text: i want to know about figi? - nature of the island. - nature of the inhabitant. - living cateogry (expensive/moderate,..) - how much a couple need per month to live in moderate level. - expected danger (thieves/ viruses/volcano...) fiji became independent in 1970, after nearly a century as a british colony. democratic rule was interrupted by two military coups in 1987, caused by concern over a government perceived as dominated by the indian community (descendants of contract laborers brought to the islands by the british in the 19th century). the coups and a 1990 constitution that cemented native melanesian control of fiji, led to heavy indian emigration; the population loss resulted in economic difficulties, but ensured that melanesians became the majority. a new constitution enacted in 1997 was more equitable. free and peaceful elections in 1999 resulted in a government led by an indo-fijian, but a civilian-led coup in may 2000 ushered in a prolonged period of political turmoil. parliamentary elections held in august 2001 provided fiji with a democratically elected government led by prime minister laisenia qarase.