Fiji's
membership of the Commonwealth of Nations
was suspended due to the anti-democratic
activities connected with the 2000 coup.
Democracy was restored towards the end
of 2000, and Laisenia Qarase, who had
led an interim government in the meantime,
was elected Prime Minister. Fiji was readmitted
to the Commonwealth in 2001. For a country
of its size, Fiji has exceptionally capable
armed forces, and has been a major contributor
to UN peacekeeping missions in various
parts of the world. More in-depth information
on politics and government of Fiji can
be found at the Politics and government
of Fiji series. Politics of Fiji takes
place in a framework of a parliamentary
representative democratic republic, whereby
the Prime Minister of Fiji is the head
of government, and of a pluriform multi-party
system. Executive power is exercised by
the government. Legislative power is vested
in both the government and the Parliament
of Fiji. The Judiciary is independent
of the executive and the legislature.
Fiji
is divided into four parts, called divisions
(capitals in parentheses): These divisions
are further subdivided into fourteen provinces.
Additionally, the island of Rotuma, north
of the main archipelago, has the status
of a dependency. It is officially included
in the Eastern Division for statistical
purposes, but administratively has a degree
of internal autonomy. Municipal governments,
with City and Town Councils presided over
by Mayors, have been established in Suva,
Lautoka, and ten other towns. Fiji consists
of 322 islands, of which 110 are inhabited,
and 522 smaller islets. The two most important
islands are Viti Levu and Vanua Levu.
Viti Levu hosts the capital city of Suva,
and is home to nearly three quarters of
the population. The islands are mountainous,
with peaks up to 1,300 metres (4,250 ft),
and covered with tropical forests. Other
important towns include Nadi (the location
of the international airport), and Lautoka.
The main towns on Vanua Levu are Labasa
and Savusavu.
|
|
