Fiji

Fiji /ˈfiːdʒi/ (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^{[citation needed]}, fiji dvip samooh gannarajy), 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.

Contents

• 1 Etymology
• 2 History
• 3 Politics
  • 3.1 2006 Military takeover
• 4 Demographics
  • 4.1 Ethnic groups
  • 4.2 Demonym
  • 4.3 Religion
• 5 Political divisions
• 6 Geography
• 7 Economy
• 8 Culture
• 9 Holidays
• 10 Language
• 11 Sport
• 12 See also
• 13 Footnotes
• 14 References
• 15 Bibliography
• 16 External links

Republic of the Fiji Islands Matanitu Tu-Vaka-i-koya ko Viti (Fijian) Fijī Ripablik फ़िजी द्वीप समूह गणराज्य (Fiji Hindi)
Flag Coat of arms
Motto: Rerevaka na Kalou ka Doka na Tui Fear God and honour the Queen
Anthem: God Bless Fiji
Capital (and largest city)		Suva 18°10′S 178°27′E / 18.167°S 178.45°E / -18.167; 178.45
Official languages		English, Bau Fijian, and Hindustani[1]
Demonym		Fiji Islander, Fijian
Government		Unelected civilian government with a military leader
-	Paramount Chief of Fiji	Queen Elizabeth II1
-	President	Ratu Josefa Iloilovatu Uluivuda (Josefa Iloilo)
-	Prime Minister	Commodore Josaia Voreqe (Frank) Bainimarama
-	GCC Chairman	Ratu Epeli Nailatikau
Independence		from the United Kingdom
-	Date	10 October 1970
Area
-	Total	18,274 km2 (155th) 7,056 sq mi
-	Water (%)	negligible
Population
-	July 2008 est. estimate	944,720 (156th)
-	Density	46/km2 (148th) 119/sq mi
GDP (PPP)		2008 estimate
-	Total	$3.668 billion[2]
-	Per capita	$4,185[2]
GDP (nominal)		2008 estimate
-	Total	$3.590 billion[2]
-	Per capita	$4,095[2]
HDI (2007)		▲0.762 (medium) (92nd)
Currency		Fijian dollar (FJD)
Time zone		(UTC+12)
Drives on the		left
Internet TLD		.fj
Calling code		679