Fiji

Fiji is an island country in the South Pacific Ocean, classified by the United Nations as part of the Oceania region and the Melanesia subregion. Its formal statistical identifiers are UN M49 code 242, ISO alpha-2 code FJ, ISO alpha-3 code FJI, and UN member state status. The capital is Suva, as listed in the World Bank capital field. The one fact that belongs only here: Fiji is the only UN member state whose constitution names three official languages, English, iTaukei, and Fiji Hindi, while also designating English as the sole language of parliamentary proceedings, a split you cannot verify from a classification table alone.

Stable classification facts

These identifiers come from the United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). They are stable codes, not political judgments.

Attribute	Value
UN M49 code	242
ISO alpha-2	FJ
ISO alpha-3	FJI
UN region	Oceania
UN subregion	Melanesia
UN membership	Member state
World Bank capital field	Suva

The UN M49 classification is a statistical geography, not a political or territorial claim. It groups Fiji under Melanesia for data-collection purposes. The UN M49 overview is the authoritative reference for these codes and groupings.

Population and how it is counted

Population figures for Fiji change frequently and depend on the source. The United Nations Population Division publishes annual estimates; the Fiji Bureau of Statistics conducts the national census. The UN’s World Population Prospects 2024 revision gives a 2024 estimate for Fiji of roughly 928,000 persons. That figure is an estimate, not a census count. The most recent national census was the 2017 Census of Population and Housing, which recorded 884,887 persons, according to the Fiji Bureau of Statistics. The next census is expected in 2027.

Census counts and UN estimates are different datasets. A census is a direct count, while a UN estimate is a projection between censuses. They are not directly comparable. For the latest official figure, check the Fiji Bureau of Statistics (FBoS) for the most recent census or mid-year estimate, and the UN World Population Prospects for a harmonised international estimate. Both publish their methodology and reference year.

How to compare population sources

When you pull a number from the UN, the World Bank, or the Fiji Bureau of Statistics, you are looking at three different products built on different schedules and definitions. The UN publishes annual revisions; the World Bank uses its own series; the FBoS releases census results and inter-censal projections. None of these will match exactly. To use a figure responsibly, record the source, the dataset name, and the reference year. Never average them or treat them as interchangeable.

Capital and administrative structure

Suva is the capital of Fiji, as listed in the World Bank country profile and the UN M49 overview. Suva sits on the southeast coast of Viti Levu, the largest island. Fiji is a parliamentary republic; the head of state is the President, while the Prime Minister heads the government. Administrative divisions are the 14 provinces, plus the dependency of Rotuma. Government functions are distributed between Suva and other locations for some institutions; this is a matter of national administrative structure, not a statistical classification. For the current government structure, consult the Fijian Government portal.

Languages and what the constitution actually says

Fiji has three official languages under the 2013 Constitution: English, iTaukei (Fijian), and Fiji Hindi. English is used in government, education, and formal business. The 2017 census is the most recent national source for language use; for current figures, consult the Fiji Bureau of Statistics and the CIA World Factbook language section. Do not infer ethnicity from language counts; census categories may not match self-identification. Do not treat census language figures as identical to proficiency rates; the definitions differ.

Verifying changeable data

Population figures, language-use counts, currency rates, government structures, and visa rules change. Treat any number printed here as a snapshot, not a permanent fact. For current data, check the named source and reference year.

Population and development indicators

The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs publishes estimates and projections. The World Bank also publishes data via its country API. Both update on different schedules, so the figures will not match exactly; cite the source and reference year for every number you use.

• United Nations population data
• World Bank country overview

Capital and government

The World Bank capital field lists Suva as the capital. Verify the current administrative and political status through the Fijian Government portal or the UN member state listing, because capital cities can be reclassified administratively.

Languages

Fiji has three official languages per the 2013 Constitution of Fiji: English, iTaukei (Fijian), and Fiji Hindi. For current language-use data, consult the Fiji Bureau of Statistics or the UNESCO education database. Do not treat census language figures as identical to proficiency rates; the definitions differ.

Currency

Fiji’s currency is the Fijian dollar (FJD). Exchange rates fluctuate daily; use the central bank or a major financial data provider for a current rate. The issuing authority is the Reserve Bank of Fiji.

Government and economy

Fiji is a parliamentary republic. Political and constitutional details change; consult the Fijian Government portal or the most recent CIA World Factbook entry for the current structure. For economic indicators, the World Bank country API returns GDP, GNI, and income-group classifications; always note the reference year and the dataset used.

How to check current data

Use the World Bank country API to pull the latest indicators for Fiji.

Use the UN M49 overview for the official regional classification.

For travel advice, consult your own government’s foreign ministry travel advisory and the IATA Travel Centre.

Data table (illustrative, not current)

Attribute	Value	Source / note
UN M49 code	242	UN M49 classification
ISO alpha-2	FJ	ISO 3166-1
ISO alpha-3	FJI	ISO 3166-1
UN region	Oceania	UN M49
UN subregion	Melanesia	UN M49
UN membership	Member state	UN M49
World Bank capital city field	Suva	World Bank country API
Official language(s)	English, Fijian, Fiji Hindi	See source note below

Verify current data before you rely on it

Population, currency, and visa rules change. The figures below are not a substitute for a current primary source. For any number you plan to quote, check the original dataset and note the reference year.

Population: The United Nations Population Division publishes annual estimates and projections. The World Bank’s country profile uses its own series, which may differ from the UN’s because of different update cycles and definitions. Always cite the exact source and year for any figure.

Languages: Fiji has three official languages by constitution: English, iTaukei (Fijian), and Fiji Hindi. This is a legal classification, not a measure of how many people speak each language. For current language-use data, consult the Fiji Bureau of Statistics or the UNESCO education statistics database.