The final figures from the 2007 national census have been released by the Bureau of Statistics which confirms earlier figures that the current population stands at 837,271 compared to 775,077 in 1996.
The confirmed figures highlight an increase in the indigenous Fijian population from 393,575 in 1996 to 475,739 during the census period last year while there is a decrease in the Indo Fijian population from 338,818 to 313,798. There is also an increase in the population of those classified as others from 42,684 in 1996 to 47,734.
The Bureau of Stats said the dramatic change of the ethnic composition of the population, which started in the 1950's and gathered momentum after the 1987 coups has continued between 1996 and 2007 which shows that 56.8 percent of the population is Fijian, 37.5% Indian and the remaining groups constitute 5.7%.
It said if the present trend continues, the Fijian population will overtake the Indian population in the two provinces of Ba and Macuata where in 2007, there still was a significant Indian majority.
The figures also show a decrease in the rural population amongst all ethnic groups and increase in urban populations across the ethnic classifications.
The figures highlight that Nasinu has a rather odd situation and is still the major area in Fiji which still experiences rapid growth of the Indian population and in 2007 the population in Nasinu town stood at 76,064 which was higher than the population in Suva City at 74,481 and much higher than the population in Lautoka City which is 43,473 persons.
The Census also shows that the growth in the Rewa Province has come to a complete standstill and is now slightly negative.
The Ba province still has the largest population however the Bureau said given the current trends, the population of Naitasiri will surpass that of Ba in 2033.
As highlighted earlier, the Northern division experienced a very substantial population decrease mainly due to the exodus of Indians from the Macuata province.
In the Eastern Division, the population of Lau and Rotuma continued to decline at a rapid rate.
Bureau Releases Final Figures
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