The Conflict

The nation of Fiji faced political unrest even before its declaration as an independent republic in 1970. Early British control of the island as a Crown Colony, as well as tensions between ethnic Fijians and the Indian population recruited in the 1870s to work in the agricultural industry, lie at the heart of the nation's struggle to maintain democracy.

Political

• Fiji has suffered through years of political unrest, with three major coups taking place since 1987.

Ethnic

• Inter-ethnic conflict between ethnic Fijians and the country's Indian population is partially to blame for Fiji's political instability.

On May 19, 2000, gunmen invaded Fiji's parliament, taking Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry and other cabinet members hostage. The gunmen's leader, George Speight, proclaimed himself head of a "civilian Taukei government," or native Fijian government. Fiji's president declared a state of emergency, and...