Captain James Cook visited the southern Lau group of islands in 1774. Government was largely modeled on the Westminster system until the declaration of a Republic in October of 1987. Fiji just recently rejoined the Commonwealth. Economy Sugar and tourism dominate the economy, while manufacturing, agriculture, fishing, timber, and gold mining are expanding. Population Fiji is perhaps the most cosmopolitan of all South Pacific nations.
Fijian customs reflect an utmost dignity and courtesy toward the visitor.
Drink it down in one swallow, as the Fijians do. The second largest ethnic group are the Indo-Fijians, who came to the islands as indentured laborers in the late 19th century. Many are shopkeepers, professionals and cane farmers. After the 1987 coup many Indo-Fijians migrated to the US, Australia and New Zealand. These people of mixed blood proudly trace their cultural heritage on both sides of the racial divide, and may enjoy land rights of the family group to which the Fijian parent belonged.