Fiji

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.

PR: 7	Fiji Government Online Portal Official Fiji Government website with information about departments, ministries, news briefs, and press releases. - Read more 0 Reviews. http://www.fiji.gov.fj

PR: 6	Fiji Travel | Fiji Hotels | Fiji Island | Nadi Need an Adventure Vacation? Try Fiji! We can inform you about Fiji Travel, Fiji Hotels, Nadi our major city and the islands you could visit. - Read more 0 Reviews. http://www.fijime.com

PR: 5	Fiji Travel Guide, South Pacific Islands A mini travel guide to Fiji, everyone's favorite South Pacific country, by travel writer David Stanley. - Read more 0 Reviews. http://www.southpacific.org

PR: 5	Fiji Guide A travel guide to the Fiji islands that includes tourism, history and culture. - Read more 0 Reviews. http://www.fijiguide.com