Country Profile: Fiji

Fiji, an island nation in the South Pacific, is composed of approximately 332 islands, of which about 110 are inhabited. Boasting a population of around 951,611 people, the country has a rich cultural history, mixing indigenous iTaukei and Indo-Fijian communities. Fiji's economy is primarily driven by tourism, alongside agriculture and industry, making it an upper-middle-income nation. Governed as a parliamentary republic, Fiji has experienced significant political changes, including coups that have shaped its democratic landscape.

Geography

Fiji is located in Oceania, roughly two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand, and covers a total area of 18,274 sq km. The islands feature volcanic mountains and a diverse climate characterized by tropical marine conditions. Notably, about 70% of the population resides on the largest island, Viti Levu, with urban areas housing roughly half of the total populace. Fiji is prone to cyclonic storms from November to January, which can significantly affect its geography and economy.

1,129 km of coastline.
332 islands total, with about 110 inhabited.
Tomanivi, the highest point, reaches 1,324 m.
17.1% of land designated for agriculture (2023 estimate).
61.7% of land covered by forests (2023 estimate).

People and Society

As of 2024, Fiji has a population of approximately 951,611, predominantly comprising 56.8% iTaukei and 37.5% Indo-Fijians. The official languages are English, iTaukei, and Fiji Hindi, reflecting the nation’s diverse cultural background. With a median age of 32 years, the population faces a 0.38% growth rate. The country has made notable progress in terms of health, with a life expectancy of 74.8 years and infant mortality at 9.4 deaths per 1,000 live births.

66.4% of the population falls within the 15-64 years age range.
58.7% urbanization rate (2023).
15.63 births/1,000 population (birth rate, 2025 est.).
30 deaths/100,000 live births (maternal mortality ratio, 2023 est.).
26.8% of the population uses tobacco (2025 est.).
4.6% of children under 5 years old are underweight (2021 est.).

Economy

Fiji's economy is classified as upper-middle income and heavily relies on tourism, which saw a resurgence post-pandemic. The GDP, expressed in purchasing power parity, is estimated at $13.1 billion for 2024, with a real GDP growth rate of 3.8%. The labor force numbers around 387,800, with an unemployment rate of 4.4% in 2024. Agriculture contributes about 8.4% to the GDP, with sugar cane being a significant crop.

$5.841 billion in GDP (official exchange rate, 2024).
71.7% of the economy is household consumption (2023 est.).
24.1% of the population lives below the poverty line (2019 est.).
9.2% of GDP is attributed to remittances (2023 est.).
1.4% of GDP allocated to military expenditures (2024 est.).

Government

Fiji operates as a parliamentary republic with a unicameral legislature comprising 55 members elected by proportional representation. The President, currently Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, is elected by Parliament, while the Prime Minister, Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka, is appointed as the head of government. Fiji’s government has undergone various constitutional reforms over the years, with the latest adopted in 2013.

Independence from the UK achieved on 10 October 1970.
Universal suffrage at 18 years of age.
9.1% of the parliament is composed of women (2023).
14 provinces and 1 dependency.
Recent elections occurred on 31 October 2024.

Military and Security

The Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) consists of land and naval units, with approximately 4,000 active personnel. Military expenditures are about 1.4% of GDP for 2024. Fiji has a tradition of participating in international peacekeeping missions, demonstrating its commitment to global security. The military plays a significant role not only in defense but also in national politics.

170 deployed in Egypt (MFO), 160 in Iraq (UNAMI).
Lightly armed with support from countries like Australia and China.
Mandatory military service age ranges from 18-25 years.
1,432 million metric tonnes of CO2 emissions (2023 est.).

Energy

Fiji's energy sector is growing, with 92% electrification of the total population as of 2022. The country generates electricity primarily from hydroelectric sources, making up 52.3% of installed capacity. Additionally, renewable resources contribute significantly to energy consumption, with an average of 25.375 million Btu per person in 2023.

427,000 kW of installed generating capacity (2023).
1.048 billion kWh of electricity consumed (2023).
36.3% of capacity from fossil fuels (2023).
10,000 bbl/day of refined petroleum consumed (2023).

Environment

Fiji faces environmental challenges, including air pollution, deforestation, and the impacts of climate change. The nation is actively participating in international environmental agreements aimed at addressing biodiversity, climate change, and other ecological issues. Urbanization is rising, with 58.7% of the population living in urban areas, leading to increased pressures on natural resources.

28.55 billion cubic meters of total renewable water resources (2022).
189,400 tons of municipal solid waste generated annually (2024).
16.1% of municipal solid waste is recycled (2022).
Party to multiple international environmental agreements including the Paris Agreement.

Transportation

Fiji's transportation network includes 26 airports and a merchant marine fleet comprising 74 vessels. The railway system primarily serves the sugar industry, with 597 km of narrow-gauge tracks. The country has also invested in its port facilities to enhance connectivity and trade.

5 ports with significant capabilities, including oil terminals.
2 heliports in operation (2025).
49,000 fixed-line telephone subscriptions (2021).

Communications

Telecommunications in Fiji are well-established, with 5.33 million mobile subscriptions as of 2024. A significant portion of the population, about 79%, has access to the internet. Broadcasting services are provided by both state-owned and private entities.

23,000 fixed broadband subscriptions (2022).
4 fixed line subscriptions per 100 inhabitants (2022).
Daily consumption of pure alcohol averaged at 2.71 liters (2019).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	951,611	2024 estimate
Area	18,274 sq km	Total land area
GDP (PPP)	$13.1 billion	2024 estimate
Unemployment Rate	4.4%	2024 estimate
Birth Rate	15.63 births/1,000 people	2025 estimate
Life Expectancy	74.8 years	2024 estimate
Electrification Rate	92%	Total population, 2022 estimate
Literacy Rate	92.4%	Female literacy, 2021 estimate
Total Energy Consumption per Capita	25.375 million Btu/person	2023 estimate
Military Expenditures	1.4% of GDP	2024 estimate