Fiji is an archipelago of more than 300 islands and over 500 islets comprising a total land mass of approximately 18,300 km2. Of these islands, 100 are inhabited. Tonga is the closest neighbour at 750km away, followed by Vanuatu and New Caledonia. Fiji is a republic with a president as Head of State and a Prime Minister. Since independence, the country has experienced four coups, three military and one civilian, with the latest being 2006. Fiji has a relatively influential position in the region, with its membership in regional and international forums, and its stance on climate change. It has the second largest economy in the Pacific Islands Forum, sustained by tourism and agriculture. Any event affecting either industry have severely impacted the economy.

The Republic of Fiji Military Force (RFMF) has approximately 4,000 regular and 6,000 reserve members. The RFMF has participated in numerous UN peacekeeping missions for over 40 years. Its contribution is significant and is a source of national pride. The Fiji-Australia Vuvale Partnership agreement has cemented continued joint peace-keeping deployments. It has also supported continued growth in both country’s bilateral and defence relationship.