Country
Countries A-Z
Fiji
Republic of the Fiji Islands
Matanitu Tu-Vaka-i-koya ko Viti (Fijian)
Fiji Ripablik (Hindustani)
Political Status: Voluntarily assumed the status of a British dependency in 1874; became an independent member of the Commonwealth on October 10, 1970; republic declared on October 15, 1987; current constitution promulgated on July 25, 1997, with effect from July 27, 1998; constitution abrogated by presidential decree on April 10, 2009; country led by military-backed interim government.
Area: 7,055 sq. mi. (18,272 sq. km).
Population: 880,391 (2012E—UN); 890,057 (2012E—U.S. Census).
Major Urban Center: SUVA, 74,481 (center), 173,137 (urban area) (2007C).
Official Languages: English, Fijian (Na Vosa Vakaviti), and Hindustani (Fijian Hindi).
Monetary Unit: Fiji Dollar (official rate November 5, 2012: 1.77 dollars = $1US).
President (Interim): Ratu Epeli NAILATIKAU; appointed vice president on April 17, 2009, by President Josefa ILOILO; became ...