fiji

• independent republic comprised of the fiji islands located in the western south pacific ocean (north of new zealand)
the republic of fiji is a country in the south pacific, east of australia. there are over 300 islands in the archipelago. the population is almost equally divided between native fijians and those of indian descent. most of the population live on viti levu and vanua levu. the area was settled by britain from the late 18th century and became a colony in 1874. in 1970 fiji became independent. major-general sitiveni rabuka led two military coups in 1987. fiji became a republic and allowed its membership of the commonwealth to lapse. ratu sir kamisese mara became president in 1994. major-general sitiveni rabuka, of the fijian political party (fpp), was elected prime minister in 1992 in the first elections since the coup. fiji exports sugar, gold, coconuts, and ginger. tourism is an important industry.