According to the pottery that has been recovered from towns in Fiji , the island nation was settled sometime around 1000 BC. The island wasn't inhabited by Europeans, however, until the nineteenth century. By 1874, the islands were under British control. During this time, the British brought Indian contract laborers to the islands.
In 1970, the island nation was granted its independence. Things weren't peaceful in Fiji , however, as it experienced two military coups in 1987. In 1992, Sitiveni Rabuka, who was the Lieutenant Colonel that led the 1987 coup, was elected Prime Minister. By 1997, Fiji was readmitted into the Commonwealth of Nations .
Another coup took place in 1997, after which Commodore Frank Bainimarama took executive power. In 2000, two mutinies at the Queen Elizabeth Barracks in Suva took place and the constitution was reinstated in 2001. At this time, a general election was held and Laisenia Qarase was elected Prime Minister. In 2005, he proposed providing compensation to victims of the 2000 coup and extending amnesty to those that were involved. The military was opposed to the bill, however, and commander Frank Bainimarama was instrumental in fighting it. In fact, after Bainimarama met with the President of the island nation, Ratu Josefa Iliolo, Iliolo signed a legal order that dissolved Parliament.
Today, Fiji has a large armed force when compared to its size. As such, it has played a large role in UN peacekeeping missions throughout the world. Still, the indigenous culture of the island nation is still very active. In addition to understanding Fiji history, it is important for travelers to understand this culture. For example, when visiting a Fiji village, it is customary to bring a gift of yagona, which costs about $15 for half-a-kilo. This special gift, which is referred to as a sevusevu, is presented to the executive head of the village and generally takes place in his home. The yagona is then pounded into a powder and mixed with water before being served.
