Background: Fiji became independent in 1970, after nearly a century as a British colony. Democratic rule was interrupted by two military coups in 1987, caused by concern over a government perceived as dominated by the Indian community (descendants of contract laborers brought to the islands by the British in the 19th century). A 1990 constitution favored native Melanesian control of Fiji, but led to heavy Indian emigration; the population loss resulted in economic difficulties, but ensured that Melanesians became the majority. Amendments enacted in 1997 made the constitution more equitable. Free and peaceful elections in 1999 resulted in a government led by an Indo-Fijian, but a coup in May 2000 ushered in a prolonged period of political turmoil. Parliamentary elections held in August 2001 provided Fiji with a democratically elected government and gave a mandate to the government of Prime Minister Laisenia QARASE.
July 6th 2008Oceania » Fiji » Taveuni We flew to Taveuni, "the Garden Island of Fiji." It's called the Garden Island because it rains ALL THE TIME. We hiked to a waterfall and spent the night at the lodge there. No power and worse yet, ... 11 photos[full story]
April 11th 2008Oceania » Fiji » Taveuni We arrived in Fiji to be greeted by torrential rain which wasn't really what we had in mind but it was still incredibly humid, we went to a nearby hostel just for the night as we were leaving for Tave ... 11 photos[full story]
March 23rd 2008Oceania » Fiji » Taveuni Florence
So Florence is so amazing. I wish I had come here for the semester instead. Our hostel is small but adorable. We feel like were staying in our grandma’s spare bedroom, except that it ... [full story]
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