a country in the southern Pacific Ocean, consisting of over 800 islands. The capital city is Suva, and the country’s economy is based mainly on agriculture, fishing and tourism. Fiji, formerly a part of the British Empire , became independent in 1970. In 1987 the armed forces took over the country, and Fiji left the Commonwealth , though it has since joined it again. In 2000 the Prime Minster and members of the government were imprisoned in a failed attempt to take over the country.
► Fijian adj , n .