Fiji
Fiji is a sovereign Melanesian archipelago in the South Pacific, serving as a major regional hub for commerce and transport. The country has a current population of approximately 938,000 and an estimated GDP per capita of 6,888 USD, reflecting its status as one of the more developed island economies.
Where is Fiji?
Fiji
- Continent
- Oceania
- Country
- Fiji
- Coordinates
- -17.71°, 178.06°
Population Details
- Population
- 938.1K
- Area
- 18,272 km²
- Density per km²
- 51 / km²
- Growth rate
- +0.50%
- Annual growth
- +4.7K people
- Daily growth
- +12.87 people
- World population share
- 0.01%
Population Trend
Historical series from 1960 to 2026
Population & Social Snapshot
Age structure, urbanization, and benchmark indicators for Fiji
Age Distribution
Urbanization
Health & Education Benchmarks
Quick Facts
- Capital
- Suva
- Region
- Oceania
- Area
- 18,272 km²
- Languages
- English, Fijian, Fiji Hindi
- Currency
- Fijian dollar ($)
- Timezones
- UTC+12:00
- UN Member
- Yes
Economy
The economy of Fiji is driven primarily by a robust tourism sector and the export of sugar and bottled water, with an estimated GDP per capita of 6,888 USD. Recent data indicates an annual GDP growth rate of 3.53%, while the unemployment rate stands at approximately 5.3%. In global terms, the nation’s GDP per capita ranks 123 of 212, which is the 2nd highest out of 5 countries in Melanesia. For unemployment, Fiji ranks 89 of 186 globally, reflecting relatively stable labor conditions compared to many regional peers.
Society
Social development in Fiji is characterized by a high degree of urbanization, with approximately 59.1% of residents living in urban centers like Suva. Current data shows that life expectancy at birth is approximately 67.5 years, which ranks 171 of 215 nations globally. Internet connectivity is a significant regional strength, as approximately 74.7% of the population uses the internet, placing the country 122 of 212 in global rankings. The nation maintains a diverse cultural identity, with iTaukei and Indo-Fijian communities forming the largest ethnic groups.
Climate & Environment
Fiji possesses a tropical marine climate where temperatures remain warm throughout the year, typically ranging between 22 °C (72 °F) and 30 °C (86 °F). The archipelago features a coastline of 1,129 km (702 mi) and is subject to a distinct wet season between November and April when tropical cyclones are most frequent.
Government & Politics
- Government Type
- parliamentary republic
- Independence
- 1970-10-10 (UK)
Fiji is a parliamentary republic where the President serves as the head of state and the Prime Minister acts as the head of government. The political system is governed by the 2013 Constitution, which established a secular state and a unicameral Parliament. Members of Parliament are elected through a proportional representation system, ensuring a broad reflection of the national electorate. The Prime Minister is typically the leader of the party that commands a majority in the legislature. Historically, the nation has experienced periods of political transition and constitutional reform intended to address ethnic representation and democratic stability. The legal system is based on British common law, integrated with local statutes. Governance is centered in the capital, Suva, which serves as the administrative heart for the nation's 14 provinces. The government maintains a focus on regional leadership within the Pacific Islands Forum and active participation as a United Nations member.
History
The history of Fiji began with the arrival of Lapita explorers more than 3,000 years ago, leading to the development of a unique Melanesian society with Polynesian influences. European contact intensified in the early 19th century through the sandalwood and beche-de-mer trades. On 15 October 1874, Fiji was formally ceded to the United Kingdom, becoming a British colony. During the colonial era, the British authorities brought nearly 60,000 indentured laborers from India to work on sugar plantations, a policy that fundamentally altered the demographic landscape. Fiji gained independence from the UK on 10 October 1970, initially as a dominion within the Commonwealth. The late 20th century was marked by political instability, including two military coups in 1987 that led to the declaration of a republic. Subsequent political upheavals in May 2000 and December 2006 further shaped the national trajectory. In recent years, the country has focused on constitutional reform and democratic consolidation. Modern Fiji is characterized by its multicultural identity, with iTaukei making up 56.8% and Indo-Fijians 37.5% of the population. The nation has transitioned from a sugar-dependent economy to a diverse tourism and service-oriented state, while maintaining its role as a diplomatic and logistical center for the Oceania region.
Notable Facts
- Mount Tomanivi, the highest point in the country, rises to 1324 m (4344 ft) on the island of Viti Levu.
- The archipelago consists of more than 300 islands and 500 islets, covering a total land area of 18272 km² (7055 sq mi).
- Fiji is home to the Great Sea Reef, which is the third-largest barrier reef system in the world.
- The nation is officially multi-linguistic, recognizing English, Fijian, and Fiji Hindi as official languages.
- Traditional Fijian culture centers around the communal consumption of kava, a drink made from the crushed root of the yaqona plant.
Geography
- Highest Point
- Mount Tomanivi (1,324 m)
- Lowest Point
- Pacific Ocean (0 m)
- Coastline
- 1,129 km
Major Cities
Largest Cities in FijiExplore weather and climate data for cities in Fiji
Climate & Weather
View full climate guideMonthly averages for Suva
| Month | Temp | Feels Like | Rain | Sun | Humidity | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 29°C / 26°C | 34°C / 30°C | 27days (391 mm) Wet | 9.5h Good | 84% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| February | 29°C / 26°C | 35°C / 30°C | 27days (354 mm) Wet | 9.5h Good | 85% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| March | 29°C / 26°C | 34°C / 30°C | 28days (381 mm) Wet | 8.4h Good | 84% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| April | 28°C / 26°C | 33°C / 29°C | 25days (295 mm) Wet | 9.5h Good | 84% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| May | 27°C / 25°C | 31°C / 27°C | 24days (253 mm) Wet | 8.8h Good | 82% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| June best | 26°C / 24°C | 29°C / 25°C | 18days (137 mm) Wet | 9.1h Good | 79% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| July best | 26°C / 23°C | 28°C / 25°C | 21days (129 mm) Wet | 9.3h Good | 80% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| August best | 25°C / 23°C | 27°C / 24°C | 18days (158 mm) Wet | 9.4h Good | 79% Humid | Excellent | View Details |
| September best | 25°C / 23°C | 28°C / 24°C | 20days (147 mm) Wet | 10.1h Excellent | 80% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| October best | 26°C / 24°C | 30°C / 26°C | 22days (166 mm) Wet | 10.4h Excellent | 81% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| November | 27°C / 25°C | 33°C / 28°C | 25days (233 mm) Wet | 10.5h Excellent | 84% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| December | 28°C / 25°C | 33°C / 29°C | 26days (360 mm) Wet | 10.1h Excellent | 84% Humid | Wet | View Details |
Temperature
Line chart showing monthly temperatures. Jan: 29°C / 26°C . Feb: 29°C / 26°C . Mar: 29°C / 26°C . Apr: 28°C / 26°C . May: 27°C / 25°C . Jun: 26°C / 24°C . Jul: 26°C / 23°C . Aug: 25°C / 23°C . Sep: 25°C / 23°C . Oct: 26°C / 24°C . Nov: 27°C / 25°C . Dec: 28°C / 25°C .
Rainfall
Bar chart showing monthly rainfall. Jan: 391 mm. Feb: 354 mm. Mar: 381 mm. Apr: 295 mm. May: 253 mm. Jun: 137 mm. Jul: 129 mm. Aug: 158 mm. Sep: 147 mm. Oct: 166 mm. Nov: 233 mm. Dec: 360 mm.
Frequently Asked Questions
The population of Fiji is approximately 938.1K (2024).
The capital of Fiji is Suva.
Fiji's GDP per capita is $6.9K (2024).
Life expectancy in Fiji is 67.46 years (2024).
Fiji covers 18,272 km² (7,055 sq mi).
Fiji has a moderate population density of 51 people per km², close to the global average of 60.
Fiji's population is growing steadily at 0.5% per year, in line with global averages.
Based on GDP per capita, Fiji falls in the upper-middle GDP-per-person tier at $6.9K. Official World Bank income groups use Atlas-method GNI per capita, so this is a GDP-based comparison rather than an official income-group label.
Fiji reports a low intentional homicide rate of 2.1 per 100,000 people, below the global average.
Fiji has 3 official languages: English, Fijian, Fiji Hindi.
Fiji uses the Fijian dollar ($) as its sole official currency.
Fiji is an island nation and shares no land borders.
The best months to visit Fiji are June, July, August, September, October, based on climate data for the capital.
Fiji has an estimated population of approximately 938,000 based on the latest available data and an annual growth rate of 0.5%. This population size ranks the nation 160 of 215 globally and 4 of 19 within the Oceania region. Approximately 59.1% of people live in urban areas.
The estimated GDP per capita in Fiji is 6,888 USD, making it one of the most prosperous nations in the Melanesia subregion. This figure ranks the country 123 of 212 globally and 11 of 19 in Oceania. The economy is currently experiencing an annual growth rate of 3.53%.
The latest estimates indicate that life expectancy at birth in Fiji is approximately 67.5 years. This longevity figure ranks the country 171 of 215 internationally. While the country has made strides in public health, it continues to address challenges related to non-communicable diseases and regional healthcare access.
Approximately 74.7% of the population in Fiji uses the internet, according to recent data. This relatively high level of digital penetration ranks the country 122 of 212 globally. The government has prioritized telecommunications infrastructure to connect the more than 300 islands that make up the archipelago.
Fiji maintains an unemployment rate of approximately 5.3%, based on recent labor market estimates. This level ranks the nation 89 of 186 globally for the lowest unemployment rates. Much of the workforce is concentrated in the service sector, particularly in tourism and agricultural exports like sugar.
The population of Fiji is ethnically diverse, with iTaukei people, predominantly of Melanesian and Polynesian descent, comprising 56.8%. Indo-Fijians make up approximately 37.5% of the population, while the remainder includes Rotumans, Europeans, Chinese, and other Pacific Islanders. This multicultural mix influences the nation's languages, including English, Fijian, and Fiji Hindi.
The estimated 2026 population of Fiji is approximately 938,000. This current estimate is based on a projected growth rate of 0.5% from the latest official 2024 figure of 928,784 residents. The population continues to rise steadily despite high rates of international emigration to neighboring Pacific nations.
Fiji currently holds the 160th position in global population rankings among 215 countries and territories. In its local region of Oceania, it ranks 4th out of 19, and it is the 2nd most populous country in the Melanesia subregion, following Papua New Guinea.
Fiji has a population density of 51.3 people per km² (133 per sq mi). This density is relatively moderate for the region, ranking 12th in Oceania. Most of the population is concentrated on the two largest islands, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, leaving many smaller islands sparsely inhabited.
The population of Fiji is currently growing at an annual rate of approximately 0.5%. While this growth is positive, it is significantly slower than in previous decades due to high levels of migration. The natural increase from births still outweighs both the death rate and the number of people moving abroad.
The latest fertility rate in Fiji is 2.27 births per woman. This rate is slightly above the global replacement level of 2.1, which contributes to the country's ongoing population growth. Fiji ranks 87th globally for fertility, showing higher birth levels than most developed nations in Oceania.
According to the latest data, approximately 59.1% of Fiji's population resides in urban centers. This high level of urbanization reflects the country's role as a regional economic hub. Most urban residents are concentrated in the Suva-Nausori corridor and other major towns like Nadi and Lautoka.
All Indicators
Explore Fiji's data across 50+ indicators
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