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Fiji
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FactsBackground: 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 refused to hold elections. note: data are in 2010 US dollars GDP (official exchange rate): $3.154 billion (2010 est.); GDP - real growth rate: 1.8% (2010 est.); -2.5% (2009 est.); -0.1% (2008 est.); GDP - per capita (PPP): $4,300 (2010 est.); $4,300 (2009 est.); $4,400 (2008 est.); note: data are in 2010 US dollars GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 8.9%; industry: 13.5%; services: 77.6% (2004 est.); Population below poverty line: 25.5% (FY90/91); Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: NA%; highest 10%: NA%; Labor force: 335,000 (2007 est.); Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 70%; industry and services: 30% (2001 est.); Unemployment rate: 7.6% (1999); Budget: revenues: $1.363 billion; expenditures: $1.376 billion (2006); Industries: tourism, sugar, clothing, copra, gold, silver, lumber, small cottage industries; Industrial production growth rate: NA%; Electricity - production: 928 million kWh (2007 est.); Electricity - consumption: 863 million kWh (2007 est.); Electricity - exports: 0 kWh (2008 est.); Electricity - imports: 0 kWh (2008 est.); Statistics: CIA World Factbook. PressFiji Times(Independent daily), Suva Fijilive(News and infotainment portal), Suva Fijivillage.com(Online news site), Suva Fiji in the NewsDisplaying 1 to 4 of 28 items. Fiji Goes to the PollsIn September Fiji will have its first democratic election since the Qarase government was deposed in a bloodless coup in December 2006 by military forces. Australia-Fiji Relations DeteriorateAs Fiji continues its efforts to reinstitute democratic institutions, its relations with Australia continue to frustrate and complicate the process. Controversies surrounding the Fiji GovernmentMoves to reduce pension payments, curb the rights of union workers and force changes to the regime's leadership have all stirred resistance within Fiji as of late. Where Is Fiji's Regional Support?Neighboring countries recently helped extract a former Fijian officer while he was under investigation, only making it harder for Fiji to create the kind of democratic society it needs. |
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