Table of Contents
Overview
Fiji is an island country located in the South Pacific Ocean. As of 2024, it has an estimated population of 930,000 people, spread across more than 300 islands, of which around 110 are inhabited. The capital city is Suva, a major political and economic hub. Fiji’s economy is primarily service-based, with tourism, sugar exports, and remittances playing key roles. The country’s land area is approximately 18,300 km².
Agriculture
Agriculture in Fiji remains a key economic sector, supporting rural livelihoods and contributing about 10 % of GDP. Historically, sugarcane was the dominant cash crop, but production has declined sharply in recent decades as farmers diversify into other commodities.
Crime
Fiji has seen fluctuating crime patterns in recent years, with overall reported offences rising in several periods. In 2025, the Fiji Police Force reported an 18 % increase in overall crime compared to the previous year, driven by theft, assault, burglary, illicit drug cases and cyber-related fraud.
Demographics
As of 2026, Fiji’s population is estimated at about 937,640 people, with a median age around 28 years, reflecting a relatively young population. Around 60.8 % live in urban areas, especially in cities like Suva, Nasinu, and Lautoka. Indigenous iTaukei Fijians and Indo-Fijians make up the major ethnic groups, and the age structure shows a significant working-age population alongside a substantial share of children and youth.
Economy
Fiji’s nominal GDP is about $5.8 to 6 billion, with GDP per capita around $6,400. Services dominate economic activity, while industry and agriculture contribute smaller but still important shares.
Education
Fiji’s education system includes early childhood, primary, secondary, and tertiary levels and is free and compulsory through much of primary and lower secondary schooling. Fiji also has several tertiary institutions, including the University of the South Pacific (USP) and Fiji National University (FNU), which serve students from across the Pacific.
Geography
Fiji is an archipelago nation in the South Pacific Ocean, consisting of over 300 islands and more than 500 islets, of which about 110 are inhabited. The total land area is about 18,274 km², roughly the size of New Jersey. Its two largest islands, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, make up most of the land mass and host the majority of the population. The islands are of volcanic origin with mountainous interiors, fertile coastal plains, and extensive coral reefs. The highest point is Mount Tomanivi at 1,324 m. Fiji’s terrain supports tropical forests, rivers and significant biodiversity.
Health
Fiji faces both non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and ongoing public health challenges. NCDs now account for about 80 % of all deaths, mainly from cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancers, placing a heavy burden on the health system. Life expectancy in Fiji has been slowly increasing, reaching about 68 years in 2025.
Military
Fiji maintains a small but professional defense force, the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF), which includes Army, Navy, and Air Force units. The military has a dual role of defense and civil support, often assisting during natural disasters such as cyclones and floods.
Miscellaneous
Fiji is home to the Cakaulevu Reef, also known as the Great Sea Reef, the third‑longest continuous barrier reef in the world. Stretching about 200 km, it supports an extraordinary diversity of marine life, including endangered species like green turtles, spinner dolphins, and coral‑dependent fish.
Religion
The majority of the population identifies as Christian, with Methodists being the largest denomination. Hinduism and Islam are practiced primarily by the Indo-Fijian population.
Weather
The wet season runs from November to April, bringing high humidity, heavy rainfall, and occasional tropical cyclones. The dry season, from May to October, is cooler and less humid, making it ideal for tourism. Average temperatures range from 22 °C in winter to 30 °C in summer, while rainfall varies significantly across islands.