The population of Fiji is mostly made up of native Fijians (53%), who are mostly Melanesians, although a few also have ancestry. Indo-Fijians (42%), descendants of Indian contract labourers brought to the islands by the British in the nineteenth century.

There is also a small but significant group of descendants of indentured labourers from the Solomon Islands. The other 5% are also small, but economically significant, groups of Europeans, Chinese and other minorities.

Politics of Fiji normally take place in the framework of a parliamentary representative democratic republic, whereby the Prime Minister of Fiji is the head of government, the President the head of state, and of a multi-party system. Executive power is exercised by the government. Legislative power is vested in both the government and the Parliament of Fiji. The Judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature.

Since independence from the British Government in1970, there have been four peaceful coups in Fiji, two in 1987, one in 2000 and one in late 2006. The military has been either ruling directly, or heavily influencing governments since 1987. Fiji had its first democratic election for a new Prime Minister in eight years in 2014. The previous military ruler swept to a landslide victory which was an endorsement of the government's policies of stamping out corruption and providing a government for the people.

Fiji dollar = FJD = $.

Biggest Industries: tourism and sugar cane. 2014 Tourism 1,202 million
Exports: $526 million (2007); sugar, garments, gold, fish, and mineral water.
Major markets: Australia, U.S., U.K., Japan, and New Zealand.

The national sport of Fiji is considered to be Rugby Union; however rugby league and soccer (football) is also widely played. Recently, there has also been progress and improved support for Netball.