World Happiness Report for Fiji 2024
- Overall Happiness Rank Fiji: na
- Happiness Score Fiji:na
Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.
What is the Happiness Index?
The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.
How is the Happiness Index Calculated?
The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.
In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:
- GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
- Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
- Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
- Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
- Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
- Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.
These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.
What Does the Happiness Index Affect?
The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:
- Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
- Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
- Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
- Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.
By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.
Short information
- Abbreviation of Fiji. FJ.
Fiji is an island country in the South Pacific with a parliamentary representative democratic republic political structure.
- known for its rich cultural heritage, including traditional Fijian music, dance, and art, as well as its diverse population with influences from Indian, Chinese, and European settlers.
- an important hub for tourism and agriculture, particularly for its sugar and tourism industries.
- home to the world-famous “Fiji Water,” known for its purity and sustainability.
- one of the most remote and exotic travel destinations, with over 300 islands to explore.
A Comprehensive Overview of Fiji
Early History:
The initial settlements in Fiji can be traced back to the Lapita people, who arrived from Southeast Asia around 1500-1000 BC. These skilled navigators and pottery makers are considered the ancestors of modern Polynesians and established the first societies in the Fijian archipelago.
Kingdoms and Empires:
Prior to European contact, Fiji was divided into chiefdoms, with the most prominent being the Kubuna Confederacy on the island of Viti Levu. These chiefdoms engaged in frequent warfare and alliances, shaping the cultural and political landscape of the islands.
Colonial Period:
Fiji was first encountered by European explorers in the 17th century, with the Dutch being the first to make contact. However, it was the British who established a colony in 1874 after a period of unrest and instability. The colonial administration brought significant changes, including the introduction of sugarcane plantations and the arrival of indentured laborers from British India.
Independence and Modern Era:
Fiji gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1970. The country experienced a series of coups in 1987, 2000, and 2006, leading to periods of political instability. In 2014, democratic elections were held, marking a return to civilian rule and a commitment to constitutional governance.
Current Political Situation:
Fiji is a parliamentary republic, with a President as the head of state and a Prime Minister as the head of government. The current Prime Minister is Frank Bainimarama, who has been in power since the 2006 coup. The country has a unicameral Parliament with 51 seats.
International Relations:
Fiji maintains close ties with countries in the Pacific region and is an active member of regional organizations such as the Pacific Islands Forum and the Melanesian Spearhead Group. It also enjoys strong relations with Australia, New Zealand, and China, while its relationship with the United States has been strained due to past coups.
Human Development and Economy:
Fiji’s economy is largely based on tourism, agriculture, and the export of mineral and fish products. The country has a relatively high Human Development Index ranking, with a focus on improving education, healthcare, and infrastructure. However, challenges such as poverty, inequality, and the impacts of climate change persist.
Cultural Highlights:
Fiji’s culture is a blend of indigenous Fijian and Indian influences. The country is known for its vibrant traditional arts, including pottery, woodcarving, and tapa cloth. The Fijian language and Hinduism are prominent aspects of the cultural landscape, reflecting the diversity of the population.
Conclusion:
Fiji faces challenges related to economic diversification, climate change adaptation, and political stability. However, its natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and strategic location in the Pacific present opportunities for sustainable development and further regional integration.
Travel Tips for Fiji
Best Times to Visit: The dry season from May to October offers the most favorable weather conditions for visiting Fiji. However, the shoulder seasons (April-May and October-November) can be ideal for lower prices and fewer crowds.
Cultural Etiquette: Respect local customs and traditions, such as removing hats and shoes when entering homes or villages. Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites or rural areas.
Safety Precautions: Fiji is generally a safe destination, but exercising caution is advisable. Avoid isolated areas, especially at night, and be mindful of petty crime in urban centers.
Main facts
Location
Fiji is an island country in the South Pacific Ocean, situated about two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand. It lies in the Melanesian region of Oceania, surrounded by the islands of Vanuatu to the west, New Caledonia to the southwest, Tonga to the east, and Samoa to the northeast. Fiji’s location is strategically positioned along the sea lanes between North America and Australia/New Zealand.
Map References
Fiji is located in the Oceania region, specifically in the Melanesian group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean.
Area – Comparative
With a total land area of approximately 18,272 square kilometers (7,056 square miles), Fiji is slightly smaller than the U.S. state of New Jersey.
Land Boundaries and Border Countries
As an island nation, Fiji has no land boundaries with any other countries.
Coastline (if applicable)
Fiji has a total coastline of 1,129 kilometers (702 miles), with numerous beaches, bays, and inlets along its many islands.
Maritime Claims
Fiji claims the following maritime zones:
- Territorial Sea: 12 nautical miles
- Exclusive Economic Zone: 200 nautical miles
- Continental Shelf: 200 nautical miles or to the edge of the continental margin
Climate
Fiji has a tropical maritime climate, with temperatures ranging from 22°C (72°F) to 33°C (91°F) throughout the year. The weather is influenced by the surrounding ocean and trade winds, with a dry season from May to October and a wet season from November to April.
Terrain
Fiji’s landscape is predominantly volcanic in origin, with numerous islands ranging from rugged mountains to low-lying atolls and coral islands. The larger islands, such as Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, feature mountainous interiors with peaks rising to over 1,000 meters (3,280 feet), surrounded by coastal plains and mangrove swamps.
Elevation Extremes
The highest point in Fiji is Tomanivi (Mount Victoria) at 1,324 meters (4,344 feet), located on Viti Levu. The lowest point is the Pacific Ocean at sea level.
Natural Resources
Fiji’s natural resources include timber, fish, gold, copper, offshore oil potential, and hydropower.
Major Bodies of Water
The major water bodies in Fiji include the Rewa River, the longest river in the country, and the Dreketi River, both located on the island of Viti Levu. Fiji also has several lakes, such as the Vaturu Reservoir and the Tagimoucia Lake.
Natural Hazards
The primary natural hazards in Fiji include cyclonic storms, floods, and earthquakes. The country lies within the South Pacific’s tropical cyclone belt, and its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire makes it vulnerable to seismic activity.
Geography – Notes
Fiji’s geography is characterized by its diverse array of islands, with over 300 islands and islets, of which around 100 are inhabited. The country’s location in the South Pacific Ocean and its tropical climate make it a popular tourist destination, known for its stunning beaches, coral reefs, and diverse marine life.
- Forest Area (% of land area): 55.90%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
- Co2 Emissions: 2,046. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
- Agricultural Land( %). 23.30%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
- Geographic Coordinates: -17.713371178.065032.
- Capital: The capital of Fiji is Suva
- Major Cities:
- Suva – Population: 93,073
- Lautoka – Population: 52,220
- Nadi – Population: 42,284
- Nasinu – Population: 87,446
- Population: 889,953
- Area(Km2): 18274
- Population Density( P/Km²):49. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
- Calling Code:679
- Official Language(s):Fiji is English (official), Fijian, and Hindi. English is spoken by 58.2%, Fijian by 37.5%, and Hindi by 0.9% of the population.
- Currency: FJD
Main Economic Indicators
Fiji’s economy is primarily service-based, driven by tourism and remittances. Its small island economy faces challenges such as economic vulnerability due to its geographic remoteness, exposure to natural disasters, and limited resources. Fiji has implemented policies to boost economic diversification, investment, and fiscal consolidation.
Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)
2021: 3.9% (Source: Asian Development Bank)
2020: -2.6% (Source: Asian Development Bank)
Credit Ratings
Fitch: BB-
Moody’s: Ba3
Standard & Poor’s: BB-
GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin
Agriculture: 8.9%
Industry: 16%
Services: 75.1%
Key Agricultural and Industrial Products
Agriculture: Sugarcane, coconuts, cassava, rice, sweet potatoes, bananas, pineapples, tomatoes, taro, ginger
Industry: Tourism, sugar, clothing, copra, gold, silver, lumber, small cottage industries
Labor Force
Total Labor Force: 353,000 (2021 est.)
Comparative Ranking: 167th out of 229 countries
Current Account Balance
2021: -$448 million
2020: -$254 million
Comparative Ranking: 149th out of 200 countries
Exports and Imports
Exports: $1.08 billion (2021 est.)
Key Partners: United States, Australia, Japan, New Zealand
Main Commodities: Vehicles, machinery, mineral fuels, electrical machinery
Imports: $2.45 billion (2021 est.)
Key Partners: Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, China
Main Commodities: Mineral fuels, machinery, vehicles, electrical machinery
Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold
Foreign Exchange Reserves: $1.17 billion (December 2021)
Gold Reserves: 0.07 million ounces (December 2021)
- GDP (Current US$):$5,535,548,972. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
- Tax Revenue (% of GDP): 24.20%. It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
- Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 32.10%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
- Gasoline Price. $0.82. It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
- Minimum wage. $1.28. It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
- Unemployment Rate (%): 4.10%. It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.
Social Indicators
1. National Identity
Noun: Fijian(s)
Adjective: Fijian
2. Ethnic Groups
Major Ethnic Groups:
– iTaukei (56.8%)
– Indo-Fijian (37.5%)
– Rotuman (1.2%)
– Other (4.5%)
3. Religions
Religious Affiliations:
– Protestant (45%) (Methodists 34.6%, Assembly of God 5.7%, Seventh Day Adventist 3.9%, Anglican 0.8%)
– Hindu (27.9%)
– Other Christian (10.4%)
– Muslim (6.3%)
– Sikh (0.3%)
– Other (0.3%)
– None (7.8%)
4. Age Structure
Population Distribution:
– 0-14 years: 27.9%
– 15-64 years: 65.8%
– 65 years and over: 6.3%
5. Dependency Ratios
Dependency Ratios:
– Total Dependency Ratio: 51.9%
– Youth Dependency Ratio: 42.4%
– Elderly Dependency Ratio: 9.5%
6. Median Age
Median Age:
– Total: 28.6 years
– Male: 28.3 years
– Female: 28.9 years
7. Lifestyle Indicators
Obesity Rate: 27.7% of the adult population (aged 18 and older) is obese.
Alcohol Consumption: 2.5 liters of pure alcohol per capita per year.
Tobacco Use: 17.1% of the adult population (aged 15 and older) are current smokers.
- Life Expectancy at Birth: 67.3. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
- Literacy Rate (% of adults): 94.80%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
- Birth Rate:21.28. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
- Death Rate:9. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
- Fertility Rate: 2.77. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
- Internet Users (% of population): 48.9%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
- Urban Population: 505,048. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
- Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):21.40%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.
Infrastructure and Services
Military and Security Forces
The Republic of Fiji Military Forces consists of the following branches:
- Fiji Infantry Regiment: The main ground force branch, organized into light infantry battalions and support units.
- Fiji Navy: A small maritime force responsible for coastal defense and maritime patrols.
- Fiji Troops: An auxiliary force that provides security for government officials and infrastructure.
The Fiji Police Force is responsible for maintaining internal security and law enforcement nationwide.
Military Expenditures
Fiji’s military expenditures as a percentage of GDP for the last five years:
- 2022: 1.1%
- 2021: 1.2%
- 2020: 1.3%
- 2019: 1.4%
- 2018: 1.5%
Fiji’s military spending ranks relatively low globally, falling outside the top 100 countries.
Personnel Strengths
Fiji has a total active military strength of approximately 3,500 personnel, broken down as follows:
- Fiji Infantry Regiment: 3,000
- Fiji Navy: 300
- Fiji Troops: 200
The Fiji Police Force has a strength of around 3,800 personnel.
Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions
Fiji’s military equipment consists primarily of light infantry weapons, transport vehicles, and patrol boats. Major inventory includes:
- Armored personnel carriers
- Light utility vehicles
- Patrol boats and small craft
Most military hardware is imported from countries like Australia, New Zealand, and France.
Military Service Age and Obligation
Military service in Fiji is voluntary, with enlistment open to citizens between the ages of 18 and 28. There is no compulsory military service obligation.
Military Deployments
Fiji maintains a significant overseas military deployment as part of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force:
- UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in the Golan Heights: Around 400 personnel
Strategic Military Notes
Fiji’s defense strategy focuses on maintaining a modest but capable military force for territorial defense, disaster relief operations, and contributing to international peacekeeping efforts. As a small island nation, maritime security is a priority.
Fiji has close military ties with Australia and New Zealand and participates in regional security frameworks like the Pacific Islands Forum. It is an active contributor to UN peacekeeping missions, with a strong reputation in this area.
- Armed Forces Size: 4000. Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
- Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 0.84
- Population: Labor Force Participation (%): 57.60%. This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.