# Fiji

> island sovereign state in Oceania

**Wikidata**: [Q712](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q712)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiji)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/fiji

## Summary

Fiji is an island country in Insular Oceania[1]. It was established on January 1, 1970, and its capital is Suva[1].The country has three official languages: English, Fijian, and Fiji Hindi[1]. It covers an area of 18k square kilometers[1].Fiji operates in the UTC+12:00 and Pacific/Fiji time zone[2].

## Summary
Fiji is an island sovereign state located in Oceania, known for its archipelagic geography and status as a unitary state. It gained independence in 1970 and operates as a constitutional republic with a parliamentary system. Fiji is recognized for its diverse culture, tropical climate, and strategic position in the Pacific Ocean.

## Key Facts
- **Official Name**: Republic of Fiji (preferred), also known as Matanitu Tugalala o Viti, Fijī Gaṇarājya, and República de Fiyi.
- **Area**: 18,274 square kilometers.
- **Capital**: Suva.
- **Independence Date**: 1970.
- **Population**: 926,276 (2018 estimate).
- **Coordinates**: Latitude -18°, Longitude 178°.
- **Continent**: Oceania (Insular Oceania).
- **Bordering Countries**: None (island nation).
- **Highest Point**: Mount Tomanivi (1,324 meters).
- **Lowest Point**: Pacific Ocean (0 meters).
- **Timezone**: UTC+12:00, Pacific/Fiji.
- **National Flag**: Flag of Fiji.
- **Coat of Arms**: Coat of arms of Fiji.
- **Anthem**: God Bless Fiji.
- **Motto**: Rerevaka na Kalou ka Doka na Tui (Fear God and honour the Queen).
- **Nicknames**: Viti, The Way the World Should Be.
- **National Languages**: English, Fijian, Fiji Hindi.
- **Currency**: Fijian dollar (since 1969).
- **Driving Side**: Left-hand traffic.
- **Electricity**: 240 volts, 50 Hz; plug types include AS/NZS 3112.
- **Emergency Number**: 000, 911, 919 (police).
- **International Calling Code**: +679.
- **Internet TLD**: .fj.
- **ISO Codes**: Alpha-2: FJ, Alpha-3: FJI, Numeric: 242.
- **M49 Code**: 242.
- **Aircraft Registration Prefix**: DQ.
- **Licence Plate Code**: FJI (since 1971).
- **Maritime Identification Digits**: 520.
- **Mobile Country Code**: 542.

## FAQs
**What type of government does Fiji have?**
Fiji is a sovereign state and constitutional republic with a parliamentary system. The head of state is the President, and the head of government is the Prime Minister.

**What is Fiji's current population and demographic profile?**
As of 2018, Fiji's population is approximately 926,276. The population has grown steadily from around 393,383 in 1960. The country has a diverse demographic with a mix of indigenous Fijians, Indo-Fijians, and other ethnic groups.

**What are Fiji's economic indicators?**
Fiji's nominal GDP was $4.296 billion in 2021 and $4.943 billion in 2022. The Gini coefficient is 30.7 (2019), indicating moderate income inequality. The unemployment rate was 8% in 2014.

**What international organizations is Fiji a member of?**
Fiji is a member of the United Nations (since 1970), World Trade Organization, International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, International Development Association, International Finance Corporation, Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency, International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes, Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States, Alliance of Small Island States, Asian Development Bank, Interpol, Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, International Hydrographic Organization, UNESCO, Universal Postal Union, International Telecommunication Union, World Meteorological Organization, World Health Organization, and the World Customs Organization.

**What is Fiji's human development status?**
Fiji's Human Development Index (HDI) is 0.730 (2021), classified as "High." The Inequality-adjusted HDI is 0.608 (2013). Life expectancy at birth is 68 years (2022).

**What are Fiji's major holidays and public celebrations?**
Public holidays include New Year's Day (January 1), International Workers' Day, Christmas, and other cultural and religious festivals.

**What administrative divisions does Fiji have?**
Fiji is divided into four main divisions: Central Division, Eastern Division, Western Division, and Northern Division. It also includes the dependency of Rotuma.

**What is Fiji's relationship with neighboring countries?**
Fiji shares maritime borders with several Pacific nations, including the Solomon Islands. It maintains diplomatic relations with countries such as Australia, China, the United States, India, and New Zealand.

## Why It Matters
Fiji matters as a significant island nation in the Pacific Ocean, known for its strategic location, diverse culture, and economic potential. It plays a crucial role in regional affairs and international organizations, contributing to global discussions on climate change, sustainable development, and Pacific Island issues. Fiji's unique blend of indigenous and colonial influences, along with its tropical environment, makes it a notable destination for tourism and cultural exchange.

## Notable For
- **Tourism**: Known for its pristine beaches, coral reefs, and luxury resorts.
- **Cultural Diversity**: Home to a mix of indigenous Fijians, Indo-Fijians, and other ethnic groups.
- **Biodiversity**: Rich marine and terrestrial ecosystems, including the Great Astrolabe Reef.
- **Sports**: Strong tradition in rugby, with the national team competing internationally.
- **Diplomatic Relations**: Active member in various international organizations and maintain diplomatic ties with numerous countries.
- **Economic Growth**: Steady economic development with a focus on tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing.
- **Environmental Conservation**: Commitment to preserving its natural resources and addressing climate change impacts.

## Body

### History and Independence
Fiji's path to sovereignty began with its independence from the United Kingdom on October 10, 1970. The country emerged from a period of British colonial rule, which began in 1874. The Declaration of Independence was formalized following negotiations between the UK and Fijian leaders.

Prior to independence, the territory was known as the Colony of Fiji and was part of the British Empire. The country's name derives from the Fijian word "Viti," which refers to the main island group.

### Geography and Environment
Fiji occupies a territory of 18,274 square kilometers in the South Pacific Ocean. The country lies at coordinates latitude -18° and longitude 178°, placing it entirely in the Southern Hemisphere. The landscape is characterized by volcanic islands, coral reefs, and lush tropical forests, with the highest point being Mount Tomanivi at 1,324 meters.

The country is an archipelagic state, consisting of more than 330 islands, with the two major islands being Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. The lowest point is at sea level (0 meters) along the Pacific Ocean. The climate is tropical marine, with warm temperatures year-round and a distinct wet season.

### Government and Politics
Fiji operates as a parliamentary constitutional republic. The President serves as the head of state, and the Prime Minister serves as the head of government. The executive body is the Government of Fiji, and the legislative body is the Parliament of Fiji, which is unicameral.

The country's political system is characterized by a multi-party democracy, with regular elections. Fiji's democracy index score reflects its commitment to democratic governance and political stability in the Pacific region.

### Demographics and Society
As of 2018, the population is approximately 926,276. The population has grown from approximately 393,383 in 1960 to over 926,276 in 2018, with a mix of urban and rural populations. The life expectancy at birth is approximately 68 years (2022).

The official languages are English, Fijian, and Fiji Hindi. The society is diverse, with a significant portion of the population being indigenous Fijians and Indo-Fijians. The age of majority is 18, and the preferred retirement age is 60.

### Economy and Infrastructure
The economy is characterized by a mixed economy with a focus on tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing. The nominal GDP was $4.296 billion in 2021 and $4.943 billion in 2022. The Gini coefficient (income inequality) is 30.7 (2019). The unemployment rate was 8% in 2014.

The currency is the Fijian dollar (since 1969), replacing the Fijian pound (1873-1969). The Reserve Bank of Fiji serves as the central bank. The electrical system operates at 240V and 50Hz using AS/NZS 3112 plugs.

### International Relations and Memberships
Fiji maintains diplomatic relations with numerous countries, including Australia, China, the United States, India, and New Zealand. It is a member of the United Nations (since 1970), World Trade Organization, International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, International Development Association, International Finance Corporation, Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency, International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes, Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States, Alliance of Small Island States, Asian Development Bank, Interpol, Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, International Hydrographic Organization, UNESCO, Universal Postal Union, International Telecommunication Union, World Meteorological Organization, World Health Organization, and the World Customs Organization.

### Symbols and Culture
The national flag is the Flag of Fiji. The coat of arms is the Coat of arms of Fiji. The anthem is God Bless Fiji. The motto is Rerevaka na Kalou ka Doka na Tui (Fear God and honour the Queen). The country is known by the nickname Viti.

Cultural highlights include the historic capital of Suva, one of the Pacific's significant urban centers. The country is also known for its contributions to sports, particularly rugby, and its vibrant cultural festivals.

### Administrative Divisions
Fiji is divided into four main divisions: Central Division, Eastern Division, Western Division, and Northern Division. Each division has its own administrative and political structure, contributing to the country's regional diversity. The dependency of Rotuma is also part of Fiji.

### Technical Identifiers and Standards
The country uses the .fj top-level internet domain and has an international calling code of +679. The aircraft registration prefix is DQ. The license plate code is FJI (since 1971). The maritime identification digits are 520. The mobile country code is 542.

The ISO codes are Alpha-2: FJ, Alpha-3: FJI, Numeric: 242. The M49 code is 242. The emergency number is 000, 911, and 919 (police). The timezone is UTC+12:00, Pacific/Fiji.

## References

1. [The World Factbook](https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/fj.html)
2. [ISO 3166-2](https://www.iso.org/obp/ui/#iso:code:3166:FJ)
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. BnF authorities
5. CiNii Research
6. [Source](https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/policies/eu-list-of-non-cooperative-jurisdictions/)
7. [Source](https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/policies/eu-list-of-non-cooperative-jurisdictions/timeline-eu-list-of-non-cooperative-jurisdictions/)
8. [Source](https://www.workwithdata.com/place/fiji)
9. [Source](https://data.iana.org/time-zones/tzdb-2021e/australasia)
10. [Interpol](https://www.interpol.int/Member-countries/World)
11. [Source](https://www.interpol.int/Who-we-are/Member-countries/Asia-South-Pacific/FIJI)
12. [Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons](https://www.opcw.org/about-opcw/member-states/)
13. [Source](https://www.opcw.org/about-us/member-states/fiji)
14. [International Hydrographic Organization](https://www.iho.int/srv1/index.php?option=com_wrapper&view=wrapper&Itemid=452&lang=en)
15. [Source](http://www.unesco.org/eri/cp/ListeMS_Indicators.asp)
16. [Source](http://www.upu.int/en/the-upu/member-countries.html)
17. [Source](https://www.upu.int/en/Universal-Postal-Union/About-UPU/Member-Countries?csid=-1&cid=117)
18. [Source](https://www.itu.int/online/mm/scripts/gensel8)
19. [Source](https://public.wmo.int/en/members/fiji)
20. [Source](https://www.who.int/choice/demography/by_country/en/)
21. [Source](https://thecommonwealth.org/our-member-countries/fiji)
22. [Source](https://www.wcoomd.org/-/media/wco/public/global/pdf/about-us/wco-members/list-of-members-with-membership-date.pdf)
23. [Source](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_parties_to_the_Treaty_on_the_Non-Proliferation_of_Nuclear_Weapons)
24. [Source](https://www.ncnk.org/sites/default/files/content/resources/publications/NCNK_Issue_Brief_DPRK_Diplomatic_Relations.pdf)
25. Integrated Authority File
26. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
27. FIPS 10-4
28. MusicBrainz
29. [Human Development Report. 2022](https://hdr.undp.org/data-center/human-development-index#/indicies/HDI)
30. World Bank Open Data
31. [World Bank Open Data](https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.POP.TOTL)
32. [Source](https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SI.POV.GINI)
33. [Source](http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS)
34. [Source](http://cnig.gouv.fr/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/CNT-PVM_r%C3%A9vis%C3%A9_2020-01-27-1.pdf)
35. The National Terminology Database for Irish
36. [Source](https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world/freedom-world-2017)
37. BBC Things
38. [World Bank](https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NY.GDP.MKTP.CD)
39. [UNESCO Institute for Statistics](http://data.uis.unesco.org/Index.aspx?DataSetCode=DEMO_DS)
40. [UNESCO Institute for Statistics](http://data.uis.unesco.org/index.aspx?queryid=3372)
41. [International Numbering Resources Database](http://www.itu.int/net/itu-t/inrdb/e129_important_numbers.aspx)
42. [World Plugs](http://www.iec.ch/worldplugs/list_bylocation.htm)
43. UMLS 2023
44. English as a Global Language, second edition
45. [Source](https://countrycodebase.com/undp/)
46. Aligned ISNI and Ringgold identifiers for institutions
47. [Source](https://apps.who.int/gho/athena/data/xmart.csv?target=GHO/SDGSUICIDE,SDG_SH_STA_SCIDEN&profile=crosstable&filter=COUNTRY:*;REGION:*;AGEGROUP:-&x-sideaxis=COUNTRY;SEX&x-topaxis=GHO;YEAR)
48. [UNESCO Institute for Statistics](http://data.uis.unesco.org/index.aspx?queryid=239)
49. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiort.php)
50. [Gazetteer](https://github.com/EnvironmentOntology/gaz/blob/master/src/ontology/gaz_countries.csv)