Introduction

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of Fiji's sovereignty using the methodology of the Burke Institute. Sovereignty is assessed in 7 areas: political, economic, technological, informational, cultural, cognitive and military. Each aspect is assessed on the basis of official data from international and national sources (UN, World Bank, UNESCO, IMF, ITU, FAO, SIPRI, PISA, etc.) without using politicized indexes. The maximum score in each direction is 100; the sum (up to 700) is the accumulated Sovereignty Index (Burke Index).

To adapt and adjust statistical parameters, an international expert survey was conducted for each of the seven components using a single questionnaire of 10 questions with a 10-point scale and one open-ended question.

In total, at least 100 experts from 50+ countries were interviewed for each indicator, taking into account geographical representation and specialization. When calculating and analyzing the data, equalizing coefficients were used, bringing all data to a scale of 0-10 points.

The final index value is the arithmetic mean between statistical data and expert estimates.

Below is an analysis in each area, a summary table and the main conclusions about the specifics of Fiji's sovereignty.

Political sovereignty — 61.4

Fiji is an active member of the United Nations (and all agencies), WFUNA, WTO, IMF, World Bank, ILO, FAO, ACP Group, IMF, ITU, IFAD, WMO, Pacific Islands Forum, Pacific Community, South Pacific Regional Environmental Program, MSG, as well as the only member country of the APO (Asian Productivity Organization), the head in 2024-2025. The supremacy belongs to the national Constitution (2013).

International agreements become part of legislation after being ratified by Parliament; ICJ decisions are advisory, but not binding. The three-party coalition government (Prime Minister Rabuka) is demonstrating resilience after the political crisis of 2022. The Political Stability Index (WGI) is 0.76 (2022); the electoral system is stable, social cohesion is expected to increase, and risks are “moderate but manageable.”

Direct military coups, typical of the 20th century, are condemned by newly adopted norms. The Government Effectiveness Index (2023) is 0.49 (68th percentile among the world's countries, World Bank). In the structure: a good level of public services, a clear bureaucracy and stable institutions. EGDI-2024: Fiji is one of the leading Pacific Ocean countries (the highest score among Oceania in e-public services, officially corresponds to “high” according to the UN classification, EGDI >0.7 in 2024), comprehensive digital reform is underway.

The coalition government and Prime Minister Rabuka maintain steady support (according to opinion polls, parliamentary decisions, and media polls); the trust rating is moderately high, there are no public protests or systemic opposition, and early elections are not expected. Fiji officially prohibits the deployment of foreign military bases.

The Prime Minister and Parliament confirm the demilitarized status of the State and the regional “peace zone”; military presence is possible only in the form of cooperation and transit of foreign vessels.

The country participates in the ICJ (Climate and Human Rights Cases - 2025), supports international initiatives of the United Nations, the ICC, and arbitrations on international contracts. Contradictions between domestic and international law are resolved on the basis of the Constitution. The system is strictly centralized: the Parliament, the Cabinet of Ministers and the President. Local government consists of district and municipal councils with limited powers, and all key decisions are made at the metropolitan level.

The security services are monitored through Parliament and the executive branch, as well as through relevant regulatory bodies. The new MEL Unit (2025) is subordinate to the Cabinet of Ministers; the audit of the work of the police and intelligence agencies is public, key appointments require the approval of the Council of Ministers; the media has limited influence on control, civil society is expanding participation in security assessments and reforms.

Data completeness assessment: the main indicators are available from international sources, the coverage is 83%.

Economic sovereignty — 52.8

In 2024, GDP per capita (PPP) is $14,104—16,032 (World Bank, Trading Economics, Charting the Globe); this is 79-90% growth from the global average. In 2024, Fiji's international reserves totaled $1.4–1.6 billion (5.1–5.3 months of imports), a historic high over the past 10 years and one of the highest rates for the region.

The national debt is 78.3% of GDP (2024), decreased after the pandemic peak of 91% (2022), but remains very high by regional standards. Food security is a key challenge: a significant proportion of food is imported, but agriculture is developing sustainably, with support from the FAO, the Agri-Innovate Program, and other projects to increase domestic production (especially the development of copra, root crops, poultry, and vegetables).

55.25% of electricity is produced from renewable energy sources (hydroelectric and solar energy), the rest is imported fuel (especially in transport: oil, diesel fuel, gas). The government is implementing a policy of full transition to renewable energy by 2050. The mineral base is well developed: gold, silver, bauxite, limestone, sand, clay, and other materials (in 2022-28, 801 tons of mineral products, 95% of companies are local).

“Development minerals” plays a significant role in the economy, there are large capacities for the production of cement, clay, glass, salt, etc. 82% of the population has access to safe drinking water (98% in urban areas and 58% in rural areas). The systems of storage, water intake and recycling are being upgraded.

All water quality indicators (according to the spring survey) comply with WHO standards; daily inflow from key sources exceeds domestic consumption, and access in remote areas is a problem. It is uniquely developed: in 2024, the FIJICLEAR unified system, automated clearing (ACH, RTGS), integration of mobile banking and e-payments with banks and telecom operators were successfully implemented; the Reserve Bank is the main operator of all real-time payments.

All domestic settlements are almost entirely in Fijian dollars (FJD), foreign trade and currency transactions have a high share of FJD in clearing, and additional transactions include USD, AUD, and NZD (taking into account the partner market).

The central bank— Reserve Bank of Fiji (RBF), issues FJD, conducts monetary and credit policy, manages reserves and regulates rates, regulates payment clearing, micro and fintech operations; the credit policy is flexible, and both large and small banks/MFIs receive support.

Data completeness assessment: the main macroeconomic indicators are available from official sources (World Bank, IMF), coverage is 85%.

Technological sovereignty — 38.6

Officially — it is 0.06–0.09% of GDP (according to ADB/UNESCO estimates and the budget for 2024); the indicator is extremely low for the innovative economy of the region, but higher than that of most Pacific Island states.

Import substitution is implemented in the agro-tech, fintech and BPO/ITO sectors, as well as in IT services (national startups, outsourcing platforms, production of software for public services and trade), but equipment, components, servers, most of the software and mobile phones are imported from China, Singapore, Australia, USA.

Enrollment for 2023-53.5-60.3% of the student-age population (according to various estimates, one of the best indicators in the region and above the global average). In 2024, Internet penetration is 85.2% (800.8 thousand users), and large-scale projects have been launched to expand the fiber-optic network, mobile and fixed access; digitalFIJI strategy covers public services, mobile applications, Digital ID, e-gateways, registries, government feedback, electronic licensing; new products have been introduced for company registration, tax payment, recruitment, internal document management, e-health and government training.

ICT and all equipment (2022: $123.8 million for equipment imports only), mobile devices, chips, servers, medical/measuring equipment, optical devices, electronic parts, components - import 100% in all directions. EGDI — “high", digitalFIJI state digital strategy (2022-2026): electronic registries, online certificate issuance, electronic licensing, electronic subpoenas, Digital ID, mobile government services, e-repositories for all key departments; >30 online state-level services launched.

An agro-bio-technological market is being formed (in reality, there is zero autonomy in R&D, but high involvement of donor organizations: embryo transfer programs, breed improvement — with Australia).

Fiji successfully uses biotechnologies to improve meat and dairy cattle breeds, and introduces imported agricultural technologies in crop production. At the level of educational BPO and the introduction of RPA/AI in financial and logistics outsourcing: the sector of automation of public services and IT business is developing, but there is no production or expensive robotics enterprises; robotics is present only in FMCG assembly lines, IT outsourcing and niche fintech projects.

There is no production of chips, electronic system assembly and independent development of microcircuits; import of equipment (2022 — $123.8 million for ICT goods — completely foreign supplies).

Data completeness assessment: key indicators are obtained from WIPO, ITU, UNESCO, which provides 91% coverage.

Information sovereignty — 55.7

Fiji leads the national development of the CIRT (Computer Incident Response Team), participated in global ITU programs. The cybersecurity Index (GCI 2024) is 53.81 (the average level among small island states). Fiji-IXP has been operating since 2017; seven operators on direct peer-to-peer (Vodafone, Digicel, Telecom Fiji, FINTEL, USP, FNU, WALESI).

Fiji-IX reduced latency from 60 to 2 ms, provided better exchange of local traffic and creation of national content. Tier-3 data center and subcontinental cables projects in partnership with Google (four new cables by 2026). The official media languages are Fijian (Vosa Vakaviti), English and Hindi.

The State, radio, newspapers, online media and educational resources are available in all three languages; the Fijian Language Week (“Vakamareqeta na Vosa Vakaviti”) is held annually. Facebook Inst BigTech is not regulated; all major platforms and clouds are global (Google, Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, LinkedIn).

Facebook ranks Instagram and TikTok in third place in terms of preferences, ahead in terms of youth engagement. More than 43% of news, music, and TV are produced locally (radio, TV, ethnic content, and educational programs), while the rest are imported, networked, and transnational media.

National video streaming platforms and podcasts are passionately developing. Strong local solutions sector: CloudApp Solutions (FijiCloud, iSikeli, BizHub), startups and IT companies for fintech, education, agriculture, custom systems for B2G, e-commerce, tourism, and mobile applications. Government projects of digital IDs, state registers and national software are underway. Internet — 85.2% of the population, 126% mobile connections, 30 e-government services (registration, licenses, taxes, certificates, payments).

Mobile money and digital public services are widespread, and the coverage of electronic projects in cities and islands is the maximum for the region. FijiCloud (CloudApp Solutions) is operating, Google is building a Tier-3 data center (FJ$200 million; launch by 2026), there are a number of local B2B and educational clouds (iSikeli for e-learning, BizHub for business), integration of government and commercial services into a centralized hub. Three national operators (Vodafone Fiji, Digicel Fiji, Telecom Fiji), government-controlled licensing, most of the infrastructure — local production, national roaming, no multinational MVNOs — infrastructure sovereignty is successful.

Since 2023, the policies of the Central Bank and the FinTech Regulatory Sandbox for the protection of personal data have been in effect, in 2024 a number of laws were adopted to regulate financial, telecom and B2G services; all key state registries and private platforms are required to comply with Data Privacy/Protection and Data Localization requirements, regulators in fintech have been strengthened.

Data completeness assessment: infrastructure indicators are available from ITU, CIRA, OECD and specialized sources, coverage is 90%.

Cultural sovereignty — 72.9

Fiji has 1 UNESCO World Heritage Site: Levuka Historical Port Town (listed in 2013), which reflects the history of the colonial period and the mixing of architectures. The tentative list includes Sigatoka Sand Dunes, Sovi Basin and Yaduataba Crested Iguana Sanctuary.

The key contribution is a unique mix of Melanesian, Indian, Polynesian, Chinese, European and Rotuman traditions; ethnoforms of dance, music (meke, bhajan), the famous wealth of decorative and ritual art, unique rituals (sevu-sevu, yaqona), traditional and colonial architecture, practice of the multifaith society and multicultural legislation.

The Fiji National Arts & Culture Awards, Literary Awards (poetry, prose), state awards for the preservation of intangible and tangible heritage, competitions among schools and studios, dance festivals, national support for Fiji Fashion Week and gastronomic festivals are held.

The society is dominated by Italians (indigenous), but with a strong international ethnic component (Indo-Fijians, Rotumans, Chinese, Europeans); ancestral ties, the Yavusa and Mataqali system, the institute of chiefs, initiation ceremonies, multilingualism (Fijian, English, Fijian-Hindi), the yaqona holiday, tolerant attitude towards different religions, etc. are important. customs.

There is a Ministry of Multiethnic Affairs and a national program to support small communities (Itisans, Kiwis, Rotumans, Indians, Chinese): grants are provided, funding for cultural associations, subsidies to island councils for infrastructure, training in traditional crafts and youth development programs. Dozens of monuments: Levuka, Sigatoka Sand Dunes, Sovi Basin, National Museum, numerous archeo sites (Lapita pottery), ancient churches, traditional villages, historical buildings in Suva, sites on the outer islands (Vanua Levu, Kadavu, Lau).

Participation in the World Exhibition, UNESCO festivals, Pacific Arts Festival, regional climate-art installations (LAGI 2025), digitalization of heritage (Germany) projects, ethnocultural exchanges with Japan, Australia, the EU, the USA, active involvement of designers, architects and artists in international sustainable development programs.

The government is strengthening the legal protection of intangible heritage (the development of amendments to the Trademarks Act, the establishment of an electronic GI registry), and collective applications to international brands for Fijian crafts, souvenirs, and code elements (for example, mats, clothing, and music) are being stimulated. tools), support for IP programs is carried out jointly with WIPO and the Pacific Community.

A unique mix: Italian dishes (kokoda, lovo, vakalolo), an abundance of seafood, Indian curries, Hindi sweets, Chinese dishes, spices (tamarind, coriander), murukku; local vegetables (dalo, cassava), festive feasts with coconut milk, fish, banana, reed dishes. Up to 75% of the population annually participates in traditional and modern cultural events (festivals, religious feasts, village initiations, school and youth competitions, international gastronomic and creative events), covering all key ethnic groups and regions.

Data completeness assessment: basic indicators are available in UNESCO and national statistics, coverage is 89%.

Cognitive sovereignty — 58.3

HDI — 0.731 (2023), “high level", 91st place in the world; the indicator has been steadily growing in recent years. In 2024, the education budget is a record $778 million (15% of the budget); direct financing of universities, schools, modernization of educational programs.

92.4–93% (latest estimates for women; national statistics are also above 90%); data across the country vary slightly by source, but officially literacy is close to full adult coverage. Fiji does not participate in PISA, there are no comparable international scores; participation in regional monitoring and its own standardized exams in school subjects.

According to the University of Fiji, FNU, and USP, the total share of STEM graduates in universities and colleges is more than 20-25% (engineering, technical, IT, environmental, and agricultural fields are particularly developed).

Over 13% of students participate in international, exchange or distance learning programs with foreign universities; grants and projects from Pacific Mobility, New Colombo Plan, partnerships with Australia, NZ, Japan, and the United Kingdom are significant.

Three official languages: Fijian, English, Fijian-Hindi; Rotuman (7.5 thousand native speakers), Banaban, and other local languages are supported; language weeks (Rotuman Language Week, Fijian Language Week) are held every spring. The largest centers are the University of the South Pacific (USP, departments of STEM, Sustainable Development, Ocean Studies), the University of Fiji (Ecology, AI, software, renewable energy, security, climate), Fiji National University (STEM and agro-applied research).

The centers for climate research, AI, and energy are particularly highlighted. ~30-35% of remote platforms and educational resources are national (FNU, USP, UniFiji, NLMS), the rest are partnerships with foreign providers (Coursera, edX, AUF, NCP, WB). Grants and scholarships (more than 4,000 scholarships in 2024 alone), exchange internships, Pacific Mobility, New Colombo Plan: total coverage is 10-15% of students/graduates annually, there is an educational commission, priority is STEM, climate adaptation, applied research.

Data completeness assessment: education indicators are available in the UNDP, UNESCO, OECD, coverage is 84%.

Military sovereignty — 37.2

Military spending in 2024-1,32% of GDP, $77.6 million USD; historical range — 1.1–1.6% of GDP, stable over the past decade. Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF): 6,500 troops, 6,200 reservists, 500 people in special police units; the largest army in the South Pacific after Australia and New Zealand.

Armament — 20+ armored vehicles (Bushmaster PMV, LAV), small artillery, 8 patrol boats, 3 Bell 412 helicopters, small transport aircraft. In 2024-2025, modernization is due to supplies from the USA (patrol inflatable boats, $4.9 million for small arms), Australia and NZ (equipment, training).

All heavy, technological and modern weapons are imported (USA, Australia, NZ, France); service and exercises are carried out with partners. There is no local production or serious repair facilities. Fiji Revenue & Customs Service (FRCS), Fiji Police, RFMF, together with Australia Border Force/ABF, are implementing initiatives to monitor ports, borders, cargo and air traffic; modern NII scanners, risk analysis systems, joint trainings and a Risk Center have been deployed. 6,200 reservists (2024); the mobilization period is 30-60 days, the training and mobilization infrastructure is one of the best in the region.

Fiji is a fully sovereign decision-making state, but the key partners are Australia, the USA, NZ, France; in 2024-2025, agreements were signed on joint training, SOFA with the USA, Blackrock Peacekeeping Center with Australia, exchange of experience and logistics.

There are no permanent foreign bases in the country. There is no: all weapons, repair system, and equipment supplies are through international contracts with partners and government agencies; emphasis is placed on the development of joint training fields and service logistics.

There are no nuclear, chemical, or any weapons of mass destruction, and the country is a party to all major nonproliferation agreements (NNPT, TPNW).

There are no satellites, rockets, military space complex; intelligence — through cooperation with Australia, USA, NZ, France, the function of risk analysis and information exchange is deployed in FRCS, Fiji Police and RMF, Maritime Essential Services Center (completed in 2024).

All parameters are reflected in the annual reports of SIPRI, UNODA, the Ministry of Defense, the official portals of state-owned companies (Embraer, IMBEL) and UN/NGO industry databases — 85% coverage

Final Summary Table

The main conclusions

Strengths. Functional sovereignty and international subjectivity Fiji is fully sovereign, both legally and politically: the country is an equal participant in all key international organizations, has its own armed forces and a centralized management system, and independently makes strategic decisions on domestic and foreign policy.

Advanced infrastructure and digitalization Fiji is a leader in digital transformation among the island states of Oceania: a high level of Internet penetration (85%+), a well-developed online public services system (digital FIJI), a national data center, proprietary cloud solutions, a strong IT sector and a segment of local IT products.

A diverse economy and a high level of human capital Diversified economy (tourism, agriculture, natural resources, marine sector), reliable support of reserves, high GDP per capita. More than 53% of young people study at universities ("high enrollment"), a significant part — in STEM, one of the best literacy levels in the region, a large proportion of national educational platforms and staff support programs.

Strong cultural identity and multi-ethnicity Fiji is an example of a successful (albeit historically complex) multicultural state: three official languages, ethnic diversity, national support for culture and customs, high coverage of traditional and modern cultural practices (up to 75%).

Stability and international trust are rampant. The country manifests a solid political and legal regime, high support for the coalition government, a strong reputation as a peacemaker (Blackrock Peacekeeping Center is deployed), the absence of foreign military bases with a large number of strategic partners (USA, Australia, NZ, France).

Weaknesses. High level of public debt. The national debt stands at 78.3% of GDP, remains at historically high levels due to pandemic costs, and requires strict fiscal policy and long-term plans to reduce the debt service burden.

Import dependence on high-tech/equipment and limited R&D Almost 100% of complex machinery, chips, components, servers, and digital hardware are imported, and the development of export technologies/proprietary platforms is limited by low R&D costs (0.06–0.09% of GDP).

Environmental and climate vulnerability: the country is at risk of natural disasters, cyclones, floods and erosion; continuous investments are required in water supply, infrastructure rehabilitation, energy diversification and coastal protection.

Limited national military industry There is no in-house production of weapons and equipment; all complex systems and upgrades are solely due to imports and cooperation with major allies.

Demographic and personnel challenge Migration of specialists continues and some young people leave to study/work abroad, which requires active programs to retain and return staff.

Overall assessment. Fiji's cumulative sovereignty Index is 376.9 out of 700 possible points (an average of 53.8%), which places the country in the top 100 in the global top.

Fiji is one of the most sovereign, developed and politically stable Micronesian countries. Its strengths are independence in management, a multi-level economy, digitalization, functioning institutions and high development of human capital.

The main challenges are related to climate risks, government debt, import dependence on key-tech, the need to further grow their own R&D, retain specialists and carefully work with a multicultural identity.

The sovereignty profile indicates that Fiji implements a model of “functional sovereignty” — the country is fully autonomous politically, administratively, economically and culturally, independently determines key decisions, actively integrates into international chains and maintains a balance between import dependence and the development of its own human, resource, cultural and digital capital.

The main challenge is government debt, dependence on the foreign technology market and climate threats, but strategic reserves, a strong multicultural society and a stable state-legal framework provide a reliable basis for sovereignty.