ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a brief historical background and a description of major events in Fiji. It also provides basic political, economic, and social data arranged in the following categories: polity, economy, population, purchasing power parities, life expectancy, ethnic groups, capital, political rights, civil liberties, and status. The chapter discusses the progress and decline of political rights and civil liberties in Fiji. Fiji returned to rule by the ballot box following elections in September 2001, but the South Pacific island country faced continued political and economic uncertainty. Fiji's private media vigorously report on alleged official corruption and ethical violations, although journalists practice "considerable self-censorship," according to the US State Department report. Fijians have enjoyed greater freedom to hold marches and demonstrations since the nation returned to elected rule. Fijian trade unions are independent and vigorous. An estimated 55 percent of the workforce is unionized. Factory conditions, however, are often poor, particularly in the garment and canning industries.
