The present Cabinet is trying to promote a stable, multicultural image. The Fijians Fiji is enriched with a fusion of many indigenous and ethnic groups, namely Melanesian, Polynesian, Indian, European and Chinese. The British brought the Indian indentured labourers to work on the sugar plantations and their descendants are now fourth-generation Fiji Indians. While Fiji once had a fearsome reputation as the 'Cannibal Isles', paradoxically it is now renowned for its easy going and friendly people. The indigenous Fijian culture and social structure has remained strong.
Many rural people live a semisubsistence village lifestyle under the authority of a local chief.
There is a great diversity of religions in Fiji. The Methodist and Catholic churches have strong followings whilst Hinduism, Islam and Buddhism are also very well represented. Other festivals include Muslim festivals, the English New Year and the Chinese New Year. The Government The Republic of Fiji enjoys a parliamentary democracy and has at its head of state the President. The government is presently headed by the Prime Minister.