew by 1.7% in 2005 and grew by 2.0% in 2006. Although inflation is low, the policy indicator rate of the [[Reserve Bank of Fiji]] was raised by 1% to 3.25% in February 2006 due to fears of excessive consumption financed by debt. Lower interest rates have so far not produced greater investment for exports. However, there has been a housing boom from declining commercial mortgage rates.
The tallest building in Fiji is the fourteen-storey [[Reserve Bank of Fiji Building]] in Suva, which was inaugurated in 1984. The [[Suva Central Commercial Centre]], which opened in November 2005, was planned to outrank the Reserve Bank building at seventeen stories, but last-minute design changes made sure that the Reserve Bank building remains the tallest.
==Demographics==
{{main|Demographics of Fiji}}
===Ethnic groups===
The population of Fiji is mostly made up of native Fijians, who are [[Melanesia]]ns (54.3%), although a few also have [[Polynesia]]n ancestry, and [[Indo-Fijians]] (38.1%), descendants of [[India]]n contract labourers brought to the islands by the British in the nineteenth century. The percentage of the population of Indian descent has declined significantly over the last two decades due to migration for various reasons. There is also a small but significant group of descendants of indentured labourers from Solomon Islands.
About 1.2% are [[Rotuman]] — natives of Rotuma Island, whose culture has more in common with countries such as Tonga or [[Samoa]] than with the rest of Fiji. There are also small, but economically significant, groups of Europeans, Chinese and other minorities.
Relationships between ethnic Fijians and Indo-Fijians at a political level have often been strained, and the tension between the two communities has dominated politics in the islands for the past generation. The level of tension varies between different regions of the country. There are also good indications of racial harmony with the recognition of cultural and religious [[Festivals in Fiji|holidays]] by all races in Fiji.
===Religion===
[[Religion]] is one of the primary differences between indigenous Fijians and Indo-Fijians, with the former overwhelmingly Christian (97.2% at the 1996 [[census]]), and the latter mostly [[Hindu]] (70.7%) and [[Muslim]] (17.9%).
The largest Christian denomination is the [[Methodist Church of Fiji and Rotuma]]. With 36.2% of the total population (including almost two-thirds of ethnic Fijians), its share of the population is higher in Fiji than in any other nation. [[Roman Catholic Church in Fiji|Roman Catholics]] (8.9%), the [[Assemblies of God]] (4%), and [[Seventh-day Adventist Church|Seventh-day Adventists]] (2.9%) are also significant. Fiji is also the base for the Anglican Diocese of Polynesia (part of the [[Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia]]). These and other denominations also have small numbers of Indo-Fijian members; Christians of all kinds comprise 6.1% of the Indo-Fijian population. Much major Roman Catholic missionary activity was conducted through the [[Vicariate Apostolic of Fiji]], which has since been renamed the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Suva, which spans the whole of Fiji.
Hindus belong mostly to the [[Sanatana Dharma|Sanatan]] sect (74.3% of all Hindus) or else are unspecified (22%). The small [[Arya Samaj]] sect claims the membership of some 3.7% of all Hindus in Fiji. Muslims are mostly [[Sunni]] (59.7%) and [[Shia Islam|Shia]] (36.7%), with an [[Ahmadiya]] minority (3.6%) regarded as [[heresy|heretical]] by more orthodox Muslims. The [[Sikh]] religion comprises 0.9% of the Indo-Fijian population, or 0.4% of the national population in Fiji. Their ancestors came from the [[Punjab, India|Punjab]] region of India. The [[Bahá'í Faith]] has over 21 [[Spiritual Assembly|Local Spiritual Assemblies]] throughout Fiji and Baha'is live in more than 80 localities.<ref name="bahai">{{cite news |title=Graceful trees mark anniversary |date=[[2005-04-12]] |accessdate=2006-12-09 |publisher=Baha'i World News Service |url=http://news.bahai.org/story.cfm?storyid=366}}</ref> The first Baha'i on the island was a New Zealander who arrived in 1924.<ref name="bahai"/> There is also a small Jewish population on the island. Every year the Israeli Embassy organises a Passover celebration with approximately 100 people attending.
==Sport==
{{main|Sport in Fiji}}
The national sport of Fiji is considered to be rugby union (see [[rugby union in Fiji]]), however [[rugby league]] is also widely played. The [[Fiji national rugby union team|national team]] is very successful given the size of the population of the country, and has competed at four [[Rugby World Cup]]s, the first being in [[1987 Rugby World Cup|1987]], where they reached the quarter-finals. The Fiji national side did not match that feat again until the 2007 Rugby World Cup when they upset Wales 38-34 to progress to the quarter-finals. Fiji also competes in the [[Pacific Tri-Nations]] and the [[Pacific Nations Cup]]. The sport is governed by the [[Fiji Rugby Union]] which is a member of the [[Pacific Islands Rugby Alliance]], and contributes to the [[Pacific Islanders rugby union team]]. At the club level there are the [[Colonial Cup]] and [[Pacific Rugby Cup]]. The [[Fiji national rugby union team (sevens)|Fiji sevens team]] is one of the most successful [[rugby sevens]] teams in the world, having won the two world cup titles and the 2006 IRB Series.
Following is a list of Notable Fijians in Sport:
* [[Jimmy Snuka]], a Hall of Fame professional wrestler.
* [[Vijay Singh]], A professional golfer.
* [[Waisale Serevi]], a world-renowned sevens rugby player, is from Fiji. Commentators often refer to him as either "the Magician", "Maestro" or also "the King of Sevens".
* [[Lote Tuqiri]], dual code international for [[Australia]] in [[rugby league]] and [[rugby union]], and former captain of the [[Fiji national rugby league team]].
*[[Petero Civoniceva]], representative footballer for the [[Australia national rugby league team]].
*[[Sitiveni Sivivatu]] and [[Joe Rokocoko]] are Fijians who play for [[All Blacks|New Zealand's All Blacks]].
*[[Rupeni Caucau]] plays for a French rugby union club.
*[[David Rodan]] and [[Alipate Carlile]], professional Australian rules footballers in the [[Australian Football League]].
==Culture==
{{main|Culture of Fiji}}
Fiji's culture is a rich mosaic of indigenous, Indian, Chinese and European traditions, comprising social polity, language, food, costume, belief systems, architecture, arts, craft, music, dance and sports.
The indigenous culture is very much active and living, and is a part of everyday life for the majority of the population. However, it has evolved with the introduction of vibrant and old cultures like the Indian and Chinese ones, as well as a large influence from Europe, and from various Pacific neighbors of Fiji, mainly the Tongan and Rotuman. The culture of Fiji has created a unique communal and national identity.
==See also==
* [[List of Fiji-related topics]]
* [[List of Fijians]]
* [[Communications in Fiji]]
* [[Transport in Fiji]]
* [[Military of Fiji]]
* [[Foreign relations of Fiji]]
* [[Fiji Meteorological Service]]
==Footnotes==
{{reflist}}
==References==
{{refbegin}}
* {{cite book |title=On Fiji Islands |last=Wright |first=Ronald |year=1986 |publisher=Original from the University of Michigan, Digitized 5 Dec 2006 |isbn=067080634X}} Traces the colonization of the Fiji Islands, explains how the Fijians have managed to keep their language and culture intact, and describes modern Fiji society.
* {{cite book |title=The Fiji Islands: A Geographical Handbook |first=Ronald Albert |last=Derrick |year=1951 |publisher=Govt. Print. Dept Fiji, 334 pages, Original from the University of Michigan, Digitized 11 Jul 2006}} Details on Fiji its history and Geography.
* {{cite book |title=Broken Waves: A History of the Fiji Islands in the Twentieth Century |first=Brij V. |last=Lal |year=1992 |publisher=University of Hawaii Press |isbn=0824814185}} Details of Fiji's History, Geography, Economy.
* ''Back to the Chessboard: The Coup and the Re-Emergence of Pre-colonial Rivalries in Fiji.'' In: {{cite book |author=Kolig/[[Hermann Mückler|Mückler]] (eds.) |title=Politics of Indigeneity in the South Pacific |year=2002 |publisher=LIT Verlag, Hamburg |pages=143–158 |isbn=3825859150}}
* {{cite book |title=Fiji |first=Korina |last=Miller |coauthors=Jones, Robyn; Pinheiro, Leonardo |year=2003 |publisher=Lonely Planet |isbn=1740591348}} Travel guide.
{{refend}}
{{clear}}
==Bibliography==
*{{cite book |last=Derrick |first=Ronald Albert |title=A History of Fiji |authorlink= |coauthors= |year=1957 |publisher=Government Printer |location=Suva, Fiji |isbn= }}
*{{cite book |last=Scarr |first=Deryck |title=Fiji: A Short History |authorlink= |coauthors= |year=1984 |publisher=Allen & Unwin |location=Sydney, Australia |isbn=0868613193 }}
*{{cite book |last=Waterhouse |first=Joseph |title=The King and People of Fiji |authorlink= |coauthors= |year=1998 |publisher=University of Hawaii Press |location= |isbn=0824819209 }}
==External links==
{{sisterlinks|Fiji}}
* {{wikitravel|Fiji}}
* [http://www.fijiguide.com Fijiguide.com - A comprehensive Travel and Culture Guide to Fiji]
* [https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/fj.html CIA Factbook]
* [http://www.fiji.gov.fj/ Official Website of the Government of Fiji]
* [http://www.parliament.gov.fj/ Official Website of the Parliament of Fiji]
* [http://www.bulafiji.com/ Bulafiji.com. Official Fiji Visitors Bureau website]
* [http://www.fijitimes.com The Fiji Times - Fiji News, Sport and Weather from Fiji's leading newspaper]
* [http://dmoz.org/Regional/Oceania/Fiji Open Directory Project - Fiji directory category]
* [http://diplomacymonitor.com/stu/dm.nsf/nationaffectedd?openform&cat=Fiji Documents affecting Fiji] at the [[Diplomacy Monitor]]
* [http://www.seacology.org/projects/polynesia_projects.htm#fiji Seacology Fiji Projects] [[Seacology]]
{{coor title d|18|S|179|E|region:FJ_type:country_source:dewiki}}
{{Countries and territories of Oceania}}
{{Austronesian-speaking}}
{{Indo-Iranian-speaking regions}}
{{Commonwealth of Nations}}
<!--Categories-->
[[Category:Fiji| ]]
[[Category:Melanesia]]
[[Category:Island countries]]
[[Category:1970 establishments]]
[[Category:English-speaking countries and territories]]
<!--Other languages-->
[[af:Fidji]]
[[ar:فيجي]]
[[an:Fichi]]
[[frp:Fidj·i]]
[[ast:Fiyi]]
[[bn:ফিজি]]
[[zh-min-nan:Fiji]]
[[be-x-old:Фіджы]]
[[bh:Fiji]]
[[bs:Fidži]]
[[bg:Фиджи]]
[[ca:Fiji]]
[[cv:Фиджи]]
[[ceb:Fiji]]
[[cs:Fidži]]
[[cy:Fiji]]
[[da:Fiji]]
[[de:Fidschi]]
[[dv:ފިޖީ]]
[[et:Fidži]]
[[el:Φίτζι]]
[[es:Fiyi]]
[[eo:Fiĝioj]]
[[eu:Fiji]]
[[fa:فیجی]]
[[hif:Fiji]]
[[fr:Fidji]]
[[fy:Fidzjy]]
[[ga:Fidsí]]
[[gv:Fiji]]
[[gd:Fìdi]]
[[gl:Fidxi - Viti]]
[[ko:피지]]
[[hi:फ़िजी]]
[[hr:Fidži]]
[[io:Fidji]]
[[ilo:Fiji]]
[[bpy:ফিজি]]
[[id:Fiji]]
[[ia:Fiji]]
[[os:Фиджи]]
[[is:Fídjieyjar]]
[[it:Figi]]
[[he:פיג'י]]
[[jv:Fiji]]
[[pam:Fiji]]
[[kn:ಫಿಜಿ]]
[[ka:ფიჯი]]
[[ks:फिजी]]
[[kk:Фиджи]]
[[kw:Fiji]]
[[sw:Fiji]]
[[ht:Fidji]]
[[ku:Fîjî]]
[[la:Viti]]
[[lv:Fidži]]
[[lb:Fidschi]]
[[lt:Fidžis]]
[[lij:Fiji]]
[[hu:Fidzsi-szigetek]]
[[mk:Фиџи]]
[[ms:Fiji]]
[[nah:Fiyi]]
[[na:Fiji]]
[[fj:Viti]]
[[nl:Fiji]]
[[ja:フィジー]]
[[no:Fiji]]
[[nn:Fiji]]
[[oc:Fiji]]
[[uz:Fiji]]
[[ps:فېجي]]
[[pms:Figi]]
[[nds:Fidschi]]
[[pl:Fidżi]]
[[pt:Fiji]]
[[crh:Fici]]
[[ro:Fiji]]
[[qu:Phiyi]]
[[ru:Фиджи]]
[[se:Fijisullot]]
[[sm:Fiti]]
[[sa:फिजी]]
[[sq:Fixhi]]
[[scn:Figgi]]
[[simple:Fiji]]
[[sk:Fidži]]
[[sl:Fidži]]
[[sr:Фиџи]]
[[sh:Fidži]]
[[fi:Fidži]]
[[sv:Fiji]]
[[tl:Fiji]]
[[ta:பிஜி]]
[[tt:Fiji]]
[[th:ประเทศฟิจิ]]
[[vi:Fiji]]
[[tg:Фиҷи]]
[[to:Fisi]]
[[tr:Fiji]]
[[uk:Фіджі]]
[[vo:Ficiyuäns]]
[[wo:Fiiji]]
[[diq:Fici]]
[[bat-smg:Fėdžis]]
[[zh:斐濟]]