Fiji

Fiji is a South Pacific country on over 300 islands with most people living on the island of Viti Levu, which has the capital city Suva. It got its independence in 1970 after 96 years of British colonial rule. During British rule, indentured servants came from India to work in the sugercane fields and Indo-Fijians now make up 40% of the population. Ethnic tensions between the Indo-Fijians and the natvie Fijians have led to several coups. In 2000, the ethnic Indian prime minister was held hostage for a few weeks. The economy, especially the tourist industry, was hurt by the instability.

Media
The BBC says of the country's media:


 * Fiji's private press, which includes English-language dailies and Fijian- and Hindi-language weeklies, is vigorous in its reporting. As a result, some newspapers have come under fire from politicians.


 * Radio is a key source of information, particularly on the outer islands. There are publicly and privately-owned stations. The BBC World Service and Radio Australia are available via FM relays.

Leaders

 * Frank Bainimarama, Military chief, interim prime minister. Came to power in a 2006 coup.
 * Ratu Josefa Iloilo, President, given some power by military chief Frank Bainimarama.

Related SourceWatch articles

 * Australian Centre for Democratic Institutions
 * Coalition of the willing: beginning of the end
 * FemLINKpacific

External articles

 * "Expelled commissioner concerned for Fiji democracy", abc.net.au, June 19, 2007.

External resources

 * Timeline: Fiji, BBC, accessed April 2008.
 * Background Note: Fiji, U.S. Department of State, accessed April 2008.
 * Background to Fiji's four coups, BBC, December 8, 2006.