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Fijians (Fijian: iTaukei, lit. 'Owners [of the land]') are a nation and Austronesian ethnic group native to Fiji, who speak Fijian and English and share a common history and culture.

Key Information

Fijians, or iTaukei,[12] are the major indigenous people of the Fiji Islands of Melanesia. Indigenous Fijians are believed to have arrived in Fiji from western Melanesia approximately 3,500 years ago and are the descendants of the Lapita people. Later they would move onward to other surrounding islands, including Rotuma, as well as settling in other nearby islands such as Tonga and Samoa. They are indigenous to all parts of Fiji except the island of Rotuma. The original settlers are now called "Lapita people" after a distinctive pottery produced locally. Lapita pottery was found in the area from 800 BCE onward.

As of 2005, indigenous Fijians constituted slightly more than half of the total population of Fiji. Indigenous Fijians are predominantly of Melanesian extraction, with some Polynesian admixture.

Australia has the largest Fijian expatriate population, according to the Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs. According to the Australian census, the largest ethnic backgrounds that Fijians identified with were Indian/Indo-Fijian and Indigenous Fijian origins.[2] Fijian New Zealand are also the fifth largest Pacific ethnic group living in New Zealand. Outside Oceania, a notable Fijian diaspora is found in other Anglophone countries, namely Canada, United States and the United Kingdom.

The Bose Levu Vakaturaga (Great Council of Chiefs) once passed laws and regulations governing the indigenous Fijian people. Until its disbanding by the Military of Fiji following the 2006 coup, the Great Council of Chiefs met yearly to discuss native Fijian concerns. The council, which was formerly responsible for appointing Fiji's president, was composed of 55 Fijian chiefs selected from the 14 provinces. Included in the council were three appointees from the island of Rotuma and six appointed by the Minister of Fijian Affairs. The Minister of Fijian Affairs consulted with the President as part of the selection process. Former Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka was given a lifetime appointment on the council.

Culture

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19th-century Fijian couple in traditional dress.

The native Fijian language belongs to the Central Pacific (Fijian – Polynesian) branch of the Austronesian family.[13] The Fijian traditions are centred around ceremonies and events, that bond the community.

Yaqona (pronounced Yang-gohna), otherwise known as kava – another important traditional custom – is an infusion prepared from the root of Piper methysticum, a type of pepper plant. The plant itself is also often referred to as yaqona or the kava plant. Yaqona is extremely important in indigenous Fijian culture – in the time of the 'old religion' it was used ceremonially by chiefs and priests only. Today, yaqona is part of daily life, both in villages and in urban areas and across all classes and walks of life. 'Having a grog' or 'drinking grog', as drinking kava is sometimes known, is used for welcoming and bonding with visitors, for storytelling sessions or merely for passing time.[citation needed]

The Tabua is a much revered whale's tooth which is used in both public and private occasions or ceremonies. The tooth is considered sacred.[14]

About 86 percent of the land in Fiji is owned by indigenous Fijian people.[15] In 1876, Sir Arthur Hamilton-Gordon, the British colonial Governor, prohibited the sale of Fijian land to non-ethnic Fijians. This policy continues today, and in 2014 the sale of freehold land to foreigners was further restricted.[16][17] The Governor also banned the employment of native Fijians as labourers, and in 1878, began importing indentured labourers from India to work in the sugarcane fields. The effects of this immigration created an ethnic polarisation and rampant Anti-Indian sentiment, which has proven to be politically challenging to Fijian race relations.[18]

Indigenous Fijians overwhelmingly report as being Christian, with the Methodist Church of Fiji and Rotuma claiming the loyalty of 64.5% (2007 census). Other significant denominations include the Roman Catholic Church (9.1%), the Assemblies of God (5.7%) and the Seventh-day Adventists (3.9%). 10.4% belong to other churches from a large number of denominations. Only about 0.8% report as following non-Christian religions or no religion.[19]

Approximately 70% of indigenous Fijians are farmers, many of which are sustenance farmers. They commonly grow such crops as sugar cane, cassava, rice, sweet potatoes, and bananas.[citation needed]

Fijian policemen in Suva, 1967
Guard outside the presidential palace in Suva, 2003
Group of Fijian children, 2008

History

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Historically, Fijians were known as the canoe building experts of the Pacific, using them to trade with Tonga. They were usually large double-hulled canoes, called a Drua (pronounced nDroo-ah), with each side being similar except one was shorter and served as a type of outrigger. These were united by beams, with a platform on it that extended beyond the sides.[20]

The article on the History of Fiji offers a timeline of events.

The Lapita people, named after their distinctive pottery style, were the first people to inhabit Fiji in about 3000 BCE, and evidence of their settlements exist throughout Fiji – particularly around the Sigatoka Sand Dunes. They were followed by the Melanesians in about 500 BCE, and trading with Tongans and Samoans since Fiji was founded, has added to the cultural mix. In the Later years, there was active commerce between Tonga and Fiji, and later in the history of this relationship, the Fijians in the Lau Islands (Eastern Fiji) became vassals to the King of Tonga. One particular reason Tongans and Samoans came to Fiji was to build the Drua (large double-hulled canoes) which they could not build on their own islands because of the lack of proper timber.

From the early 19th century, both European and Chinese traders (dishsant visited Fiji for its sandalwood, hardwoods, beche-de-mer, marine life and, more recently, gold).[21] The British ruled Fiji from 1874 to 1970. In 1970, Fiji became a fully independent nation with constitutional arrangements to ensure that traditional Fijian interests were preserved.

His Royal Highness Prince of Wales, Prince Charles, presented the Instruments of Independence to Prime Minister Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara on 10 October 1970 at a massive gathering at Albert Park in Suva. In 1972, the first general elections were held using the 1970 constitution. In 1987, two military coups were staged. The first coup was bloodless, and the second coup severed ties with the British Monarchy. A controversial and racially divisive new constitution was adopted in 1990, and in 1992 the first general election was held under the auspices of the new constitution.

The constitution was revised again in 1997 and was deemed to be more equitable by the many racial groups in Fiji. Free and peaceful elections in 1999 resulted in a government led by an Indo-Fijian, Mahendra Choudhary, but a violent coup in May 2000 ushered in a prolonged period of political and racial turmoil. Parliamentary elections held in August 2001 provided Fiji with a democratically elected government led by Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase. Re-elected in May 2006, Qarase was ousted in a military coup on 5 December that year, led by the Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces(RFMF), Commodore Voreqe (Frank) Bainimarama, who initially appointed himself acting president, but in January 2007 assumed the position of interim Prime Minister, promising a return to democracy in the near future. This did not eventuate, however; elections were not held until 2014. [22] [23]

Traditions and ceremonies

[edit]
A traditional music show

The Fijian traditions and ceremonies are based and share commonalities throughout time.

Name

[edit]

In August 2008, shortly before the proposed People's Charter for Change, Peace and Progress was due to be released to the public, it was announced that it recommended a change in the name of Fiji's citizens. If the proposal were adopted, all citizens of Fiji, whatever their ethnicity, would be called "Fijians". At present,[when?] the word "Fijian" does not denote a nationality, and refers exclusively to indigenous Fijians. Citizens of Fiji are referred to as "Fiji Islanders". The proposal would change the English name of indigenous Fijians from "Fijians" to itaukei. The indigenous word for Fijian is "Kaiviti"[24] Deposed Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase reacted by stating that the name "Fijian" belonged exclusively to indigenous Fijians, and that he would oppose any change in legislation enabling non-indigenous Fijians to use it. The Cabinet at its meeting on 30 June 2010 approved the Fijian Affairs [Amendment] Decree 2010. The new law effectively replaces the word 'Fijian' or 'indigenous' or 'indigenous Fijian' with the word 'iTaukei' in all written laws, and all official documentation when referring to the original and native settlers of Fiji. All Fiji citizens are now called 'Fijians'.[25][26][27]

See also

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References

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Other sources

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Fijians

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iTaukei, the indigenous people of Fiji, are an ethnic group of predominantly Melanesian origin with Polynesian admixture, inhabiting the archipelago nation in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. They form the largest demographic segment, comprising 56.8% of Fiji's population estimated at 939,535 in 2021, with their numbers rooted in ancient Austronesian migrations that settled the islands over 3,000 years ago. Fijian society is characterized by a hierarchical structure centered on villages (koro) governed by hereditary chiefs (turaga), where communal under customary systems sustains extended networks and reciprocal exchanges, fostering resilience amid environmental and social challenges. Traditional practices, including meke dances and the presentation of tabua (whale's tooth) in ceremonies, underscore a integrating ancestral spirits, for vanua ( and ), and communal harmony, though historical warrior traditions and pre-colonial reflect a complex legacy of adaptation in isolated island ecologies. Notable for their contributions to regional sports, particularly rugby, where the national team has secured Olympic gold and World Cup victories, iTaukei have also faced ethnic tensions with the Indo-Fijian minority, precipitating military coups in 1987, 2000, and 2006 aimed at safeguarding indigenous political primacy and land rights against perceived demographic shifts and economic disparities. These events highlight causal dynamics of identity preservation in a multi-ethnic state, where iTaukei affirmative policies in politics and resources persist despite international scrutiny.

Terminology and Identity

Name and Etymology

The name "Fiji", from which "Fijians" is derived, originates from the Tongan pronunciation of the indigenous Fijian term Viti, referring to the archipelago's largest island, . Tongans, who maintained trade relations with Fijians, rendered Viti as Fisi or a similar variant, which European explorers encountered and adapted into "" during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. This exonym was popularized by figures such as Captain , who sailed near the islands in 1774, though substantive European contact and mapping occurred later via traders and missionaries. The indigenous Fijians, known in English as Fijians, self-identify as iTaukei, a term meaning "owners of the land" or original inhabitants, reflecting their status as the archipelago's founding Melanesian population. This designation was formally adopted in official English-language usage in 2010 under the government of to distinguish the indigenous group from and other minorities, replacing earlier terms like "native Fijian" amid post-independence ethnic tensions. Prior to this, "Fijian" in colonial and early postcolonial contexts specifically denoted the indigenous people, while post-2013 constitutional changes extended "Fijian" citizenship to all residents, preserving iTaukei for ethnic specificity.

Ethnic Composition and Self-Identification

The ethnic composition of Fiji's , as enumerated in the 2017 census, consists primarily of iTaukei (indigenous Fijians) at 56.8%, at 37.5%, at 1.2%, and other groups (including Europeans, Chinese, Pacific Islanders from other nations, and part-Europeans) at 4.5%. The total recorded was 884,887 persons. iTaukei are predominantly of Melanesian descent with historical admixtures from Polynesian and Micronesian migrations, reflecting ancient settlement patterns across the archipelago's over 300 islands. trace their origins to approximately 60,000 Indian indentured laborers brought by British colonial authorities between 1879 and 1916, primarily from regions in modern-day , , and , leading to a distinct South Asian demographic bloc concentrated in urban and northern areas. , a Polynesian group from the island of (annexed by in 1881), maintain a separate ethnic identity despite administrative integration. Self-identification among iTaukei emphasizes indigenous heritage linked to vanua (traditional land-based social units encompassing chiefs, clans, and territories), which forms the core of their ethnic and cultural identity beyond mere citizenship. The term "iTaukei," meaning "original inhabitants" or "owners of the land" in the , was formalized in the 2013 Constitution to denote this group specifically, replacing the prior exclusive use of "Fijian" for indigenous people—a designation that, post-2010 constitutional reforms, applies to all citizens regardless of ethnicity. This shift aimed to promote national unity but has been critiqued by some iTaukei leaders for diluting ancestral claims to primacy in and customary governance, with figures like former Prime Minister arguing that for iTaukei, ethnic "Fijian" identity inherently includes registration under native land trusts and ties to communal resource stewardship, not just passport-holding. , in contrast, often self-identify through subcaste, religious (Hindu or Muslim), or regional Indian origins, maintaining social networks shaped by historical labor migrations rather than indigenous land systems. Smaller groups like prioritize their unique Polynesian linguistic and kinship traditions, often seeking autonomy in . These identifications persist amid emigration trends, with iTaukei fertility rates (around 3.0 children per woman) exceeding those of (about 1.8), potentially altering future compositions if current patterns hold.

Demographics and Origins

Population Statistics

As of mid-2025, Fiji's population is estimated at 934,505, reflecting a modest annual growth rate of approximately 0.45%. This figure represents an increase from the 884,887 individuals enumerated in the 2017 census, the most recent comprehensive national count conducted by the Fiji Bureau of Statistics. The population density stands at about 50 people per square kilometer, concentrated primarily on and islands, with urbanization at 58% of the total. The ethnic composition, based on the 2017 census, shows iTaukei (indigenous Fijians, predominantly Melanesian with Polynesian admixture) comprising 56.8% of the population, (descendants of 19th-century Indian indentured laborers) at 37.5%, at 1.2%, and other groups (including Europeans, part-Europeans, Chinese, and other Pacific Islanders) at 4.5%. These proportions have remained stable in official estimates, though sustained —particularly among following political instability in the late 20th and early 21st centuries—has contributed to a relative increase in the iTaukei share over time.
Ethnic GroupPercentage (2017 Census)
iTaukei56.8%
Indo-Fijian37.5%
Rotuman1.2%
Other4.5%
Demographic structure indicates a youthful , with 26.6% under age 15, 65.3% aged 15-64, and 8.1% aged 65 and older; the median age is 29.3 years, and the is roughly balanced at 101 males per 100 females. Fertility rates have declined to about 2.3 children per woman, supporting the low growth rate amid net .

Geographic Distribution and Migration Patterns

Ethnic Fijians, referred to as iTaukei, are primarily concentrated in the , with approximately 70% of the country's residing on island, including the urban capital of , while Vanua Levu hosts significant rural communities. According to the 2017 conducted by the Fiji Bureau of Statistics, iTaukei comprise 56.8% of 's total of 884,887, totaling roughly 502,800 individuals. This group maintains a strong presence in both coastal urban centers and inland villages, though has increasingly drawn them toward cities for employment opportunities. International migration patterns among ethnic Fijians intensified after the 1987 military coups, which triggered political uncertainty and prompted skilled professionals, including teachers and nurses, to seek stability abroad, particularly in and . Economic factors, such as better wages and education prospects, have sustained , with a notable boom in recent years including temporary labor under Australia's Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, where Fijian workers numbered over 2,600 non-PALM and thousands more in seasonal roles by 2023. has resulted in hosting the largest , estimated at 68,947 Fijians as of 2023. New Zealand accommodates around 19,800 ethnic Fijians as of 2018, many integrated through and work visas post-1987. Smaller communities persist , with 32,304 recorded in the 2010 census, predominantly in ; , where numbers remain modest; and the , with 6,285 Fijian-born residents in 2011. Overall, the Fijian , including iTaukei, totals about 235,000 abroad, representing a quarter of Fiji's population and contributing to remittances that bolster the domestic economy.

Genetic and Linguistic Ancestry

Indigenous Fijians, or iTaukei, exhibit a genetic makeup reflecting dual ancestral contributions: a predominant Papuan-like Melanesian component from ancient Near Oceanic populations, admixed with East Asian-derived Austronesian ancestry introduced by Lapita voyagers approximately 3,000 years ago. This admixture positions Fijians genetically intermediate between continental and Remote Oceanic , with autosomal analyses indicating roughly 65% Asian (Austronesian) and 35% Melanesian heritage in modern populations. Island-specific variation exists; for instance, populations in the Lau group show greater affinity to , while those in western retain stronger Melanesian signals, underscoring 's role as a genetic boundary in Oceanic settlement patterns. Y-chromosome and mtDNA studies further reveal elevated in Fiji compared to Polynesian outliers, consistent with sex-biased favoring Austronesian male contributions during initial contacts. Linguistically, Fijian languages spoken by iTaukei belong to the Austronesian phylum, within the Malayo-Polynesian branch's Oceanic subgroup, evidencing origins tied to the same Austronesian maritime expansion that carried proto-Oceanic speakers from through Near Oceania to around 3,500–3,000 years ago. These languages form the Central Pacific linkage, a closely related to proto-Polynesian, with shared innovations like the merger of proto-Oceanic p to f or zero in many cognates, distinguishing them from western Oceanic tongues while aligning with eastern dispersal routes. Dialectal diversity, including as a standardized form, reflects post-Lapita divergence, but the retention of Austronesian typology—such as verb-initial syntax and inclusive-exclusive pronoun distinctions—contrasts with substrate influences from pre-Austronesian Melanesian linguistic elements, though no direct descent from non-Austronesian languages is evident. This linguistic profile corroborates data, linking Fijian to hybrid cultural processes rather than wholesale replacement of earlier populations.

History

Pre-Colonial Settlement and Societies

The initial human settlement of Fiji is associated with the Lapita cultural complex, representing the easternmost expansion of Austronesian voyagers from Near . Archaeological excavations at Bourewa on the southwestern coast of reveal the earliest evidence of occupation around 1150 BCE (approximately 3100 years ago), with migrants arriving via outrigger canoes from islands such as , bringing dentate-stamped pottery, shell tools, and the first domesticated crops like , yams, bananas, and pigs. Radiocarbon dates from sites like Naitabale on Moturiki Island extend potential habitation to as early as 1220 BCE, though the core Lapita phase in Fiji spans roughly 1500–1000 BCE, characterized by coastal villages focused on marine resources, horticulture, and exchange networks evidenced by from distant sources. By the late Lapita period and into the subsequent Fijian ceramic phase (circa 1000 BCE–500 CE), settlements expanded inland and diversified, with evolving from elaborate Lapita designs to plain wares, indicating cultural adaptation and population growth. Subsistence relied on slash-and-burn agriculture, reef fishing, and hunting, supported by archaeological finds of adzes, fishhooks, and plant remains at sites across and surrounding islands. These communities maintained kin-based villages (koro) of 50–200 people, with evidence of mound-building for refuse and burials suggesting emerging social differentiation through status markers like shell ornaments. Pre-colonial Fijian societies developed into hierarchical chiefdoms (vanua or matanitu), comprising nested units of tribes (yavusa), clans (mataqali), and households, governed by hereditary paramount chiefs (turaga i taukei) who held over allocation, warfare, and . Political power was centralized in larger eastern polities like Rewa and Bau, where chiefs commanded retinues and accumulated prestige through feasting and alliances, while western groups remained more decentralized with smaller-scale leadership. Social stratification included nobles, priests (bete), s, and commoners bound by reciprocal obligations and taboos (veivakabulai), with women's roles centered on and but subordinate in chiefly lineages. Inter-chiefdom warfare was chronic, driven by competition for , fishing grounds, and captives, often conducted with wooden clubs (i ula), spears, and slings from fortified hilltop villages (sau). Osteological analyses from sites like show perimortem trauma, cut marks, and patterned bone fragmentation consistent with ritual in post-battle contexts, practiced to humiliate enemies and absorb their mana (spiritual power), a custom archaeologically attested from at least 500 BCE and persisting until European contact. Such practices, while sensationalized in accounts, are corroborated by indigenous oral traditions and physical evidence, underscoring a culture where victory feasts reinforced chiefly legitimacy.

Colonial Era and External Influences

The first recorded European sighting of Fiji occurred in 1643 when Dutch explorer passed the northern islands without landing. British explorer charted parts of the in 1774 during his second Pacific voyage. European penetration intensified in the early with traders and , who introduced firearms and exacerbated inter-tribal warfare among Fijian chiefdoms. Christian activity began in 1835 with the arrival of Wesleyan Methodists, following initial efforts by Tahitian teachers in 1830, leading to widespread conversions by the as chiefs adopted the faith to consolidate power and curb practices like . such as John Hunt established stations, translating scriptures and promoting literacy, though figures like Thomas Baker were killed and in 1867 amid resistance in interior regions. By the 1870s, had become dominant, fundamentally altering Fijian social norms and chiefly authority structures. Political unification efforts culminated in 1871 when paramount chief proclaimed a , but mounting debts from settler conflicts and internal instability prompted him and other high chiefs to offer cession to Britain. On , 1874, the Deed of Cession was signed, transferring sovereignty over approximately 250 chiefly domains to , establishing Fiji as a British . Under Governor Sir Arthur Gordon (1875–1880), colonial policy emphasized through Fijian chiefs, preserving communal by prohibiting alienation to settlers and establishing the Native Regulation Board to codify customs. To develop a plantation economy without exploiting indigenous labor, Gordon imported indentured workers from starting in 1879, with 60,537 arriving by 1916 primarily for cultivation under five-year contracts. This influx shifted Fiji's demographic balance, introducing and alongside and fostering ethnic divisions that persisted post-independence. British administration invested in infrastructure like roads and ports while maintaining Fijian villages as self-governing units taxed in produce rather than cash.

Independence, Coups, and Modern Political Developments

Fiji achieved independence from the on October 10, 1970, after 96 years of British colonial rule that began with the cession of the islands in 1874. The transition established a parliamentary under a Westminster-style , with Ratu Sir as the first , retaining dominion status within the . Initial post-independence governance emphasized multi-ethnic cooperation between indigenous Fijians (iTaukei) and the population, shaped by British-introduced indentured labor systems that had altered demographics, with Indo-Fijians comprising nearly half the population by 1970. Political stability eroded in the 1980s amid rising ethnic tensions, culminating in two military coups in led by Lieutenant Colonel . The first coup on May 14, , ousted the newly elected of , a Labour-National Federation Party perceived by some indigenous Fijian nationalists as favoring Indo-Fijian interests following the defeat of Mara's long-dominant Alliance Party. A second coup in September declared Fiji a , abrogating the 1970 and prompting significant Indo-Fijian , with over 100,000 departing by the early 1990s due to discriminatory policies in the subsequent 1990 , which reserved parliamentary seats and key positions for indigenous Fijians. Rabuka later transitioned to civilian rule, but the coups entrenched military influence and ethnic polarization as causal factors in Fiji's recurrent instability. The year 2000 saw another coup attempt when businessman and armed supporters stormed on May 19, holding —the first Indo-Fijian to lead the —and several cabinet members for 56 days. demanded a enshrining indigenous Fijian paramountcy, exploiting grievances over land rights and policies favoring iTaukei. The military, under Commodore , intervened, abrogating the 1997 (which had restored multi-ethnic elements post-1987) and installing an interim ; was convicted of in 2002 and sentenced to , later commuted from an initial death penalty. This event deepened economic disruption, with GDP contracting amid investor flight, underscoring how coup-driven uncertainty perpetuated cycles of governance breakdown tied to unresolved ethnic power imbalances. Bainimarama orchestrated Fiji's fourth coup on December 5, 2006, deposing Laisenia Qarase's government over allegations of , ethnic favoritism in proposed (such as the , Tolerance, and Unity Bill), and threats to military autonomy. He assumed executive power, suspended the 1997 , and ruled through decrees, justifying the action as necessary to combat entrenched elite and promote multiracial equality, though critics highlighted suppression of media and opposition. A new 2013 , promulgated by Bainimarama's regime, introduced , removed ethnic quotas, and granted immunity to coup participants, but its legitimacy remains contested due to unilateral adoption without broad consultation. In the post-2006 era, Bainimarama's FijiFirst party secured victories in the 2014 and 2018 elections under the 2013 framework, maintaining power through infrastructure investments and anti-corruption rhetoric, though international sanctions and aid suspensions from Australia and New Zealand pressured reforms until partial normalization by 2014. The 2022 general election marked a shift, with Bainimarama's coalition losing to a multi-party alliance led by Sitiveni Rabuka, facilitating Fiji's first peaceful democratic transition since 2006 and ending 16 years of Bainimarama dominance. Rabuka's government, sworn in December 2022, has pursued constitutional amendments to repeal coup immunities and restore 1997 elements, but a March 2025 parliamentary vote failed to achieve the required 75% majority for changes, highlighting ongoing debates over entrenchment clauses designed to prevent reversal of post-coup structures. As of 2025, Fiji's politics continue to grapple with military oversight, ethnic reconciliation, and electoral integrity ahead of the 2026 polls, with economic recovery post-COVID underscoring the long-term costs of coup-induced volatility, including brain drain and foreign investment hesitancy.

Society and Culture

Social Structure and Kinship Systems

Traditional iTaukei Fijian is structured around patrilineal kin groups that emphasize descent through the male line, with membership in these groups inherited automatically via fathers. The foundational unit is the tokatoka, an comprising multiple nuclear families linked by close patrilineal ties, typically numbering 38-40 members on average in contemporary villages. Several tokatoka aggregate to form a mataqali, the primary unit, which is exogamous—meaning members traditionally marry outside the clan to avoid —and holds collective rights over land and resources. Each mataqali is led by a hereditary chief known as the turaga ni mataqali, responsible for , , and ceremonial within the ; as of recent tallies, recognizes approximately 4,345 such clan chiefs. Multiple mataqali—often sharing claims to a common deified (kalou-vu)—combine into a yavusa, the tribal unit that functions as a larger patrilineal descent group and coordinates inter-clan activities like warfare, feasting, and land stewardship in pre-colonial times. The yavusa in turn contributes to the vanua, a confederation of tribes tied to specific territories, embodying broader social and political alliances that persist in modern chiefly hierarchies. Kinship terminology in Fijian systems distinguishes lineal relatives (e.g., father-child) from collaterals, with terms reflecting patrilineal priority; for instance, parallel cousins on the father's side share clan membership and obligations, while cross-cousins are preferred marriage partners to forge alliances between mataqali. Women retain natal clan ties for inheritance purposes but upon marriage join the husband's household, contributing to bilateral support networks while primary allegiance remains patrilineal. This structure fosters communal reciprocity (solevu exchanges) and hierarchical deference, where commoners (kai or tauvu) serve chiefly lineages within the same yavusa, ensuring social stability through defined roles in labor, rituals, and governance. In contemporary Fiji, these systems underpin , with over 91% of native land held collectively by tokatoka, mataqali, or yavusa, administered via institutions like the iTaukei Board, though urbanization and economic pressures have introduced fragmentation and inter-ethnic marriages that challenge strict . Despite adaptations, patrilineal clans remain central to identity, ceremonies, and conflict mediation, as evidenced by ongoing chiefly councils resolving disputes in over 600 yavusa on alone.

Religion and Spiritual Beliefs

Indigenous Fijians, known as iTaukei and constituting about 57 percent of the , are overwhelmingly adherents of . According to data, the vast majority of iTaukei identify as Christian, with denominations reflecting missionary influences from the 19th century. The Methodist Church holds the largest share, followed by Roman Catholicism and Pentecostal groups such as the . Christianity arrived in Fiji through initial Polynesian missionaries from and in the 1830s, with European Wesleyan efforts commencing around 1835. Mass conversion followed the 1854 baptism of paramount chief Ratu Seru Cakobau, which quelled intertribal warfare and facilitated the religion's spread across the archipelago by the late . By the time of Fiji's cession to Britain in 1874, Christianity had supplanted traditional practices as the dominant faith among iTaukei communities. Prior to European contact, iTaukei spiritual beliefs centered on , involving veneration of ancestors, nature spirits, and deities invoked through rituals for warfare success, fertility, and protection from calamity. These included offerings to ensure bountiful harvests or deliverance from illness, with a emphasizing an where deceased warriors could ascend to influential spirit roles. In contemporary practice, many iTaukei integrate elements of pre-Christian with Christian , such as communal ceremonies honoring vanua ( and kin-based) ties alongside church observances, fostering a syncretic framework that links to monotheistic faith. This blending persists despite formal adherence to , as evidenced in rituals where ancestral spirits are acknowledged within Methodist or Catholic contexts.

Languages and Oral Traditions

The indigenous Fijians, known as iTaukei, primarily speak languages belonging to the Oceanic subgroup of the Austronesian . Standard Fijian, or na vosa vaka-Viti, serves as the among iTaukei and is based on the Bau from eastern , selected by 19th-century for its prestige and across dialects. This standardization facilitated Bible translation and education, with the developed by Scottish David Cargill using the Latin alphabet, comprising 23 letters including unique characters like ḍ and ṽ. Fijian exhibits a verb-initial syntax, typically verb-subject-object order, and features inclusive-exclusive distinctions in pronouns, reflecting Proto-Oceanic roots dating back approximately 3,500 years. Fijian languages divide into Eastern and Western branches, with over 300 dialects historically spoken across Fiji's islands, though varies regionally. Eastern Fijian dialects, including those of Lau and Lomaiviti, form the basis of the standard variety, while Western dialects like those in Nadroga show phonological differences, such as retention of certain Proto-Oceanic sounds. Approximately 300,000 iTaukei speak Fijian as a , with usage stable in homes and communities despite English dominance in formal and media. Under Fiji's 1997 Constitution, Fijian holds official status alongside English and , mandating its use in parliamentary proceedings and signage, though English remains the primary language of government administration. Oral traditions form the backbone of iTaukei historical and cultural knowledge, transmitted through storytelling, chants, and chiefly recitations that encode genealogies, migrations, and moral lessons prior to widespread literacy. These narratives, often performed during ceremonies, preserve accounts of ancestral voyages, such as the Kaunitoni migration , which describes a fleet from or settling around the 15th century, as documented in collections from the 1860s by missionary Jesse Carey. Central myths feature Degei, a serpent associated with creation and the islands' origins, from whom clans trace descent, emphasizing ties to land and sea. Other tales, like those of the shark god , warn of maritime perils and spirits, while oral histories of events such as the Nabukelevu volcanic eruption circa 1452 BC detail survival and resettlement, corroborated by archaeological evidence. These traditions extend to formulaic oratory by women in chiefly contexts, challenging assumptions of male exclusivity, and include place-name etymologies linking sites to ancestral feats or hillforts as refuges. Preservation efforts, including 19th-century transcriptions, have integrated oral accounts with written records, though poses risks to dialectal variants and narrative fidelity. Scholars note that such traditions provide multidisciplinary insights into pre-colonial society, complementing and without reliance on Eurocentric written biases.

Arts, Music, Dance, and Cuisine

Traditional Fijian arts encompass crafts practiced by indigenous iTaukei communities, with gender-specific roles historically dividing labor. Women traditionally produce masi, beaten bark cloth from the mulberry tree (Broussonetia papyrifera), decorated with geometric patterns using natural pigments for ceremonial use and trade. They also weave mats and baskets from voivoi (Pandanus lectoriae) leaves and create pottery, such as tuli tuli in villages like Nakabuta and Nasilai, where clay is shaped by hand on woven stands and fired using coconut husks for cooking vessels. Men specialize in wood carving, crafting war clubs (gadagada), canoe prows, and household items from hardwoods, often incorporating symbolic motifs representing ancestry and status. Fijian music centers on the lali, a slit gong drum carved from a single log of hardwood like vesi (), varying in size for communication signals across villages or rhythmic accompaniment in ceremonies. The drum's beats convey messages such as warnings or calls to assembly, while smaller versions support vocal chants that preserve genealogies and myths. The meke represents the primary form of traditional Fijian dance, a communal performance blending stamping, chanting, and gestures to narrate legends, victories, or welcomes. Variations include the men's spear dance (meke wesi), enacting warfare with synchronized thrusts and shouts; the women's (meke iri), using woven fans for graceful storytelling; and the vakamalolo sitting dance, where participants seated in rows mimic historical events through hand movements and song. These dances, often accompanied by lali drums, reinforce social bonds and chiefly authority during festivals and rituals. Fijian cuisine relies on fresh , root crops, and , prepared communally to emphasize abundance in feasts. Kokoda, a staple raw dish, marinated in lime juice to denature proteins before mixing with , onions, tomatoes, chilies, and greens, reflects coastal resource use and dates to pre-colonial practices. The lovo, an method, involves heating stones in a pit, layering banana leaves with (dalo), (tavioka), meats like or , and , then covering to steam for hours, yielding tender results for large gatherings and symbolizing hospitality. Staples such as dalo and rourou ( leaves in coconut cream) provide caloric density suited to the archipelago's .

Traditions and Ceremonies

Life Cycle Rituals

In indigenous Fijian (iTaukei) society, birth rituals emphasize communal support and familial bonds, beginning during when the expectant mother is treated with , relieved of chores, and provided massages and rest by relatives. Immediately after delivery, the newborn is wrapped in masi (bark cloth) before being handed to the mother, with often present even in settings. For the first four nights, known as bogi ni va, grandmothers assume caregiving duties, feeding the mother nourishing foods, bathing the , and traditional lullabies to foster early cultural transmission. The stump is planted beneath a selected tree or plant, symbolizing the child's rootedness to the land, with a small marking its detachment. Naming occurs shortly after birth, typically bestowed by an elder from the father's mataqali (patrilineal clan), integrating the child into kinship networks and ancestral lineages. Subsequent celebrations include the roqoroqo, a gathering 3-4 weeks postpartum where kin present gifts such as masi and woven mats, reinforcing reciprocity. For children born abroad, the kaumatanigone upon returning to involves presenting the to grandparents with feasts, a tabua (whale's tooth), and masi, affirming ties to the vanua (land and people). Feasts on the fourth and tenth nights post-birth further mark milestones, featuring earth-oven cooked foods like , , and root crops. Puberty rituals, particularly for girls, center on the ceremony, a acknowledging the transition to womanhood through three phases: separation (isolation and instruction), transition (learning adult roles), and incorporation (communal reintegration with feasts and presentations). This event underscores , social maturity, and gender-specific responsibilities within the vanua, though practices vary by region and have diminished in urban areas due to modernization. Boys' transitions are less formalized, often integrated into broader education rather than distinct initiations. Marriage ceremonies formalize alliances between families and clans, initiated by the groom's side presenting a tabua and yaqona ( bundle) to the bride's family as a formal request, symbolizing respect and commitment. The event involves reciprocal exchanges of goods like woven mats (kaka), root crops, and livestock, culminating in feasts and oratory speeches that affirm chiefly hierarchies and communal harmony. Christian influences since the have modified protocols, blending church vows with traditional elements, yet core presentations persist to validate the union socio-politically. Death rituals span pre-burial preparations, the burial itself (typically 4-7 days after passing), and extended post-burial observances up to 100 nights or a year, involving communal labor, feasts, and formal speeches to honor the deceased and redistribute resources. Pre-burial includes body viewing and contributions of cash, food, mats, and tabua from kin and community, fostering reciprocity amid high costs averaging $4,979 per . Burial features processions, interment in village cemeteries, and immediate feasts; post-burial phases lift incrementally, with the 100th night marking full release through final gatherings. Economic pressures have prompted adaptations, such as scaled-down feasts or loans (up to $7,200), balancing cultural obligations with household viability.

Communal and Chiefly Ceremonies

Communal and chiefly ceremonies in indigenous Fijian (iTaukei) society serve to reinforce hierarchical structures, kinship ties, and connections to the vanua, encompassing , , and traditions. These rituals, often centered on the chiefly class (turaga), emphasize respect, reciprocity, and spiritual continuity, with yaqona () presentations forming a core element across events. Sevusevu, the formal offering of yaqona roots or powder, symbolizes submission and unity, originating as a practice reserved for priests, chiefs, and elders before becoming widespread. Chiefly installations, known as the buli or veibuli process, represent one of the most solemn iTaukei occasions, second only to chiefly funerals in gravity. Conducted by a 'kingmaker' clan or designated group within the yavusa (tribal unit), the ritual elects and consecrates a new chief, affirming their mana (spiritual authority) through oratorical speeches, tabua (whale's tooth) presentations, and communal feasts. These ceremonies, varying by confederacy (matanitu), historically solidified alliances and resolved succession disputes, as seen in protocols documented across Fiji's provinces. Chiefly funerals, or reguregu, entail extended mourning periods—often 100 nights or more—marked by communal labor, wealth exchanges, and of the body. The deceased chief's remains are prepared with traditional crafts like masi (bark cloth) wrappings, followed by hand in ancestral grounds, reflecting pre-colonial traditions where mourners adopted symbolic attributes of the dead to inherit their mana. Provincial variations include specific protocols, such as in where unique dances accompany the rites, and contributions from subclans fund elaborate distributions of food and goods, underscoring egalitarian reciprocity within . Communal ceremonies, such as veiqaravi vaka vanua (service to the vanua), involve collective efforts like village cleanings or harvest contributions, often culminating in lovo (earth-oven) feasts and meke (traditional dances) to honor shared obligations. Welcoming rites for dignitaries or inter-village exchanges mirror chiefly protocols, with full-scale presentations of mats, clubs, and yaqona to high chiefs, fostering alliances and resolving disputes through vakaturaga (). These practices persist in modern contexts, adapting to while preserving core elements of respect and communal solidarity.

Contemporary Adaptations and Challenges

In response to and economic constraints, Fijian funeral rituals have shortened in duration and scale, with families opting for abbreviated periods—often reduced from weeks to days—to minimize costs associated with communal feasts and presentations of goods like mats and tabua (whale's tooth pendants). These adaptations prioritize household financial survival while retaining core elements such as the veivakabulabulu ( assembly) and services, reflecting the predominance of Methodist and Catholic influences among iTaukei since the era. Yaqona (kava) ceremonies, central to social bonding and chiefly protocols, have incorporated contemporary modifications including the integration of modern music, shorter protocols for urban settings, and tourist-oriented presentations that simplify traditional chants to enhance accessibility without fully altering the sevusevu offering ritual. In weddings, ancient customs like the groom's family's tabua presentation merge with Western-style venues such as beach resorts and bilingual vows, allowing couples to honor obligations amid globalized expectations. Preservation faces economic pressures, as elaborate ceremonies strain limited village resources, prompting the in 2024 to advocate for scaled-back practices to avoid undue financial burdens on participants. Urban migration erodes participation, with younger generations prioritizing wage labor over extended rituals, leading to informal adaptations like cash contributions replacing traditional exchanges. and risk diluting authenticity, as villages modify dances and bua (whale's tooth) presentations with contemporary attire and performances to attract visitors, potentially commodifying sacred elements. from further threatens resource-dependent customs, such as those relying on coastal ecosystems for ceremonial materials. Efforts to counter these include indigenous-led initiatives reconciling cultural continuity with development, though transmission of oral knowledge to youth remains challenged by modernization.

Land, Economy, and Politics

Communal Land Ownership and Tenure

In Fiji, indigenous Fijians, known as iTaukei, hold communal ownership over approximately 87 percent of the country's total land area, classified as iTaukei land and managed through traditional kinship-based units such as the mataqali () or yavusa (tribal group). This system traces its roots to pre-colonial where land is viewed as an inalienable resource tied to ancestral heritage and collective stewardship, rather than individual property. The remaining land consists of about 4 percent state-owned () and 7-10 percent freehold, often acquired during colonial or post-independence periods. The legal framework for iTaukei is primarily governed by the iTaukei Land Trust Act of 1940, which established the iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) as the statutory body responsible for administering these lands on behalf of owners. Under this act, landowners have vested control rights in the TLTB, which approves leases, ensures compliance with customary obligations, and prevents alienation to non-iTaukei parties, preserving communal tenure as perpetual and hereditary within the landowning unit. Leases, typically for agricultural or commercial use, require unanimous or majority consent from unit members and are time-limited (often 30 years), with the TLTB acting as trustee to distribute rents and protect against exploitation. Tenure security derives from registration in the Native Land Register, maintained by the TLTB, which delineates boundaries and units based on customary claims verified through historical and genealogical evidence. This communal structure emphasizes collective decision-making by chiefs and elders, but it can lead to disputes over internal or lease renewals, as only about 15 percent of iTaukei land is actively leased, with much remaining underutilized due to fragmented authority. Inalienability clauses, reinforced by the act, prohibit outright sales, aiming to safeguard against demographic pressures from the Indo-Fijian population, though enforcement has faced challenges in informal arrangements like vakavanua leases outside TLTB oversight.

Economic Participation and Affirmative Policies

Indigenous Fijians, known as iTaukei, primarily participate in the through , , and village-based activities, with significant involvement in the informal sector that accounts for over half of total employment in . They hold 91% of 's land under customary ownership, yet this resource is often underutilized for commercial purposes, contributing to reliance on remittances and jobs. In formal employment, iTaukei are overrepresented in government roles and but underrepresented in private , where dominate retail, , and . Economic disparities persist, with iTaukei comprising about 75% of those in despite making up roughly 57% of the ; approximately 193,000 iTaukei live in out of a national total of 238,000. The iTaukei rate stands at 36%, higher than the 20% for , exacerbated by at 18% and a 26% not-in-education, , or training (NEET) rate among young iTaukei. ownership remains low, with iTaukei accounting for only 5% of Fiji's businesses as of , limiting wealth accumulation despite resources. Affirmative action policies, introduced after the 1987 coups to redress perceived inter-ethnic economic imbalances, have focused on ethnic-targeted measures to boost iTaukei involvement in , including preferential loans, training programs, and equity access via the iTaukei Board. The iTaukei Affairs Board administers initiatives like grants and education scholarships, though outcomes have been mixed due to implementation challenges and cultural factors favoring communal over individual enterprise. The National 2025-2029 prioritizes increasing indigenous participation through utilization as equity and targeted economic programs, aiming to integrate iTaukei more fully into the cash economy. These policies reflect ongoing efforts to address historical colonial legacies where Indo-Fijians were positioned in commercial roles, but critics note persistent gaps in entrepreneurial skills and market orientation among iTaukei.

Political Representation and Influence

Indigenous Fijians, comprising approximately 56% of Fiji's population, have historically secured through communal electoral rolls that reserved seats exclusively for their ethnic group, a system formalized under the 1990 Constitution to prioritize iTaukei interests amid ethnic tensions. This arrangement allocated 23 seats in the to indigenous Fijians from separate rolls, ensuring their dominance in governance despite Indo-Fijians forming a near-majority. The 1997 Constitution retained elements of this, balancing communal and open seats, but post-2006 military coups led by indigenous leaders like shifted toward multi-ethnic policies. The 2013 Constitution abolished communal rolls entirely, establishing 55 open constituencies elected by to foster national unity over ethnic division. Despite this, indigenous Fijians retain substantial influence, as major parties such as the People's Alliance (led by , an iTaukei) and the draw core support from iTaukei voters and communities. In the December 2022 general election, Rabuka's coalition—comprising indigenous-focused parties—formed government with 29 seats, ousting Bainimarama's , which had multi-ethnic appeal but strong iTaukei backing. Indigenous leaders continue to dominate executive roles, with Rabuka serving as since 2022. Traditional institutions amplify iTaukei political sway outside parliament. The Great Council of Chiefs (Bose Levu Vakaturaga), established in 1876 under colonial rule and revived in March 2024 after abolition in 2012, advises on indigenous customary matters and symbolizes iTaukei identity in national politics. Comprising paramount chiefs from Fiji's 14 provinces, it historically influenced appointments and presidential selections, underscoring the enduring role of chiefly authority in balancing modern with indigenous paramountcy. This revival under Rabuka's administration reflects ongoing efforts to integrate traditional governance into contemporary state structures, though critics argue it entrenches ethnic hierarchies.

Ethnic Relations and Controversies

Interactions with Indo-Fijians

, descendants of over 60,000 Indian indentured laborers brought to by British colonial authorities between 1879 and 1916 to work on sugar plantations, initially had limited direct interactions with indigenous Fijians (iTaukei), as colonial regulations often segregated the groups to maintain labor efficiency and . Despite occasional sexual or marital unions, these were exceptions amid policies enforcing separation, with iTaukei retaining communal land ownership while Indo-Fijians focused on leasehold tenancies for agriculture. Post-independence in 1970, interactions expanded through and shared public spaces, though cultural and religious differences—iTaukei predominantly Christian and communal, Indo-Fijians largely Hindu or Muslim and individualistic—preserved distinct social spheres. In contemporary Fiji, where iTaukei comprise 56.8% and 37.5% of the population per the 2007 census, daily social interactions occur with relative ease in workplaces, markets, and urban areas, facilitated by mutual linguistic familiarity—many iTaukei speak basic , and vice versa. However, interethnic marriages remain rare, constrained by barriers of , , and family expectations, with studies noting extremely low rates that reinforce ethnic . In mixed communities, associations are often pragmatic rather than intimate, with amicable relations in shared neighborhoods but limited deep . Economically, interactions reflect complementary yet imbalanced roles: Indo-Fijians have historically dominated commercial trade, urban professions, and sugar production, while iTaukei engage more in subsistence farming and benefit from affirmative policies reserving positions and access to 91% of land held under customary tenure. This division fosters interdependence—such as iTaukei leasing land to farmers—but also perceptions of , with emigration since the 1980s (reducing their share from near 50% to 37.5%) attributed partly to economic frustrations and ethnic frictions, impacting joint ventures and labor markets.

Coups and Ethnic Tensions

Ethnic tensions in Fiji have primarily arisen between indigenous Fijians (iTaukei), who hold communal ownership of approximately 83% of the country's land under traditional tenure systems, and , descendants of Indian indentured laborers introduced by British colonial authorities from 1879 to 1916, who predominantly engage in commercial on leased land and dominate sectors like retail and . These disparities have fueled indigenous fears of economic marginalization and loss of political primacy, despite comprising about 33-38% of the population as of recent estimates, down from over 50% in the due to following political instability. Indigenous Fijians, at around 56-57%, have leveraged coups to entrench protections for their communal land rights and paramountcy clauses in successive constitutions. The 1987 coups, led by Lieutenant Colonel , ousted the newly elected multi-ethnic Labour Coalition government under Prime Minister on May 14, followed by a second coup on September 25, explicitly to prevent Indo-Fijian political dominance amid indigenous anxieties over a government perceived as favoring Indian interests. Rabuka's actions responded to the Labour Party's victory in April 1987 elections, which shifted power from the indigenous-led Alliance Party, prompting widespread unrest including business shutdowns by Indo-Fijian merchants and counter-protests by indigenous groups. The coups resulted in the appointment of an indigenous-dominated interim , mass Indo-Fijian exceeding 100,000 to , , and , and a 1990 reserving parliamentary seats disproportionately for indigenous Fijians to safeguard their political control. In 2000, businessman orchestrated a coup on May 19 against the Indo-Fijian-led government of , the first ethnic Indian prime minister, holding parliament hostage for 56 days to demand indigenous paramountcy and the abolition of policies seen as benefiting . Backed by elements of the indigenous Taukei movement, Speight's rebellion exploited grievances over land lease expirations that displaced Indo-Fijian tenant farmers, exacerbating ethnic economic divides, though the military under eventually intervened, installing an interim indigenous-led administration. This event deepened Indo-Fijian exodus, with skilled professionals fleeing ongoing instability, and reinforced constitutional amendments in 1997 that balanced ethnic representation but preserved indigenous veto powers on land matters. The 2006 coup by Commodore on December 5 deposed the indigenous-elected government of , citing corruption and ethno-nationalist policies like the Qoliqoli Bill, which would have granted indigenous groups fishing rights potentially conflicting with commercial interests. While framed as , the takeover occurred against a backdrop of persistent ethnic frictions, including Qarase's promotion of indigenous reconciliation commissions that critics argued perpetuated supremacist narratives. Bainimarama's regime, ruling until 2022, abrogated the 1997 constitution, imposed media censorship, and pursued multiracial policies, yet faced accusations of suppressing indigenous chiefly influence; subsequent elections in 2022 returned to power under a emphasizing ethnic balance. These coups collectively highlight causal dynamics where indigenous and insecurities have repeatedly overridden democratic outcomes, leading to economic disruptions estimated to have cost billions in lost investment and tourism.

Stereotypes, Achievements, and Criticisms

Indigenous Fijians, or iTaukei, are often stereotyped positively for their , communal , and physical robustness, traits linked to traditional village life and seafaring heritage. These perceptions stem from cultural practices emphasizing reciprocity and social bonds within the vanua (land-based community) system. However, negative stereotypes persist, particularly among , who view iTaukei as lazy or lacking initiative due to reliance on communal and , contrasting with Indo-Fijian emphasis on individual enterprise and . Such views are reinforced by economic disparities, where iTaukei hold 83% of but face higher rates, attributed to systems discouraging long-term investment. In sports, iTaukei-dominated teams have secured Fiji's most prominent international achievements, including the men's gold medals at the 2016 Rio Olympics—Fiji's first ever—and the 2021 Games, showcasing exceptional athletic prowess rooted in village training and physical conditioning. Notable iTaukei athletes include weightlifter Mataika Tuicakau, Fiji's first Olympic gold medalist in 1992 at the Games in the men's 74 kg category. Politically, iTaukei leaders like , a former turned in 2022, have influenced national direction through roles in governance and security. Culturally, preservation efforts highlight resilience, with iTaukei customs in dance, oratory, and chiefly systems maintaining social cohesion amid modernization. Criticisms of iTaukei society include excessive kava consumption, which even indigenous voices decry for fostering dependency, idleness, and health detriments like , diverting time from productive activities in sessions lasting hours daily. Internal divisions along chiefly lines and class fractures undermine unity, exacerbating ethnic tensions and instability. Broader concerns involve cultural erosion from colonial legacies and Western influences, with experts warning that traditions like taboos and ceremonies are fading, risking loss of identity since European contact in the . Economic critiques highlight underutilization of vast land holdings—over 7,700 managed leases—contributing to persistent despite natural resources, as communal tenure limits .

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