2013 Edition

Background

Fiji became independent in 1970 after nearly a century as a British colony. Democratic rule was interrupted by two military coups in 1987 caused by concern over a government perceived as dominated by the Indian community (descendants of contract laborers brought to the islands by the British in the 19th century). The coups and a 1990 constitution that cemented native Melanesian control of Fiji led to heavy Indian emigration; the population loss resulted in economic difficulties, but ensured that Melanesians became the majority. A new constitution enacted in 1997 was more equitable. Free and peaceful elections in 1999 resulted in a government led by an Indo-Fijian, but a civilian-led coup in May 2000 ushered in a prolonged period of political turmoil. Parliamentary elections held in August 2001 provided Fiji with a democratically elected government led by Prime Minister Laisenia QARASE. Re-elected in May 2006, QARASE was ousted in a December 2006 military coup led by Commodore Voreqe BAINIMARAMA, who initially appointed himself acting president but in January 2007 became interim prime minister. Since taking power BAINIMARAMA has neutralized his opponents, crippled Fiji's democratic institutions, and initially refused to hold elections. In 2012, he promised to hold elections in 2014.

Area

18,274 sq km 18,274 sq km 0 sq km

total

18,274 sq km

water

0 sq km

Area - comparative

slightly smaller than New Jersey

Climate

tropical marine; only slight seasonal temperature variation

Coastline

1,129 km

Elevation extremes

Pacific Ocean 0 m Tomanivi 1,324 m

highest point

Tomanivi 1,324 m

lowest point

Pacific Ocean 0 m

Environment - current issues

deforestation; soil erosion

Environment - international agreements

Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands none of the selected agreements

party to

Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified

none of the selected agreements

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural)

0.08 cu km/yr (30%/11%/59%) 100.1 cu m/yr (2005)

per capita

100.1 cu m/yr (2005)

total

0.08 cu km/yr (30%/11%/59%)

Geographic coordinates

18 00 S, 175 00 E

Geography - note

includes 332 islands; approximately 110 are inhabited

Irrigated land

30 sq km (2003)

Land boundaries

0 km

Land use

9.17% 4.65% 86.17% (2011)

arable land

9.17%

other

86.17% (2011)

permanent crops

4.65%

Location

Oceania, island group in the South Pacific Ocean, about two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand

Map references

Oceania

Maritime claims

measured from claimed archipelagic straight baselines 12 nm 200 nm 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation; rectilinear shelf claim added

continental shelf

200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation; rectilinear shelf claim added

exclusive economic zone

200 nm

territorial sea

12 nm

Natural hazards

cyclonic storms can occur from November to January

Natural resources

timber, fish, gold, copper, offshore oil potential, hydropower

Terrain

mostly mountains of volcanic origin

Total renewable water resources

28.55 cu km (2011)

Age structure

28.4% (male 129,938/female 124,374) 17.4% (male 79,597/female 76,080) 41.1% (male 188,488/female 179,760) 7.6% (male 34,251/female 33,753) 5.6% (male 23,212/female 27,305) (2013 est.)

0-14 years

28.4% (male 129,938/female 124,374)

15-24 years

17.4% (male 79,597/female 76,080)

25-54 years

41.1% (male 188,488/female 179,760)

55-64 years

7.6% (male 34,251/female 33,753)

65 years and over

5.6% (male 23,212/female 27,305) (2013 est.)

Birth rate

20.28 births/1,000 population (2013 est.)

Death rate

5.96 deaths/1,000 population (2013 est.)

Dependency ratios

52.2 % 43.9 % 8.3 % 12.1 (2013)

elderly dependency ratio

8.3 %

potential support ratio

12.1 (2013)

total dependency ratio

52.2 %

youth dependency ratio

43.9 %

Drinking water source

urban: 100% of population rural: 95% of population total: 98% of population urban: 0% of population rural: 5% of population total: 2% of population (2010 est.)

rural

5% of population

total

2% of population (2010 est.)

urban

0% of population

Education expenditures

4.1% of GDP (2011)

Ethnic groups

Fijian 57.3% (predominantly Melanesian with a Polynesian admixture), Indian 37.6%, Rotuman 1.2%, other 3.9% (European, other Pacific Islanders, Chinese) (2007 census)

Health expenditures

3.8% of GDP (2011)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate

0.1% (2009 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths

fewer than 100 (2009 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS

fewer than 1,000 (2009 est.)

Hospital bed density

2.1 beds/1,000 population (2009)

Infant mortality rate

10.46 deaths/1,000 live births 11.53 deaths/1,000 live births 9.33 deaths/1,000 live births (2013 est.)

female

9.33 deaths/1,000 live births (2013 est.)

total

10.46 deaths/1,000 live births

Languages

English (official), Fijian (official), Hindustani

Life expectancy at birth

71.87 years 69.26 years 74.62 years (2013 est.)

female

74.62 years (2013 est.)

total population

71.87 years

Literacy

age 15 and over can read and write 93.7% 95.5% 91.9% (2003 est.)

definition

age 15 and over can read and write

female

91.9% (2003 est.)

male

95.5%

total population

93.7%

Major urban areas - population

SUVA (capital) 174,000 (2009)

Maternal mortality rate

26 deaths/100,000 live births (2010)

Median age

27.6 years 27.4 years 27.8 years (2013 est.)

female

27.8 years (2013 est.)

male

27.4 years

total

27.6 years

Nationality

Fijian(s) Fijian

adjective

Fijian

noun

Fijian(s)

Net migration rate

-6.99 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2013 est.)

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

30.6% (2008)

Physicians density

0.43 physicians/1,000 population (2009)

Population

896,758 (July 2013 est.)

Population growth rate

0.73% (2013 est.)

Religions

Protestant 55.4% (Methodist 34.6%, Assembly of God 5.7%, Seventh-Day Adventist 3.9%, Anglican 0.8%, other 10.4%), Hindu 27.9%, Roman Catholic 9.1%, Muslim 6.3%, Sikh 0.3%, other or unspecified 0.3%, none 0.7% (2007 census)

Sanitation facility access

urban: 94% of population rural: 71% of population total: 83% of population urban: 6% of population rural: 29% of population total: 17% of population (2010 est.)

rural

29% of population

total

17% of population (2010 est.)

urban

6% of population

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)

15.7 years (2011)

total

15.7 years (2011)

Sex ratio

1.05 male(s)/female 1.05 male(s)/female 1.05 male(s)/female 1.05 male(s)/female 1.01 male(s)/female 0.85 male(s)/female 1.03 male(s)/female (2013 est.)

0-14 years

1.05 male(s)/female

15-24 years

1.05 male(s)/female

25-54 years

1.05 male(s)/female

55-64 years

1.01 male(s)/female

65 years and over

0.85 male(s)/female

at birth

1.05 male(s)/female

total population

1.03 male(s)/female (2013 est.)

Total fertility rate

2.54 children born/woman (2013 est.)

Urbanization

52% of total population (2010) 1.3% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

rate of urbanization

1.3% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

urban population

52% of total population (2010)

Administrative divisions

4 divisions and 1 dependency*; Central, Eastern, Northern, Rotuma*, Western

Capital

Suva (on Viti Levu) 18 08 S, 178 25 E UTC+12 (17 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time) +1hr, begins fourth Sunday in October; ends third Sunday in January

daylight saving time

+1hr, begins fourth Sunday in October; ends third Sunday in January

geographic coordinates

18 08 S, 178 25 E

name

Suva (on Viti Levu)

time difference

UTC+12 (17 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Constitution

several previous; latest approved July 1997 (suspended in 2009); note - the prime minister submitted a new draft constitution in March 2013 (2013)

Country name

Republic of Fiji Fiji Republic of Fiji/Matanitu ko Viti Fiji/Viti

conventional long form

Republic of Fiji

conventional short form

Fiji

local long form

Republic of Fiji/Matanitu ko Viti

local short form

Fiji/Viti

Diplomatic representation from the US

Ambassador Frankie A. REED (since 15 October 2011) note - also accredited to Kiribati, Nauru, Tonga, and Tuvalu 158 Princes Rd, Tamavua P. O. Box 218, Suva [679] 331-4466 [679] 330-2267

chief of mission

Ambassador Frankie A. REED (since 15 October 2011) note - also accredited to Kiribati, Nauru, Tonga, and Tuvalu

embassy

158 Princes Rd, Tamavua

FAX

[679] 330-2267

mailing address

P. O. Box 218, Suva

telephone

[679] 331-4466

Diplomatic representation in the US

Ambassador Winston THOMPSON (since 20 April 2009) 2000 M Street, NW, Suite 710, Washington, DC 20036 [1] (202) 466-8320 [1] (202) 466-8325

chancery

2000 M Street, NW, Suite 710, Washington, DC 20036

chief of mission

Ambassador Winston THOMPSON (since 20 April 2009)

FAX

[1] (202) 466-8325

telephone

[1] (202) 466-8320

Executive branch

President Ratu Epeli NAILATIKAU (since 30 July 2009) Prime Minister Laisenia QARASE (since 10 September 2000); note - although QARASE is still the legal prime minister, he has been confined to his home island; former President ILOILOVATU appointed Commodore Voreqe "Frank" BAINIMARAMA interim prime minister under the military regime Cabinet appointed by the prime minister from among the members of Parliament and responsible to Parliament; note - coup leader Commodore Voreqe BAINIMARAMA has appointed an interim cabinet under the constitution, president elected by the Great Council of Chiefs for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); in 2007 the Great Council of Chiefs was suspended from its role in electing the president; prime minister appointed by the president Ratu Epeli NAILATIKAU was appointed by Chief Justice Anthony GATES

cabinet

Cabinet appointed by the prime minister from among the members of Parliament and responsible to Parliament; note - coup leader Commodore Voreqe BAINIMARAMA has appointed an interim cabinet

chief of state

President Ratu Epeli NAILATIKAU (since 30 July 2009)

election results

Ratu Epeli NAILATIKAU was appointed by Chief Justice Anthony GATES

elections

under the constitution, president elected by the Great Council of Chiefs for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); in 2007 the Great Council of Chiefs was suspended from its role in electing the president; prime minister appointed by the president

head of government

Prime Minister Laisenia QARASE (since 10 September 2000); note - although QARASE is still the legal prime minister, he has been confined to his home island; former President ILOILOVATU appointed Commodore Voreqe "Frank" BAINIMARAMA interim prime minister under the military regime

Flag description

light blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Fijian shield centered on the outer half of the flag; the blue symbolizes the Pacific ocean and the Union Jack reflects the links with Great Britain; the shield - taken from Fiji's coat of arms - depicts a yellow lion above a white field quartered by the cross of Saint George; the four quarters depict stalks of sugarcane, a palm tree, bananas, and a white dove

Government type

republic

Independence

10 October 1970 (from the UK)

International law organization participation

has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

International organization participation

ACP, ADB, AOSIS, C (suspended), CP, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NAM, OPCW, PCA, PIF, Sparteca (suspended), SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMISS, UNMIT, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Judicial branch

Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice, all justices of the Court of Appeal, and judges appointed specifically as Supreme Court judges); Court of Appeal (consists of the court president, all puisne judges of the High Court, and judges specifically appointed to the Court of Appeal); High Court (chaired by the chief justice and includes a minimum of 10 puisne judges; High Court organized into civil, criminal, family, employment, and tax divisions) note - in 1987, the Supreme Court assumed functions formerly performed by the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (in London) chief justice appointed by the president of Fiji on the advice of the prime minister following consultation with the parliamentary leader of the opposition; judges of the Supreme Court, the president of the Court of Appeal, the justices of the Court of Appeal, and puisne judges of the High Court are appointed by the president of Fiji, upon the nomination of the Judicial Service Commission, after consulting with the cabinet minister and the committee of the House of Representatives responsible for the administration of justice; the chief justice, Supreme Court judges, and justices of Appeal generally required to retire at age 70, but may be waived for one or more sessions of the court; puisine judges appointed for not less than 4 years nor more than 7 years with mandatory retirement at age 65 Magistrates' Court (organized into civil, criminal, juvenile, and small claims divisions)

highest court(s)

Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice, all justices of the Court of Appeal, and judges appointed specifically as Supreme Court judges); Court of Appeal (consists of the court president, all puisne judges of the High Court, and judges specifically appointed to the Court of Appeal); High Court (chaired by the chief justice and includes a minimum of 10 puisne judges; High Court organized into civil, criminal, family, employment, and tax divisions)

judge selection and term of office

chief justice appointed by the president of Fiji on the advice of the prime minister following consultation with the parliamentary leader of the opposition; judges of the Supreme Court, the president of the Court of Appeal, the justices of the Court of Appeal, and puisne judges of the High Court are appointed by the president of Fiji, upon the nomination of the Judicial Service Commission, after consulting with the cabinet minister and the committee of the House of Representatives responsible for the administration of justice; the chief justice, Supreme Court judges, and justices of Appeal generally required to retire at age 70, but may be waived for one or more sessions of the court; puisine judges appointed for not less than 4 years nor more than 7 years with mandatory retirement at age 65

subordinate courts

Magistrates' Court (organized into civil, criminal, juvenile, and small claims divisions)

Legal system

common law system based on the English model

Legislative branch

bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (32 seats; 14 members appointed by the president on the advice of the Great Council of Chiefs, 9 appointed by the president on the advice of the Prime Minister, 8 on the advice of the opposition leader, and 1 appointed on the advice of the council of Rotuma) and the House of Representatives (71 seats; 23 members reserved for ethnic Fijians, 19 reserved for ethnic Indians, 3 reserved for other ethnic groups, 1 reserved for the council of Rotuma constituency encompassing the whole of Fiji, and 25 open seats; members serve five-year terms) House of Representatives - last held on 6-13 May 2006 (long delayed, the next elections reportedly will be held in 2014) House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - SDL 44.6%, FLP 39.2%, UPP 0.8%, independents 4.9%, other 10.5%; seats by party - SDL 36, FLP 31, UPP 2, independents 2

election results

House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - SDL 44.6%, FLP 39.2%, UPP 0.8%, independents 4.9%, other 10.5%; seats by party - SDL 36, FLP 31, UPP 2, independents 2

elections

House of Representatives - last held on 6-13 May 2006 (long delayed, the next elections reportedly will be held in 2014)

National anthem

"God Bless Fiji" Michael Francis Alexander PRESCOTT/C. Austin MILES (adapted by Michael Francis Alexander PRESCOTT) adopted 1970; the anthem is known in Fijian as "Meda Dau Doka" (Let Us Show Pride); adapted from the hymn, "Dwelling in Beulah Land," the anthem's English lyrics are generally sung, although they differ in meaning from the official Fijian lyrics

lyrics/music

Michael Francis Alexander PRESCOTT/C. Austin MILES (adapted by Michael Francis Alexander PRESCOTT)

name

"God Bless Fiji"

National holiday

Independence Day, second Monday of October (1970)

Political parties and leaders

Dodonu Ni Taukei Party or DNT [Fereti S. DEWA] Fiji Democratic Party or FDP [Filipe BOLE] (a merger of the Christian Democrat Alliance or VLV [Poesci Waqalevu BUNE], Fijian Association Party or FAP, Fijian Political Party or SVT [Sitiveni RABUKA] (primarily Fijian), and New Labor Unity Party or NLUP [Ofa SWANN]) Fiji Labor Party or FLP [Mahendra CHAUDHRY] General Voters Party or GVP (became part of United General Party) Girmit Heritage Party or GHP Justice and Freedom Party or AIM Lio 'On Famor Rotuma Party or LFR National Federation Party or NFP [Pramond RAE] (primarily Indian) Nationalist Vanua Takolavo Party or NVTLP [Saula TELAWA] Party of National Unity or PANU [Ponipate LESAVUA] Party of the Truth or POTT United Fiji Party/Sogosogo Duavata ni Lewenivanua or SDL [Laisenia QARASE] United Peoples Party or UPP [Millis Mick BEDDOES]

Political pressure groups and leaders

Group Against Racial Discrimination or GARD [Dr. Anirudk SINGH] (for restoration of a democratic government) Viti Landowners Association

Suffrage

21 years of age; universal

Agriculture - products

sugarcane, coconuts, cassava (manioc), rice, sweet potatoes, bananas; cattle, pigs, horses, goats; fish

Budget

$1.062 billion $1.127 billion (2012 est.)

expenditures

$1.127 billion (2012 est.)

revenues

$1.062 billion

Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-)

-1.7% of GDP (2012 est.)

Central bank discount rate

1.75% (31 December 2010 est.) 3% (31 December 2009 est.)

Commercial bank prime lending rate

7% (31 December 2012 est.) 7.47% (31 December 2011 est.)

Current account balance

$-425.1 million (2012 est.) $-363.4 million (2011 est.)

Debt - external

$685.5 million (31 December 2012 est.) $860.7 million (31 December 2011 est.)

Economy - overview

Fiji, endowed with forest, mineral, and fish resources, is one of the most developed of the Pacific island economies though still with a large subsistence sector. Sugar exports, remittances from Fijians working abroad, and a growing tourist industry - with 400,000 to 500,000 tourists annually - are the major sources of foreign exchange. Fiji's sugar has special access to European Union markets but will be harmed by the EU's decision to cut sugar subsidies. Sugar processing makes up one-third of industrial activity but is not efficient. Fiji's tourism industry was damaged by the December 2006 coup and is facing an uncertain recovery time. In 2007 tourist arrivals were down almost 6%, with substantial job losses in the service sector, and GDP dipped. The coup has created a difficult business climate. The EU has suspended all aid until the interim government takes steps toward new elections. Long-term problems include low investment, uncertain land ownership rights, and the government's inability to manage its budget. Overseas remittances from Fijians working in Kuwait and Iraq have decreased significantly. Fiji's current account deficit peaked at 23% of GDP in 2006, and declined to 12.5% of GDP in 2012.

Exchange rates

Fijian dollars (FJD) per US dollar - 1.79 (2012 est.) 1.79 (2011 est.) 1.92 (2010 est.)

Exports

$932.4 million (2012 est.) $847.7 million (2011 est.)

Exports - commodities

sugar, garments, gold, timber, fish, molasses, coconut oil

Exports - partners

US 14.6%, Australia 13.2%, Japan 6.9%, Samoa 5.8%, Tonga 5.1% (2012)

Fiscal year

calendar year

GDP - composition, by end use

76.6% 13.7% 22.5% -1.9% 49.4% -60.3% (2012 est.)

exports of goods and services

49.4%

government consumption

13.7%

household consumption

76.6%

imports of goods and services

-60.3%

investment in fixed capital

22.5%

investment in inventories

-1.9%

GDP - composition, by sector of origin

11.7% 18.1% 70.1% (2012 est.)

agriculture

11.7%

industry

18.1%

services

70.1% (2012 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$4,700 (2012 est.) $4,700 (2011 est.) $4,600 (2010 est.) data are in 2012 US dollars

GDP - real growth rate

2.2% (2012 est.) 1.9% (2011 est.) 0.1% (2010 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate)

$3.97 billion (2012 est.)

GDP (purchasing power parity)

$4.261 billion (2012 est.) $4.169 billion (2011 est.) $4.093 billion (2010 est.) data are in 2012 US dollars

Household income or consumption by percentage share

2.6% 34.9% (2009 est.)

highest 10%

34.9% (2009 est.)

lowest 10%

2.6%

Imports

$1.867 billion (2012 est.) $1.698 billion (2011 est.)

Imports - commodities

manufactured goods, machinery and transport equipment, petroleum products, food, chemicals

Imports - partners

Singapore 32.8%, Australia 15.5%, NZ 14.5%, China 10.7% (2012)

Industrial production growth rate

4%

Industries

tourism, sugar, clothing, copra, gold, silver, lumber, small cottage industries

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

4.4% (2012 est.) 8.7% (2011 est.)

Labor force

335,000 (2007 est.)

Labor force - by occupation

70% 30% (2001 est.)

agriculture

70%

industry and services

30% (2001 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares

$1.372 billion (31 December 2011) $1.404 billion (31 December 2010) $1.607 billion (31 December 2009)

Population below poverty line

31% (2009 est.)

Public debt

53.5% of GDP (2012 est.) 52.1% of GDP (2011 est.)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold

$921.4 million (31 December 2012 est.) $833.5 million (31 December 2011 est.)

Stock of broad money

$2.495 billion (31 December 2011 est.) $2.24 billion (31 December 2010 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad

$44.08 million (31 December 2012 est.) $44.88 million (31 December 2011 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home

$2.903 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $2.621 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Stock of domestic credit

$1.958 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $1.868 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Stock of narrow money

$1.453 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $1.098 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Taxes and other revenues

26.7% of GDP (2012 est.)

Unemployment rate

7.6% (1999)

Carbon dioxide emissions from consumption of energy

1.445 million Mt (2011 est.)

Crude oil - exports

0 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Crude oil - imports

0 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Crude oil - production

30 bbl/day (2012 est.)

Crude oil - proved reserves

0 bbl (1 January 2013 es)

Electricity - consumption

808.3 million kWh (2010 est.)

Electricity - exports

0 kWh (2012 est.)

Electricity - from fossil fuels

49% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)

Electricity - from hydroelectric plants

45.3% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)

Electricity - from nuclear fuels

0% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)

Electricity - from other renewable sources

5.7% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)

Electricity - imports

0 kWh (2012 est.)

Electricity - installed generating capacity

245,100 kW (2010 est.)

Electricity - production

836.1 million kWh (2011 est.)

Natural gas - consumption

0 cu m (2010 est.)

Natural gas - exports

0 cu m (2011 est.)

Natural gas - imports

0 cu m (2011 est.)

Natural gas - production

0 cu m (2011 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves

0 cu m (1 January 2013 es)

Refined petroleum products - consumption

17,810 bbl/day (2011 est.)

Refined petroleum products - exports

691.6 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Refined petroleum products - imports

10,050 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Refined petroleum products - production

0 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Broadcast media

Fiji TV, a publicly traded company, operates a free-to-air channel as well as Sky Fiji and Sky Pacific multi-channel pay-TV services; state-owned commercial company, Fiji Broadcasting Corporation, Ltd, operates 6 radio stations - 2 public broadcasters and 4 commercial broadcasters with multiple repeaters; 5 radio stations with repeaters operated by Communications Fiji, Ltd; transmissions of multiple international broadcasters are available (2009)

Internet country code

.fj

Internet hosts

21,739 (2012)

Internet users

114,200 (2009)

Telephone system

modern local, interisland, and international (wire/radio integrated) public and special-purpose telephone, telegraph, and teleprinter facilities; regional radio communications center telephone or radio telephone links to almost all inhabited islands; most towns and large villages have automatic telephone exchanges and direct dialing; combined fixed and mobile-cellular teledensity roughly 100 per 100 persons country code - 679; access to important cable links between US and Canada as well as between NZ and Australia; satellite earth stations - 2 Inmarsat (Pacific Ocean) (2011)

domestic

telephone or radio telephone links to almost all inhabited islands; most towns and large villages have automatic telephone exchanges and direct dialing; combined fixed and mobile-cellular teledensity roughly 100 per 100 persons

general assessment

modern local, interisland, and international (wire/radio integrated) public and special-purpose telephone, telegraph, and teleprinter facilities; regional radio communications center

international

country code - 679; access to important cable links between US and Canada as well as between NZ and Australia; satellite earth stations - 2 Inmarsat (Pacific Ocean) (2011)

Telephones - main lines in use

88,400 (2012)

Telephones - mobile cellular

858,800 (2012)

Airports

28 (2013)

Airports - with paved runways

2 (2013)

1,524 to 2,437 m

1

914 to 1,523 m

2 (2013)

over 3,047 m

1

total

4

Airports - with unpaved runways

19 (2013)

914 to 1,523 m

5

total

24

Merchant marine

passenger 4, passenger/cargo 4, refrigerated cargo 1, roll on/roll off 2 2 (Australia 2) (2010)

foreign-owned

2 (Australia 2) (2010)

total

11

Ports and terminals

Lautoka, Levuka, Suva

major seaport(s)

Lautoka, Levuka, Suva

Railways

597 km 597 km 0.600-m gauge belongs to the government-owned Fiji Sugar Corporation; used to haul sugarcane during the harvest season, which runs from May to December (2008)

total

597 km

Roadways

3,440 km 1,686 km 1,754 km (2011)

total

3,440 km

unpaved

1,754 km (2011)

Waterways

203 km (122 km are navigable by motorized craft and 200-metric-ton barges) (2012)

Manpower available for military service

233,240 222,587 (2010 est.)

females age 16-49

222,587 (2010 est.)

males age 16-49

233,240

Manpower fit for military service

183,730 188,325 (2010 est.)

females age 16-49

188,325 (2010 est.)

males age 16-49

183,730

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually

8,403 8,039 (2010 est.)

female

8,039 (2010 est.)

male

8,403

Military branches

Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF): Land Forces, Naval Forces (2011)

Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF)

Land Forces, Naval Forces (2011)

Military expenditures

1.6% of GDP (2012)

Military service age and obligation

18 years of age for voluntary military service; mandatory retirement at age 55 (2013)

Disputes - international

none