Fiji History

By petrarque
  • 1500 BCE

    Fiji Islands First Settled

  • Dutch Explorers visit Fiji

    The Dutch had a brief encounter with the people of Fiji in 1643

  • Captain James Cook visits Fiji

    Captain James Cook of England spent time with Fiji inhabitants in 1774.

  • Christianity comes to Fiji

    Chief Ratu Cakobau Converts to Christianity and becomes King

  • Fiji Gains Independence

    Fiji gained its independence from the British Colonies in 1970.

  • Military Coup under General Sitiveni Ruka leads coup

    Power is restored to native Fijians.

  • Rabuka elected prime minister

    Mara elected president.

  • Military Coup takes over Fiji and declares martial law

    a 3rd coup once again changes the government.

  • A 4th coup in 20 years again changes the government.

    Commodore Frank Bainimarama siezes control of the government.

  • New constitution established