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Maldives Information
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Male
Maldives
Official language
Dhivehi
Capital and largest city
Malé 4°10?N 73°30?E
President
Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom
Area  - Total  - % water
Ranked 185th 298 km˛ Negligible
Population  - Total (Year)  - Density
Ranked 166th 349,106 (2005 est.) 1,171/km˛
GDP (PPP)  - Total (Year)  - GDP/head
Ranked 183rd $1,250 million $3,900
HDI (2003)
0.745 (96th) – medium
Currency
Rufiyaa (MVR)
Time zone
UTC +5
Independence
26 July 1965
National anthem
Gavmii mi ekuverikan matii tibegen kuriime salaam (In National Unity Do We Salute Our Nation)
Internet TLD
.mv
Calling Code
960
Hotels in Maldives





Maldives Information
Economy


See also: Industries in Maldives

Fisheries
The Maldivian economy was for many centuries entirely dependent on fishing and other marine products; therefore fishing has been and still remains the main occupation of the people. The government gives special priority to the development of the fisheries sector.
The mechanization of the traditional fishing dhoani in 1974 was a major milestone in the development of the fisheries industry and the country's economy in general. A fish canning plant was installed in the island of Felivaru in 1977, as a joint venture with a Japanese firm. In 1979, a Fisheries Advisory Board was set up with the mandate of advising the government on policy guidelines for the overall development of the fisheries sector. Manpower development programs were begun in the early 1980s, and fisheries education was incorporated into the school curriculum. Fish aggregating devices and navigational aids were located at various strategic points. Moreover, the opening up of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of Maldives for fisheries has further enhanced the growth of the fisheries sector. Today, fisheries contribute over 15 percent of the GDP and engage about 30 percent of the country's work force. It is also the second-largest foreign exchange earner after tourism.
Tourism

Main article: Tourism in Maldives
The capital of the Maldives, Malé
The capital of the Maldives, Malé

The capital of the Maldives, Malé The development of tourism has fostered the overall growth of the country's economy. It has created direct and indirect employment and income generation opportunities in other related industries. Today, tourism is the country's biggest foreign exchange earner, contributing to 20 percent of the GDP. With 86 tourist resorts in operation, the year 2000 recorded 467,154 tourist arrivals.
Cottage industries
The development tourism sector gave a major boost to the country's fledging traditional cottage industries such as mat weaving, lacquer work, handicraft, and coir rope making. New industries that have since emerged include printing, production of PVC pipes, brick making, marine engine repairs, bottling of aerated water, and garment production.

Judiciary

Ustaz Mohamed Rasheed Ibrahim from Fuvahmulah is the present chief justice of Maldives.
Maldives and the Indian Ocean Commission
Since 1996, Maldives has been the official progress monitor of the Indian Ocean Commission. In 2002, Maldives applied for full membership, but was refused. The first reason they were rejected is that their geographical position is different from other member states. Maldives are considered in Asia instead of Africa. The other reason was more complicated. The official language spoken by the Commission was French with Creole used in friendly conversations. Maldives speak English and language totally unrelated to the other members. It was proposed to change the language to English, which the people of Reunion, Comoros and Mayotte do not speak, and so the idea was dropped. The third reason was due to the difference in historic background. However, Maldives were given a more important role and semi-membership.

Geography


Main article: Geography of Maldives

Maldives holds the record for being the flattest country in the world, with a maximum altitude of only 2.3 metres. Although there have been reports of rising sea levels threatening the islands, the sea level has actually lowered in recent decades.
A tsunami in the Indian Ocean caused by the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake caused parts of Maldives to be covered by sea water and left many people homeless. After the disaster, cartographers are planning to redraw the maps of the islands due to alterations by the tsunami. The people and government are worried that Maldives could be wiped from the map eventually.

Culture


Main article: Culture of Maldives Islam in Maldives
Music of Maldives





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