Natural resources, energy and environment
Fiji has good natural resources. The soil is fertile and there is, among other things, gold, timber and fish to be extracted. There is also mining of silver, copper and bauxite.
At the beginning of the 2010s, hydropower accounted for almost half of the electricity supply and imported oil for almost as much. It is estimated that there is some oil under the sea, but no recovery has started. Yet in 2015, oil accounted for almost 23 percent of imports.
- COUNTRYAAH: Major exports by Fiji with a full list of the top products exported by the country. Includes trade value in U.S. dollars and the percentage for each product category.
A wind farm was inaugurated in 2007, and with continued expansion of hydroelectric power and investments in wood chips and ethanol from sugarcane, the country plans in the long term to fully cope with renewable energy.
Fiji is working actively to counteract the environmental effects of global warming caused by climate change. In February 2016, the country became the first country in the world to formally adopt the UN climate agreement, the so-called Paris Agreement, when Parliament ratified it.
- Abbreviationfinder: A popular acronym site in the world covering abbreviation for each country. For example, FJ stands for Fiji. Visit itypeusa for more information about Fiji.
FACTS – ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT
Energy use per person
628 kilos of oil equivalent (2007)
Carbon dioxide emissions in total
1 170 thousand tonnes (2014)
Carbon dioxide emissions per inhabitant
1.3 tons (2014)
The share of energy from renewable sources
31.3 percent (2015)
2008
July
Promised elections are postponed
The self-proclaimed Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama says that the promised election must be postponed, as there is not enough time to reform the electoral law.
February
The Chief Council is re-established
The self-proclaimed Prime Minister, Frank Bainimarama, is re-establishing the Chiefs’ Council, which he dissolved in April 2007 after refusing to recognize his government. Bainimarama appoints himself the President of the Council.
2007
November
Murder trial against Bainimarama
Self-proclaimed Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama says the police have averted an attempt to murder him.
April
The Chief Council is dissolved
Prime Minister Bainimarama dissolves the chief council after refusing to approve his government and the election of vice president. Bainimarama took power in a military coup in December 2006.
February
Elections are promised until 2010
Fiji’s new leader Frank Bainimarama, who took power in a coup in December 2006, announces that general elections will be held in 2010.
January
Coupmaker becomes new prime minister
Defense chief and coup maker Frank Bainimarama appoints himself acting prime minister after dismissing the elected government.
2006
December
Bainimarama takes power in the coup
Defense Chief Frank Bainimarama takes power in a military coup and dismisses the government. Fiji is suspended from Commonwealth ministerial meetings.
October
Power struggle between Qarase and Bainimarama
There is strong tension between Prime Minister Qarase and Defense Secretary Frank Bainimarama since the government tried to dismiss it later. Bainimarama threatens with a military coup.
May
The ruling SDL wins the parliamentary election
The ruling United Fiji Party (SDL) wins by a marginal margin in the parliamentary elections. Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase and his government continue to govern the country.
March
Iloilo re-elected president
President Iloilo is re-elected by the Chief Council for a second term of office of three years.