FIJI is becoming an older nation, with children now making up just one-third of the population compared with almost half four decades ago.
University of the South Pacific lecturer in Population and Demography Dr Sumeet Lal said the country had undergone a “significant transformation” in its demographic profile over the past 40 years.
“During the late 20th century, Fiji was characterised by relatively high fertility, high birth rates, and rapid population growth,” Dr Lal said.
“By the early 2000s, the country had begun to experience a demographic transition marked by declining fertility and slower population growth.”
Dr Lal said about 47 per cent of Fiji’s population was under 18 in 1980.
That fell to approximately 41 per cent in 2000 and further to 32.7 per cent in 2023.
“Practically speaking, Fiji has moved from a situation where almost one in every two people was under 18 in 1980 to roughly one in every three people today.”
At the same time, the proportion of adults aged 18 and above increased from 53 per cent in 1980 to 67.3 per cent in 2023.
Fiji’s median age also increased significantly — from 18.3 years in 1980 to 21.4 years in 2000 and 27.7 years in 2023.
Dr Lal said the sustained decline in fertility was a major factor behind the change.
He said Fiji was now at an advanced stage of demographic transition.
“Compared with the late 20th century, Fiji today has lower fertility and birth rates, slower population growth, and a more mature age structure.”
He said the changes had important implications for future labour force growth, education, healthcare provision and social protection planning.
