History of Fiji in Timeline

Fiji, officially the Republic of Fiji, is an island country in Melanesia, Oceania. Located in the South Pacific, it's about 1,100 nautical miles northeast of New Zealand. Fiji comprises over 330 islands, with approximately 110 being inhabited, alongside more than 500 islets, totaling about 18,300 square kilometers. The majority (87%) of the population resides on the two main islands, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. Three-quarters of Fijians live on Viti Levu's coasts, primarily in Suva, Nadi, or Lautoka, while the island's interior remains sparsely populated due to its terrain.

1914: Apolosi Nawai founds Viti Kabani

In 1914, Apolosi Nawai came to the forefront of Fijian Tuka resistance by founding Viti Kabani, a co-operative company that would legally monopolise the agricultural sector and boycott European planters.

1915: Arrest of Apolosi and followers

In 1915, Apolosi Nawai and his followers were arrested by the British and their proxy Council of Chiefs, leading to the collapse of the Viti Kabani.

1916: End of indentured labour scheme

In 1916, the scheme to import indentured labourers from India to work on sugarcane fields came to an end.

1916: End of Indian Indentured Labour to Fiji

In 1916, the scheme where tens of thousands of Indians moved to Fiji to work as indentured labourers ended. Repatriated Indians boarded the same ships that carried indentured Indians to Fiji.

September 1917: Surrender of Count Felix von Luckner

In September 1917, Count Felix von Luckner surrendered at Wakaya Island after his raider, SMS Seeadler, ran aground. He surrendered to the district police inspector and a number of Fijians who were unarmed.

1917: Collapse of Viti Kabani

In 1917, Viti Kabani, a co-operative company founded by Apolosi Nawai, collapsed after Apolosi and his followers were arrested in 1915.

1921: Return of Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna to Fiji

In 1921, Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna returned to Fiji as a war hero and the country's first-ever university graduate after completing a law degree at Oxford University.

1932: Mr. Robinson Crusoe was filmed in Fiji

In 1932, the movie "Mr. Robinson Crusoe" was filmed in Fiji.

1946: Death of Apolosi Nawai

In 1946, Apolosi Nawai, who was a leader of the Fijian Tuka resistance, died after being repeatedly arrested, jailed, and exiled by the British, who viewed him as a threat.

July 1965: Constitutional conference held in London

In July 1965, a constitutional conference was held in London to discuss constitutional changes with a view to introducing responsible government in Fiji.

1967: Establishment of cabinet system of government

In 1967, a series of compromises led to the establishment of a cabinet system of government in Fiji, with Ratu Kamisese Mara as the first Chief Minister.

1969: Sidiq Koya takes over leadership

In 1969, Sidiq Koya took over the leadership of the mainly Indo-Fijian National Federation Party on Patel's death.

April 1970: Constitutional conference in London

In April 1970, a second constitutional conference was held in London, at which Fiji's Legislative Council agreed on a compromise electoral formula and a timetable for independence.

October 1970: Fiji gains independence

In October 1970, Fiji officially became independent. The British flag, the Union Jack, was lowered for the last time at sunset on 9 October 1970 in the capital Suva, and the Fijian flag was raised after dawn on the morning of 10 October 1970.

1970: Independence gained

In 1970, Fiji gained independence and became known as the Dominion of Fiji after operating as a Crown colony of Britain.

1970: British grant Fiji independence

In 1970, the British granted Fiji independence.

1970: Opposition to the 1990 constitution

In 1990, after the new constitution institutionalised ethnic Fijian domination of the political system, The Group Against Racial Discrimination (GARD) was formed to oppose the unilaterally imposed constitution and to restore the 1970 constitution.

1976: Hong Kong Sevens inception

Since its inception in 1976, Fiji has won the Hong Kong Sevens a record eighteen times.

1980: The Blue Lagoon was filmed in Fiji

In 1980, the movie "The Blue Lagoon" starring Brooke Shields was filmed in Fiji.

1986: World Exposition in Vancouver

In 1986, Fiji's culture was showcased at the World Exposition held in Vancouver, Canada.

1987: Military Coup Carried out by Sitiveni Rabuka

In 1987, Sitiveni Rabuka carried out the coup in Fiji.

1987: Military coups interrupt democratic rule

In 1987, democratic rule in Fiji was interrupted by two military coups, precipitated by a growing perception that the government was dominated by the Indo-Fijian community.

1987: Military government declared a republic

In 1987, following a series of coups d'état, the military government that had taken power declared Fiji a republic.

1987: Rugby World Cup Quarter-Finals

In 1987, the Fiji national rugby union team reached the quarter-finals of the Rugby World Cup for the first time.

1987: Coups of 1987

The coups of 1987 caused further contraction of Fiji's economy.

1990: New constitution institutionalised ethnic Fijian domination

In 1990, a new constitution institutionalised ethnic Fijian domination of the political system in Fiji.

1991: Pacific Games Football Tournament

Fiji won the Pacific Games football tournament in 1991.

1991: Return to the Blue Lagoon was filmed in Fiji

In 1991, the movie "Return to the Blue Lagoon" starring Milla Jovovich was filmed in Fiji.

1992: Sitiveni Rabuka becomes Prime Minister

In 1992, Sitiveni Rabuka, who had carried out the 1987 coup, became Prime Minister of Fiji following elections held under the new constitution.

1992: International competition since 1992

Since 1992, the Fiji national rugby league team, nicknamed the Bati, has been participating in international competition.

1996: Indo-Fijian Christians in 1996

In the 1996 census, Christians of all kinds comprised 6.1% of the Indo-Fijian population.

1997: Rugby World Cup Sevens Victory

In 1997, Fiji won the Rugby World Cup Sevens.

1997: Official Languages

In 1997, Fiji's constitution recognized three official languages: English, Fijian (iTaukei), and Hindi.

1997: Mahendra Chaudhry becomes Prime Minister

In 1997, Mahendra Chaudhry became the country's first Indo-Fijian Prime Minister after the adoption of the new constitution.

1997: New constitution written

In 1997, a new constitution was written by the Constitutional Review Commission. This new consitution was supported by most leaders of the indigenous Fijian and Indo-Fijian communities, and Fiji was re-admitted to the Commonwealth of Nations.

1997: Country renamed to Republic of the Fiji Islands

In 1997, the country's name was changed from Republic of Fiji to Republic of the Fiji Islands.

1997: English as an Official Language

Until 1997, English was the sole official language of Fiji, a remnant of British colonial rule. It remains widely used in government, business, and education.

1999: Netball World Cup

In 1999, the national Netball team reached 6th position at the Netball World Cup competitions, its highest level to date.

2000: Coup of 2000

In 2000, Indo-Fijians suffered reprisals following the coup.

2000: Coup instigation by George Speight

In 2000, a coup was instigated by George Speight, which effectively toppled the government of Mahendra Chaudhry.

2000: Cast Away was filmed in Fiji

In 2000, the movie "Cast Away" was filmed in Fiji.

2000: Recommending compensation for the victims of the 2000 coup

In 2005, the Qarase government proposed a Reconciliation and Unity Commission with power to recommend compensation for victims of the 2000 coup.

2000: Bill offered pardons to participants of the 2000 coup

In December 2006, Bainimarama handed down a list of demands to Qarase after a bill was put forward to parliament, part of which would have offered pardons to participants in the 2000 coup attempt.

2000: Pardoning legislation for those involved in the 2000 coup

In December 2006, a particular issue was previously pending legislation to pardon those involved in the 2000 coup.

September 2001: General election

In September 2001, a general election was held in Fiji to restore democracy. The interim Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase's Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua party won the election.

2003: Pacific Games Football Tournament

Fiji won the Pacific Games football tournament in 2003.

2003: Invasion of Iraq

Following the 2003 U.S.-led invasion, a significant number of former military personnel served in the security sector in Iraq.

2003: Tourism in Fiji

In 2003, tourist numbers in Fiji reached 430,800, contributing to the country's foreign exchange earnings. Tourism is a major source of revenue for Fiji.

2004: Anacondas: The Hunt for the Blood Orchid was filmed in Fiji

In 2004, the movie "Anacondas: The Hunt for the Blood Orchid" was filmed in Fiji.

2005: Rugby World Cup Sevens Victory

In 2005, Fiji won the Rugby World Cup Sevens.

2005: Proposed Reconciliation and Unity Commission

In 2005, the Qarase government amid much controversy proposed a Reconciliation and Unity Commission with power to recommend compensation for victims of the 2000 coup and amnesty for its perpetrators.

December 2006: Bainimarama hands down demands to Qarase

In December 2006, Bainimarama handed down a list of demands to Qarase after a bill was put forward to parliament, part of which would have offered pardons to participants in the 2000 coup attempt. On 5 December 2006 President Ratu Josefa Iloilo signed a legal order dissolving the parliament after meeting with Bainimarama.

December 2006: Military takeover

On 5 December 2006, Bainimarama staged a military takeover against the prime minister that he had installed after a 2000 coup. Bainimarama took over the powers of the presidency and dissolved the parliament, paving the way for the military to continue the takeover.

2006: Coup by Commodore Frank Bainimarama

In 2006, Commodore Frank Bainimarama seized power in a coup d'état in Fiji.

2006: 2006 Coup

The 2006 coup was the reason the Commonwealth of Nations demanded elections by 2010.

January 2007: Restoration of executive power to Iloilo

On 4 January 2007, the military announced that it was restoring executive power to Iloilo, who endorsed the actions of the military. The next day, Iloilo named Bainimarama as the interim prime minister.

2007: 2007 Census

According to the 2007 census, 64.4% of the population was Christian, 27.9% was Hindu, 6.3% was Muslim, 0.8% was non-religious, 0.3% was Sikh, and the remaining 0.3% belonged to other religions.

2007: Government expenditure on R&D

In 2007, agriculture and primary production accounted for just under half of government expenditure on R&D, according to the Fijian National Bureau of Statistics.

2007: Great Council of Chiefs suspended

In 2007, the Great Council of Chiefs, a body directly subject to the Governor's authority, was suspended by the military-backed interim government.

2007: 2007 Rugby World Cup

In the 2007 Rugby World Cup, Fiji upset Wales 38–34 and progressed to the quarter-finals, where they lost to South Africa.

2007: Pacific Games Gold Medal

The national netball team won gold medals at the 2007 Pacific Games.

August 2008: Proposal to change the name of Fiji's citizens

In August 2008, a proposal was announced suggesting that all citizens of Fiji, regardless of ethnicity, be called "Fijians". This proposal aimed to change the English name of indigenous Fijians to "itaukei".

2008: OFC Nations Cup

In the 2008 OFC Nations Cup, the national football team defeated New Zealand 2–0, securing a joint-record third-place finish.

2008: 2008 Rugby League World Cup

The Fiji national rugby league team made a semi-final appearance in the 2008 Rugby League World Cup.

April 2009: Constitutional crisis address by Voreqe Bainimarama

During the constitutional crisis in April 2009, military leader and interim Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama addressed the nation regarding the attempt to change the definition of "Fijian".

April 2009: Fiji Court of Appeal overturns High Court decision

In April 2009, the Fiji Court of Appeal overturned the High Court decision, declaring Bainimarama's takeover of Qarase's government unlawful, and the interim government illegal. President Iloilo then abrogated the constitution, removed all office holders, reappointed Bainimarama as interim prime minister, and imposed a "Public Emergency Regulation".

April 2009: Public Emergency Regulations put in place

In April 2009, the Public Emergency Regulations were put in place when the former constitution was abrogated. These regulations restricted speech, public gatherings, and censored news media.

May 2009: Fiji suspended from Pacific Islands Forum

On 2 May 2009, Fiji was suspended from the Pacific Islands Forum due to its failure to hold democratic elections by the promised date, making it the first nation ever to be suspended from the Forum, though it remains a member.

September 2009: Fiji suspended from the Commonwealth of Nations

In September 2009, Fiji was suspended from the Commonwealth of Nations because Bainimarama failed to hold elections by 2010 as demanded after the 2006 coup. Bainimarama cited the need for more time to reform the voting system, while critics accused him of human rights violations.

2009: Samoa departs Pacific Islands Rugby Alliance

In 2009, Samoa announced their departure from the Pacific Islands Rugby Alliance, leaving Fiji and Tonga in the union.

2009: Military leadership ruled unlawful

In 2009, the Fijian High Court ruled that the military leadership was unlawful. President Ratu Josefa Iloilo then formally abrogated the 1997 Constitution and re-appointed Bainimarama as interim prime minister.

May 2010: Attorney-General reiterates "Fijian" definition

In May 2010, Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum restated that the term "Fijian" should apply to all Fiji nationals, which sparked further protests.

2010: Shanghai World Expo 2010

Fiji's culture was showcased at the Shanghai World Expo 2010, along with other Pacific countries in the Pacific Pavilion.

2010: Commonwealth of Nations' demand for elections

In 2010, The Commonwealth of Nations had demanded elections after the 2006 coup.

2010: Bainimarama announces lifting of Public Emergency Regulations

In his 2010 New Year's address, Bainimarama announced the lifting of the Public Emergency Regulations (PER). He also announced a nationwide consultation process leading to a new constitution under which the 2014 elections were held.

February 2011: Country name reverted to Republic of Fiji

In February 2011, the official name of the country was reverted to Republic of Fiji.

January 2012: Public Emergency Regulations rescinded

In January 2012, the Public Emergency Regulations (PER), which had been in place since April 2009, were finally rescinded. The Suva Philosophy Club was the first organization to reorganize and convene public meetings after the rescinding of the PER.

2012: Tourism Statistics

In 2012, official statistics show that 75% of visitors to Fiji stated that they came for a holiday/vacation.

2012: Fiji Journal of Public Health launched

In 2012, the Fijian Ministry of Health launched the Fiji Journal of Public Health to develop endogenous research capacity.

2012: Great Council of Chiefs abolished

In 2012, the Great Council of Chiefs was abolished, having previously been suspended by the military-backed interim government in 2007.

2012: GERD/GDP ratio

In 2012, the national Bureau of Statistics cites a GERD/GDP ratio of 0.15%. Private-sector research and development (R&D) is negligible.

2013: European Union funded the EPIC programme

From 2013 to 2017, the European Union funded the EPIC programme, which developed two master's programmes in renewable energy management.

2013: Constitution

The 2013 Constitution maintained the recognition of three official languages: English, Fijian (iTaukei), and Hindi.

2013: 2013 Rugby League World Cup

The Fiji national rugby league team made a semi-final appearance in the 2013 Rugby League World Cup.

March 2014: Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group voted to change Fiji's full suspension

On 14 March 2014, the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group voted to change Fiji's full suspension from the Commonwealth of Nations to a suspension from the councils of the Commonwealth, allowing them to participate in a number of Commonwealth activities, including the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

September 2014: Fiji's suspension lifted

In September 2014, Fiji's suspension from the Commonwealth was lifted.

September 2014: Democratic election

On 17 September 2014, after years of delays, a democratic election took place in Fiji. Bainimarama's FijiFirst party won 59.2% of the vote, and international observers deemed the election credible.

September 2014: FijiFirst party wins general election

On 17 September 2014, the FijiFirst party, led by Bainimarama, won the general election with 59.2% of the vote. International observers deemed the election credible.

2014: Elections held under new constitution

Elections were held in 2014 under a new constitution.

2014: Centre of Renewable Energy became operational

In 2014, the Centre of Renewable Energy became operational at the University of Fiji, with assistance from the Renewable Energy in Pacific Island Countries Developing Skills and Capacity programme (EPIC) funded by the European Union.

2014: FijiFirst party wins majority in parliament

The FijiFirst party, led by Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama, won outright majority in the country's 51-seat parliament in 2014 election.

December 2015: IRB Ranking

As of December 2015, the Fiji national rugby union team was ranked eleventh in the world by the IRB.

2015: Potential for renewable energy sources

In 2015, the Secretariat of the Pacific Community observed that "while Fiji, Papua New Guinea and Samoa are leading the way with large-scale hydropower projects, there is enormous potential to expand the deployment of other renewable energy options such as solar, wind, geothermal and ocean-based energy sources".

2015: Pacific Games Gold Medal

The national netball team won gold medals at the 2015 Pacific Games.

2016: 2016 Summer Olympics

Fiji qualified for the 2016 Summer Olympics men's tournament for the first time in history.

2016: Master's programmes in renewable energy management accredited

In 2016, two master's programmes in renewable energy management, one at the University of Papua New Guinea and the other at the University of Fiji, were accredited.

2016: Survivor films in Fiji

Since its 33rd season in 2016, the U.S. version of the reality television show Survivor has filmed all of its semiannual seasons in the Mamanuca Islands. This marks the longest consecutive period that Survivor has filmed in one location.

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2017: European Union funding for EPIC programme

From 2013 to 2017, the European Union funded the EPIC programme, which developed two master's programmes in renewable energy management.

2017: 2017 census population

The 2017 census found that the population of Fiji was 884,887.

2018: Fiji's Forest Landscape Integrity Index score

In 2018, Fiji had a Forest Landscape Integrity Index mean score of 8.35/10, ranking it 24th globally out of 172 countries.

2018: FijiFirst wins 2018 election

In the 2018 election FijiFirst won with 50.02 per cent of the total votes cast, holding its outright majority in the parliament with 27 of the 51 seats. The Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) came in second with 39.85 per cent of the vote.

2018: FijiFirst party wins majority in parliament

The FijiFirst party, led by Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama, narrowly won outright majority in the country's 51-seat parliament in 2018 election.

2019: Related diploma programme introduced

In Fiji, a related diploma programme was introduced in 2019.

2019: 2019 Rugby League World Cup

The Fiji national rugby league team made a semi-final appearance in the 2019 Rugby League World Cup.

2020: Regional Pacific Nationally Determined Contributions Hub Office launched

In 2020, the Regional Pacific Nationally Determined Contributions Hub Office in Fiji was launched to support climate change mitigation and adaptation.

October 2021: Ratu Wiliame Katonivere elected President of Fiji

In October 2021, Tui Macuata Ratu Wiliame Katonivere was elected the new President of Fiji by the parliament.

December 2022: Sitiveni Rabuka becomes Prime Minister

On 24 December 2022, Sitiveni Rabuka, the head of the People's Alliance (PAP), became Fiji's 12th prime minister, succeeding Bainimarama, following the December 2022 general election.

2022: FijiFirst lost parliamentary majority

In the 2022 election FijiFirst lost its parliamentary majority. Sitiveni Rabuka of People's Alliance party, with the backing of the Social Liberal Democratic party (Sodelpa), became Fiji's new Prime Minister to succeed Frank Bainimarama.

2024: Global Hunger Index

Fiji's score on the 2024 Global Hunger Index (GHI) is 10.2, which indicates a moderate level of hunger.

2050: Fiji hopes to achieve net-zero emissions

As a party to both the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Climate Agreement, Fiji hopes to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 which, along with national policies, will help to mitigate the impacts of climate change.