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The Future of Fiji’s Tourism Industry Is Green

Under turquoise seas a unique cornucopia teeming with marine life awaits those lucky enough to holiday in South Pacific nation Fiji.  

Visitors here are welcomed with open arms. Tourism is vital to the lives and livelihoods of everyone in Fiji. Now rebounding strongly after the pandemic forced a virtual shutdown, Fiji’s tourism industry faces a critical challenge: To help drive widespread sustainable prosperity it must both leverage and protect its unique environment, while equipping itself to withstand the worsening ravages of climate change.  

“The only way we can usher a new phase of tourism development is if sustainability is at the heart of it – for the sake of our future generations,” said Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Hon. Viliame Gavoka.  

Tourism-reliant economies like Fiji were among the world’s hardest hit by the pandemic. In a nation of more than 900,000 people, over 200,000 Fijians lost their jobs. The economic impacts were stark: In 2020, Fiji’s real gross domestic product (GDP) growth plummeted to a decline of 17 percent .  

Before the pandemic tourism operators Maureen and Rodney Simpson had a thriving business employing 10 people in Savusavu, a resort on Fiji’s second biggest island Vanua Levu. When international borders closed life immediately became a lot more precarious for them and their workers.  

“We had zero income,” Maureen Simpson said. “When tourism re-opened, we renamed ourselves from Dive for Life to Dive Savusavu, basically to advertise Savusavu.  

Reopening and the return of tourists has helped drive a much-needed economic recovery in Fiji. GDP growth is estimated at 15.1 percent in 2022 and to be 5.4 percent in 2023 . The Fiji Bureau of Statistics reported that Fiji’s visitor arrivals for December 2022 surpassed pre-Covid levels with 75,580 visitors landing in Fiji or 102 percent of 2019.  

Now, tourists are returning in good numbers, staying longer, and spending more per day compared to 2019 according to early post-COVID findings of the International Visitors’ Survey, which IFC also supports. And when people come to Fiji for a holiday, they like to return: the healthy bounce is backed by repeat visitors who are half of all arrivals.  

Reefs and Business Come Back To Life  

In Savusavu it’s 10 in the morning and the floating bures dotting the crystal waters in front of the picturesque Koro Sun Resort are still locked up.  

It might seem quiet, but happily, the tourists are back. The latest arrivals are resting after travelling over 16,000 kilometers and 30 hours from the United Kingdom to experience unique diving in Fiji’s “soft coral capital”. Vanua Levu is known for stunning beaches and waters carpeted with jaw-dropping arrays of coral and sea life. Tourists travel there from all over the world to snorkel and dive.  

Close by, the Simpsons are busy directing their workers to check oxygen tanks, dive equipment and snorkeling gear. Like most other tourism operators, they have been busy since borders reopened in 2021.  

“We noticed during these two years when we were closed, our reefs have really come back to life. We also have turtles, hammerhead sharks and even whales around the dive spots – we respect them, and they respect us. And this has been the highlight of our diving,” Maureen Simpson said.  

Promise of a Sustainable Path  

Vanua Levu is part of a long-term vision in Fiji to develop a more diversified and sustainable tourism sector. 

IFC is working with people and groups from across the industry to assist. This includes enabling sustainable, green and climate resilient investments and helping the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation (MCTA) to develop standards for tourism businesses. IFC is also supporting the MTCA to develop the National Sustainable Tourism Framework. This framework will provide a blueprint and strategy for an inclusive, resilient, and sustainable tourism industry. 

It comes amid a sharp focus on the benefits sustainable development has to offer. Targeting $3 billion Fijian dollars in visitor expenditure by next year, Tourism Fiji’s Corporate Plan for 2022-2024 urges “a strong focus on conserving the special environment that attracts our visitors.”  

Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association CEO, Fantasha Lockington said the renewed focus on sustainability being driven at national level represented a positive shift as “it was previously delivered on far smaller scales by individual businesses. Additionally, that Fiji’s more resilient reefs (to coral bleaching and their remarkable ability to renew themselves) is being recognized globally by marine scientists and ecologists.”   

IFC Country Manager for Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and the Pacific Islands, Judith Green said: “The challenges faced in Fiji and the Pacific are similar to my home country, Jamaica, and the Caribbean Islands. We need to make sure that development, which is needed in the islands, is sustainable and that that it does not harm the environment.” 

Friend and foe  

Like many around the world who live by the ocean, the sea is a critical source of income and food for Fijian islanders. And amid the harmful impacts of climate change, it can also be the greatest threat to their survival.  

Fiji is one of the most world’s most vulnerable nations to climate change and climate-related disasters. People there face a myriad of tipping points from rising sea levels and coastal erosion to depleted fisheries and more frequent and ferocious extreme weather events.

The Simpsons have experienced devastation before. Rodney Simpson says cyclone Winston in 2016 – one of the most severe cyclones to ever hit the South Pacific - damaged 90 per cent of the reefs located five minutes away.  

They saw the coral and ocean regenerate after the onslaught and recognize that their business can play an important role in helping to protect the precious local nature for generations to come. Twice a week, Dive Savusavu hosts a coral and mangrove planting program for children to teach them the importance of conservation.  

It’s just one element of how their business is playing a sustainable role in their local community. Another is by training hundreds of local youths as divers, helping to drive local employment in an environmentally friendly industry.  

With significant numbers of visitors now returning, the Simpsons say it is critical that more is done to protect the natural assets that attract the lifeblood of the economy.  

“If we don't take putting strict measures to protect the reefs, what is going to happen is that we won't have any more reef in future,” said Rodney Simpson.  

“As we much as we need visitors, we must also be mindful to keep our oceans healthy for our future,” he said.

Published on 17 th March 2023

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Fiji’s economy, which shrank by around 20% in wake of pandemic-related global travel restrictions, is strengthening as tourism and related service industries recover following reopening of borders in December 2021. In June, more than 62,000 tourists visited Fiji, roughly three times as many as in March. Since the beginning of the year about 62% of all visitors to Fiji were from Australia (Chart). Indeed, Fiji has increased its market share of Australian tourism, confirming forecast pent-up demand for short-haul leisure travel. Prior to the pandemic, 3% of all Australian travellers (for purposes such as business, holidays, employment, education and other reasons) visited Fiji, but that proportion has risen to 9% through the first five months of 2022. Fiji’s close proximity, high vaccine coverage, good flight connectivity and competitive pricing following border reopening will continue to support tourism prospects.

Tourism is important to Fiji, contributing about 40% of GDP. A stronger than expected tourism recovery prompted the Reserve Bank of Fiji to recently upgrade its GDP growth forecasts; to 12.4% in 2022 (up 1.1 percentage points from the previous December 2021 estimate) and 9.2% in 2023 (up 0.7 percentage points). These forecasts assume visitor arrivals reach 55% of 2019 levels in 2022 and 85% of 2019 levels in 2023, which if recent trends persist, appears achievable. According to reports , tourists are also staying longer and spending more, supporting Fijian employment and boosting earnings for accommodation and service operators. Strong GDP growth rates will support fiscal consolidation and lower debt sustainability risks, as Fiji emerges from the pandemic with a historic level of government debt (around 89% of GDP).

Brightening economic prospects should help lift Australian goods and services exports to Fiji, which fell 28% to $425 million in FY2021. Food and beverage producers are notable suppliers to Fiji’s hotels and should benefit from Fiji’s tourism recovery, while opportunities also exist for investment in infrastructure such as transport, roads and climate-resilient projects.

Paradise cost: the Pacific islands changing the future of tourism

New push to attract visitors focuses on environment and culture, as experts call for better monitoring of sustainability pledges

T he resort lies on the fringes of one of the world’s largest barrier reefs. Powered by solar energy, in an effort to reduce its carbon footprint, there are no air conditioners or pools. Most food is grown in its gardens or fished from the sea, and all the employees are hired from local villages. This is Nukubati on the north coast of Fiji’s Vanua Levu island and at the forefront of a growing movement to change Pacific tourism.

“Our aim is really to improve our environment rather than extract from it,” says Nukubati’s director, Jenny Leewai Bourke. Nukubati is a member of Duavata, a collective of Fijian tourism businesses who say their industry should enhance the environment and cultural heritage. But the issue is complicated.

Pacific island countries – among the most vulnerable in the world to the climate crisis – are wrestling with how to balance the environmental and cultural impact of tourism with economic need. There is no enforceable, region-wide agreement on sustainable practices, just a patchwork of guidelines and initiatives. Tourism, the backbone of many island economies, has begun to rebound from devastation levelled by the Covid pandemic. The influx of visitors has prompted calls for change.

“We must demand a rebellion against business as usual,” the former director of tourism for Vanuatu Jerry Spooner says of mass tourism. “It is imperative that we consider how our travel impacts destinations and Indigenous communities.”

Across the region, new tourism models are emerging. Vanuatu and Cook Islands are promoting “regenerative” tourism while French Polynesia pushes a “slow’’ tourism model. Bora Bora, an island within the French territory, has put limits on arrivals to preserve its way of life. Palau, an archipelago in the western Pacific Ocean, asks visitors to sign a pledge to act in an ecologically responsible way.

Yet experts say a lack of monitoring to track impact, weak governance and limited resources hold Pacific tourism back from making environmental progress. They call for soft measures – voluntary pledges or certification schemes – to be backed by legislation.

In a five-part series , the Guardian examines the challenge facing Pacific island nations in balancing the economic dependence on tourism with its environmental impact – where this has led to devastation, where new models are working and how tourists can make a difference.

Regulation lacks force

Throughout the Pacific, there is a web of laws, regulations and strategies that touch on sustainable tourism practices.

Many governments have sustainable tourism strategies and environmental legislation. The Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO), the region’s leading industry group with 21 member countries, has developed a sustainable tourism framework and destination standards . They contain wide-ranging guidelines from reducing plastic and energy use to protecting culture. Sustainability certification schemes at a national and global level are also in place.

But in practice most of the frameworks and guidelines are not enforceable or widely monitored. Joseph Cheer, a professor of sustainable tourism and heritage at Western Sydney University in Australia, says frameworks set up “aspiration parameters” for the industry and compliance is voluntary.

“This is one of the biggest challenges in the Pacific,” Cheer says. “Whether a business decides to adhere to them is entirely up to them. There is no compulsion or penalty if you don’t follow them.”

While he cautions against generalising about the region, Cheer says there is a lack of data collected on sustainability measures and a poor track record on governance in the Pacific.

The Global Sustainable Tourism Council is a prominent organisation that sets standards and facilitates certification for destinations and businesses around the world – Singapore, Järvsö in Sweden and the Australian ski resort of Thredbo are among the places that have secured certification. No destinations in the Pacific have been certified, though some have adopted its standards.

One of those is Fiji, the most-visited country in the Pacific with more than 636,000 arrivals in 2022. It adopted GSTC standards as nationwide guidelines this year. Fiji Tourism’s chief executive, Brent Hill, acknowledges they are being rolled out slowly and remain optional. The sector contributes nearly 40% of Fiji’s GDP and the government is developing a national sustainable tourism framework, which will include similar opt-in standards.

Vanuatu, which before the Covid pandemic saw tourism contribute roughly 36% of GDP , was among the first Pacific nations to adopt an official sustainable tourism strategy. The country, along with the Cook Islands, provides optional eco and sustainable tourism certifications for businesses. Vanuatu hopes to secure GSTC certification and wants 60% of tourism businesses certified by local authorities by 2025.

Still, Stephen Pratt, the department chair of tourism, events and attractions at the University of Central Florida, says across the Pacific there has been “very little regulation or self-regulation from the private sector” on sustainable tourism. That’s largely due to governments lacking resources, the “tyranny of distance” and the difficulty of monitoring remote places.

New tourism models

As standards and “green” certification systems emerge, countries are trying to attract tourists with a focus on the environment and culture.

French Polynesia, a territory that includes Tahiti, markets its more than 100 islands as “slow tourism ” destinations. Slow tourism advocates spending longer in a single place, favouring transport such as hiking or cycling. It also promotes cultural experiences, for example, a visit to a taro plantation, where tourists are shown how to harvest and cook the edible root.

Other countries are exploring “regenerative” tourism, which calls for visitors to leave a positive impact. They may help restore a coral reef, stay at locally run guesthouses or eat locally grown food.

“More tourist dollars stay in the country and visitors have more authentic, meaningful experiences,” says Spooner, who now runs the Vanuatu not-for-profit Regenerative Vanua.

He says agri-tourism – where farming is integrated with tourist experiences – turns traditional practices “into a story” and benefits communities.

“Visitors showing excitement in the traditional food experience contributes to the reviving of pride in local food systems and in turn discourages the reliance of unhealthy imported foods that is a major health issue in Pacific Island countries.”

Cook Islands’ five-year tourism strategy, launched in 2022, includes attracting “responsible” travellers by marketing regenerative experiences , as well as a focus on culture and traditions. Visitors are encouraged to eat local instead of imported food at restaurants, and support certified “mana tiaki” (guardianship) businesses. Mana tiaki is a free certification system for businesses that meet sustainability and environmental care standards.

Elsewhere in the region, New Caledonia says sustainability is one of its core tourism values. Samoa’s tourism development plan includes an aim to become a more “resilient, inclusive and green tourism destination”.

Pratt says while the niche tourism segments are important “they are never going to get the volume of tourists – at least as before Covid”.

But Dr Susanne Becken, a professor of sustainable tourism at Griffith University, notes that while small, locally owned businesses may attract fewer visitors than a mass tourism model, “that doesn’t necessarily mean the benefit for local people is lower.”

Becken says voluntary schemes, such as mana tiaki or the Palau pledge are useful but “ideally such soft measures are complemented by legislation and standards, for example on phasing out single use plastic, supported through the Pacific Ocean Litter Project”.

A clearer picture of the impact of tourism would help guide policymaking. Becken says there is a lack of data on the carbon footprint and environmental toll of tourism in the Pacific, though the SPTO is working in this area.

Given their remote locations, reducing the emissions of transport – by air or sea – remains the among Pacific nation’s biggest environmental challenges. Travel and tourism accounts for as much as 11% of global greenhouse gas emissions, according to a 2021 World Travel and Tourism Council report .

The SPTO chief executive, Christopher Cocker, says while the contribution of the Pacific islands to global emissions is insignificant, becoming a “green industry is reliant on the transformation of the transportation sector”.

Tourists driving change

Despite the growing focus on sustainability, the prominent Samoan climate change activist Brianna Fruean says the region needs to “reshape” its relationship with tourism.

“Tourists aren’t just allowed to come to our Pacific Islands and it’s a free for all … we are the guardians of our islands, and when we have you as guests on our islands, you have to be guardians as well, you have to be a good guest.”

Richard Markham, a member of Fiji’s Duavata collective, agrees visitors need to take some responsibility for their impact. Markham says travellers who want a “green holiday” need to do their research.

“Where these are not regulated, responsibility lies with the consumer to identify products that are most sustainable,” he says, while acknowledging “the risk of greenwashing and lack of transparency can make this difficult”.

Markham says tourists should try to “book with businesses that are locally owned and operators who express their concerns through real engagement with local communities and the environment.”

“Visitors can show that they truly care and will not be fooled by ‘green washing’ – and that may encourage the industry to make substantive changes,” he says.

• The price of paradise?
• Pacific islands
• French Polynesia
• Cook Islands
• New Caledonia

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Economic impact of tourism on Fiji's economy: empirical evidence from the computable general equilibrium model

Research output : Contribution to journal › Article › Research › peer-review

Tourism is Fiji's largest industry, earning over F$500 million in foreign exchange and employing around 40,000 people. The tourism industry over the last decade has grown at an annual rate of 10-12%. The expansion of tourism, which generates more expenditure in the economy, is likely to have implications for other industries. In this paper, the aim is to delineate the long-run impact of a 10% increase in tourist expenditure on Fiji's economy. To achieve this, the author uses a computable general equilibrium model. Among the key findings are that a 10% increase in tourist expenditure in Fiji will increase GDP by 0.5% and contribute to an improvement in the balance of payments, real consumption will increase by 0.72% and real national welfare will increase by 0.67%. It is also found that an expansion of tourism will lead to an appreciation of the exchange rate, together with an increase in domestic prices and wage rates, and so traditional export sectors will experience a decline in their export competitiveness. In Fiji's case there is evidence that the increases in tourism and non-traditional exports outweigh the fall in non-traditional exports caused by an expansion of tourism.

• Computable general equilibrium models
• Tourism impacts

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• 10.5367/0000000042430971

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• Link to publication in Scopus

T1 - Economic impact of tourism on Fiji's economy

T2 - empirical evidence from the computable general equilibrium model

AU - Narayan, Paresh Kumar

N1 - Copyright: Copyright 2017 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.

PY - 2004/12

Y1 - 2004/12

N2 - Tourism is Fiji's largest industry, earning over F$500 million in foreign exchange and employing around 40,000 people. The tourism industry over the last decade has grown at an annual rate of 10-12%. The expansion of tourism, which generates more expenditure in the economy, is likely to have implications for other industries. In this paper, the aim is to delineate the long-run impact of a 10% increase in tourist expenditure on Fiji's economy. To achieve this, the author uses a computable general equilibrium model. Among the key findings are that a 10% increase in tourist expenditure in Fiji will increase GDP by 0.5% and contribute to an improvement in the balance of payments, real consumption will increase by 0.72% and real national welfare will increase by 0.67%. It is also found that an expansion of tourism will lead to an appreciation of the exchange rate, together with an increase in domestic prices and wage rates, and so traditional export sectors will experience a decline in their export competitiveness. In Fiji's case there is evidence that the increases in tourism and non-traditional exports outweigh the fall in non-traditional exports caused by an expansion of tourism.

AB - Tourism is Fiji's largest industry, earning over F$500 million in foreign exchange and employing around 40,000 people. The tourism industry over the last decade has grown at an annual rate of 10-12%. The expansion of tourism, which generates more expenditure in the economy, is likely to have implications for other industries. In this paper, the aim is to delineate the long-run impact of a 10% increase in tourist expenditure on Fiji's economy. To achieve this, the author uses a computable general equilibrium model. Among the key findings are that a 10% increase in tourist expenditure in Fiji will increase GDP by 0.5% and contribute to an improvement in the balance of payments, real consumption will increase by 0.72% and real national welfare will increase by 0.67%. It is also found that an expansion of tourism will lead to an appreciation of the exchange rate, together with an increase in domestic prices and wage rates, and so traditional export sectors will experience a decline in their export competitiveness. In Fiji's case there is evidence that the increases in tourism and non-traditional exports outweigh the fall in non-traditional exports caused by an expansion of tourism.

KW - Computable general equilibrium models

KW - Tourism impacts

UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=10644292110&partnerID=8YFLogxK

U2 - 10.5367/0000000042430971

DO - 10.5367/0000000042430971

M3 - Article

AN - SCOPUS:10644292110

SN - 1354-8166

JO - Tourism Economics

JF - Tourism Economics

International Visitor Survey

• Total visitor spending for the nine-month period was FJD$2.09 billion, with FJD$968 million in pre-paid spending and FJD$1.13 billion in post-arrival spending.
• The average visitor spend was around FJD$3,572 per trip and FJD$376 per night. The average spending per trip has increased by 6%.
• Most of the visitors were on holiday/vacation (84%), while some were visiting friends and relatives (5%), and approximately 5% were business and conference travelers.
• The most popular regions were Nadi, followed by Denarau and Coral Coast.
• Many travelers reported high levels of satisfaction with the customer service they received, the quality of accommodations, the overall cultural activities they experienced, their experience at the airport with customs, and they felt safe and secure during their time in Fiji.
• There is a need for more awareness around sustainability, as only 10% of travelers participated in an activity and 22% were aware of it.
• Total visitor expenditure in 2019 amounted to FJD$3.03 billion, with an average visitor spending approximately FJD$353 per night and FJD$3,379 per trip, while staying for an average of 9.6 nights.
• ​​​​Visitors tended to allocate the majority of their expenditure to accommodation ($967 million), international airlines ($953 million), and restaurants and bars ($580 million).
• Australia remained the largest source of visitors to Fiji, followed by New Zealand and the United States.
• Most of the visitors were on holiday/vacation, while some were visiting friends and relatives (VFR), and approximately 6% were business and conference travelers.
• Denarau emerged as the most popular region for visitors in 2019, followed by the Coral Coast, Suva, and Nadi.
• Many visitors expressed high satisfaction levels with the customer service they received, the quality of accommodations, the overall airport experience, and they felt safe and secure during their time in Fiji.

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Fiji: International tourism revenue, percent of GDP

Fiji: international tourism revenue, percent of gdp, 1995 - 2020:.

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The tourism industry has evolved as a major contributor to economic development and employment creation globally. Over the past seven decades, the tourism industry has experienced growth in both developed and developing countries. Although tourism has significant economic benefits, it often compromises environmental quality. Thus, tourism sustainability becomes an important element in managing the industry. Tourism sustainability has emerged as a leading policy paradigm and is important because tourism is a significant contributor to carbon emissions worldwide.

1. Sustainable Tourism

2. sustainability in sids, 3. residents perceptions towards tourism impacts, 4. sustainable tourism planning model, 5. tourism and fiji.

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• Grah, B.; Dimovski, V.; Peterlin, J. Managing sustainable urban tourism development: The case of Ljubljana. Sustainability 2020, 12, 792.
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• Tosun, C. Limits to community participation in the tourism development process in developing countries. Tour. Manag. 2000, 21, 613–633.
• Tosun, C. Expected nature of community participation in tourism development. Tour. Manag. 2006, 27, 493–504.
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The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Fiji was worth 4.98 billion US dollars in 2022, according to official data from the World Bank. The GDP value of Fiji represents 0 percent of the world economy. GDP in Fiji averaged 1.94 USD Billion from 1960 until 2022, reaching an all time high of 5.58 USD Billion in 2018 and a record low of 0.11 USD Billion in 1960. source: World Bank

Gdp in fiji is expected to reach 5.17 usd billion by the end of 2024, according to trading economics global macro models and analysts expectations. in the long-term, the fiji gdp is projected to trend around 5.32 usd billion in 2025 and 5.54 usd billion in 2026, according to our econometric models.,   markets,   gdp,   labour,   prices,   money,   trade,   government,   business,   housing,   taxes,   health,   climate.

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10 Safest Countries to Live in if Nuclear World War III Happens

Posted: April 7, 2024 | Last updated: April 7, 2024

Many people will be concerned about safety and security in the event of World War III. While no country can guarantee complete safety in such a scenario, some countries are considered to be safer than others.

This article will explore the top 10 safest countries to live in if World War III happens. The countries on this list have been chosen based on factors such as political stability, military strength, and geographic location.

These countries are not guaranteed to be completely safe in the event of a global conflict, but they are considered some of the safest options available. It is important to research and consider all factors before deciding where to live during a hypothetical World War III.

Bhutan, a small landlocked country located in South Asia, is known for its unique approach to measuring national progress through the Gross National Happiness (GNH) index. Bhutan is also considered one of the safest countries to live in if World War III were to happen. The country has a low crime rate and a peaceful society, with no military alliances or foreign military bases on its soil.

Here are some key facts about Bhutan:

• Bhutan has a population of approximately 750,000 people.
• The country is known for its stunning natural beauty, with over 70% of its land covered in forests.
• Bhutan is a constitutional monarchy, with the King of Bhutan as the head of state.
• The official language of Bhutan is Dzongkha, but English is widely spoken.
• The economy of Bhutan is largely based on agriculture and tourism, with hydropower also playing an important role.

Overall, Bhutan’s commitment to preserving its unique culture and environment, coupled with its peaceful society, makes it a desirable destination for those seeking safety and tranquility in the event of a global conflict.

Antarctica, the southernmost continent on Earth, is the fifth-largest continent and the coldest, driest, and windiest continent. It has no permanent residents, but it is home to many research stations and scientists who study its unique environment.

Due to its extreme weather conditions and lack of infrastructure, Antarctica is not considered a safe place to live in the event of a world war. However, it may serve as a refuge for those seeking shelter from the conflict, as it is far removed from most major population centers and military targets.

Iceland is a Nordic island country located in the North Atlantic Ocean. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, with glaciers, hot springs, and volcanoes dotting the landscape. Iceland has a low crime rate, and its citizens enjoy a high standard of living, making it one of the safest countries to live in.

In terms of military strength, Iceland has a small defense force, but it is a member of NATO and benefits from the protection of its allies. The country also has a strong economy, with a focus on fishing, tourism, and renewable energy.

Fiji is a small island nation located in the South Pacific Ocean. It is known for its beautiful beaches, clear waters, and rich culture. Fiji is also considered one of the safest countries to live in if World War III were to happen.

Fiji has a low crime rate, making it a safe place to live. The country is also politically stable, with a democratically elected government. Fiji has a strong military presence, and the government has taken steps to ensure the safety of its citizens in case of any threats.

Fiji’s economy is heavily reliant on tourism, which has contributed to the country’s overall safety. The government has made significant investments in infrastructure and security measures to ensure the safety of tourists and locals alike.

In terms of natural disasters, Fiji is prone to cyclones and earthquakes. However, the government has implemented measures to prepare for and respond to these events, minimizing the impact on the population.

Greenland is the world’s largest island, located between the Arctic and Atlantic oceans. Despite its remote location, it is considered one of the safest countries to live in if World War III were to happen due to its low population density and lack of military presence.

Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark, with a population of just over 56,000 people. The majority of the population is Inuit, and the official language is Greenlandic, although Danish is also widely spoken.

The economy of Greenland is largely based on fishing and hunting, with a growing tourism industry. The country has a high standard of living, with free healthcare and education provided by the government.

In terms of natural disasters, Greenland is relatively safe, with no active volcanoes or major seismic activity. However, the country does experience harsh winter weather conditions, including strong winds and heavy snowfall.

New Zealand

New Zealand is a country located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. It is composed of two main islands, the North Island and the South Island, as well as numerous smaller islands. New Zealand is known for its beautiful landscapes, diverse wildlife, and friendly people.

In terms of safety, New Zealand is considered one of the safest countries in the world. It has a low crime rate and is not involved in any major conflicts. The country also has a stable political system and a strong economy.

New Zealand’s government has taken steps to ensure the safety and security of its citizens. It has implemented strict gun control laws and has a well-trained police force. The country also has a comprehensive emergency management system in place to respond to natural disasters and other emergencies.

Ireland is a country located in Western Europe and is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes. It is also considered to be one of the safest countries to live in if World War III were to occur.

The country has a low crime rate and a stable political climate, which makes it an ideal place to live in times of global conflict. Additionally, Ireland is a neutral country and does not participate in any military alliances, which reduces the risk of being involved in any potential conflicts.

Ireland also has a strong economy and high standard of living, which makes it an attractive destination for those seeking a peaceful and prosperous life. The country has a well-developed healthcare system and education system, which further contributes to its safety and security.

Switzerland

Switzerland is a landlocked country located in the heart of Europe. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, including the Swiss Alps, lakes, and picturesque villages. Switzerland is also known for its political neutrality and stable economy.

Switzerland is considered one of the safest countries in the world, with a low crime rate and a strong emphasis on personal safety. The country has a well-trained police force and a highly efficient justice system. Additionally, Switzerland has a mandatory military service, which ensures that the country is well-prepared for any potential threats.

In terms of healthcare, Switzerland has a world-class healthcare system that is accessible to all residents. The country has a high life expectancy and low infant mortality rate, which speaks to the quality of its healthcare system.

Indonesia is the world’s largest island country, consisting of over 17,000 islands. It is located in Southeast Asia and Oceania, and is known for its beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, and diverse cultures. While Indonesia has experienced political and social instability in the past, it has made significant progress in recent years to improve safety and security for its citizens.

Due to its geographical location, Indonesia is considered a relatively safe country during a potential World War III scenario. It is far from major military powers and conflict zones, reducing the likelihood of the country being directly involved in any potential conflict. Additionally, Indonesia has a strong military presence and has invested in modernizing its armed forces, which could provide some level of protection in the event of an attack.

However, it is important to note that Indonesia is still vulnerable to natural disasters, such as earthquakes and tsunamis, which can devastate the population. The country has also experienced sporadic incidents of terrorism in the past, although the government has taken steps to improve counterterrorism measures.

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Sri Lanka's Economy Shows Signs of Stabilization, but Poverty to Remain Elevated

COLOMBO, April 2, 2024 —Sri Lanka’s economy is projected to see moderate growth of 2.2% in 2024, showing signs of stabilization, following the severe economic downturn of 2022. But, the country still faces elevated poverty levels, income inequality, and labor market concerns, says the World Bank's latest bi-annual update.

Released today, the Sri Lanka Development Update, Bridge to Recovery, highlights that Sri Lanka saw declining inflation, higher revenues on the back of the implementation of new fiscal policies, and a current account surplus for the first time in nearly five decades, buoyed by increased remittances and a rebound in tourism.

However, poverty rates continued to rise for the fourth year in a row, with an estimated 25.9% of Sri Lankans living below the poverty line in 2023. Labor force participation has also seen a decline, particularly among women and in urban areas, exacerbated by the closure of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). Households are grappling with multiple pressures from high prices, income losses, and under employment. This has led to households taking on debt to meet food requirements and maintain spending on health and education.

“Sri Lanka’s economy is on the road to recovery, but sustained efforts to mitigate the impact of the economic crisis on the poor and vulnerable are critical, alongside a continuation of the path of robust and credible structural reforms,” emphasized Faris Hadad-Zervos, World Bank Country Director for Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka . “This involves a two-pronged strategy: first, to maintain reforms that contribute to macroeconomic stability and second, to accelerate reforms to stimulate private investment and capital inflows, which are crucial for economic growth and poverty reduction.”

Looking forward, the report projects a modest pickup in growth of 2.5% in 2025, with a gradual increase in inflation and a small current account surplus. However, high debt service obligations are expected to exert pressure on fiscal balances. Poverty rates are anticipated to remain above 22% until 2026. Risks to the outlook remain, particularly related to inadequate debt restructuring, reversal of reforms, financial sector vulnerabilities, and the enduring impact of the crisis. The report emphasizes that strong reform implementation will be fundamental to fostering a resilient economy through continued macro-fiscal-financial stability, greater private sector investment, and addressing risks associated with state-owned enterprises.

The Sri Lanka Development Update  is a companion piece to the  South Asia Development Update ,  a twice-a-year World Bank report that examines economic developments and prospects in the South Asia region and analyzes policy challenges faced by countries. The April 2024 edition, Jobs for Resilience , projects South Asia to remain the fastest-growing region in the world, with growth projected to be 6.0% in 2024- driven mainly by robust growth in India and recoveries in Pakistan and Sri Lanka. But this strong outlook is deceptive, says the report. For most countries, growth is still below pre-pandemic levels and is reliant on public spending. At the same time, private investment growth has slowed sharply in all South Asian countries and the region is not creating enough jobs to keep pace with its rapidly increasing working-age population. The report recommends a range of policies to spur firm growth and boost employment as well as help lift growth and productivity and free up space for public investments in climate adaptation.

Source: World Bank, Poverty & Equity and Macroeconomics, Trade & Investment Global Practices. Emissions data sourced from CAIT and OECD.

Notes: e = estimate, f = forecast.

(a)    Components of GDP by expenditure for 2020-2022 are estimates, as the data published on March 15, 2024, by authorities only included GDP by production.

(b)    Calculations based on SAR-POV harmonization, using 2019-HIES. Actual data: 2019. Microsimulation that models sectoral GDP growth rates, inflation, remittances, employment, and cash transfers 2020-2022. Nowcast and forecast (2023-2026) use nominal GDP growth rates by sector and CPI inflation.

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