| Since claiming independence from Britain in the 1970’s, the Republic of Fiji operates under a parliamentary government. In past years, the government had a few difficulties staying in power, but in recent years since a constitution has been put in place there are fewer conflicts. The President of Fiji is head of state while the Prime minister is head of government, all coinciding with the parliament, the House of Representatives and the Senate. Indo-Fijians make up about 44 percent of the Fiji population. Most Indo-Fijians are the descendants of indentured laborers brought to Fiji during the nineteenth century by the British. The treatment of the Indo- Fijian has created conflict between the parties and therefore the government. In the past 20 years, Fiji has had four coups. The first coup in 1987 was started and supported to halt collaboration between Indo-Fijians and indigenous Fijians for a non-racial political discourse. The second coup in the same year severed Fiji's ties with the Commonwealth and deposed Governor General Ratu Penaia Ganilau. Racial tensions did not decrece despite Fiji's three post-coup constitution reviews and in May 2000, armed gunmen held government ministers hostage for 56 days and coordinated race attacks against Indo-Fijians from the parliament. As a result of the 2000 coup, the indigenous Fijian-dominated Qarase government came to power. However, by 2006, the Qarase government and the military had started a public fight over government policies and bills, which resulted in the December 2006 takeover. Since these coups, racial tension has decreased with the help of foreign aid, more education to the public and a much more racially acceptant government. As well, regulations, more security, and laws have been put in place to ensure the end of the political disrupt and violence. Read more: Indo-Fijians - Introduction, Location, Language, Folklore, Religion, Major holidays, Rites of passage, Relationships, Living conditions http://www.everyculture.com/wc/Costa-Rica-to-Georgia/Indo-Fijians.html#ixzz1xDRUsqGh
Fiji has one of the most developed economies of the many Pacific Island Economies, although is still highly dependant on agriculture. Agriculture makes up 70 percent of the workforce, but a small percentage of the Gross Domestic Product. Tourism is another large part of the Fiji economy, as well as the fishing industry. Fiji Still Mineral Water is a large export and has earned close to 52 million dollars a year.
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