Maldives

Maldives A country consisting of a chain of coral islands in the Indian Ocean some 650 km (400 miles) south-west of Sri Lanka.

Physical

The islands comprise some 1800 small atolls and sandbanks built on the summits of old, submerged volcanoes.

Economy

The economy of Maldives is based on fishing, clothing, shipping, and tourism. Ecological change threatens the future of the country, since many of its islands are a mere 1.8 m (6 feet) above sea level.

History

From 1887 to 1952 the islands were a sultanate under British protection. Maldivian demands for constitutional reform began in the 1930s; internal self-government was achieved in 1948 and full independence in 1965. In 1968 the sultanate was abolished, and a republic declared. The Maldives became a full member of the COMMONWEALTH OF NATIONS in 1985. In 1988, with Indian help, President Maumoun Abdul Gayoom (first elected 1978) suppressed an attempted coup. He was re-elected the following year, and again in 1993.

Capital:	Malé
Area:	298 sq km (115 sq miles)
Population:	270,000 (1998 est)
Currency:	1 Maldivian rufiyaa = 100 laaris
Religions:	Virtually 100% Sunni Muslim
Ethnic Groups:	Majority Sinhalese and Dravidian; Arab, African, and Negrito minorities
Languages:	Divehi (official)
International Organizations:	UN; Commonwealth; Colombo Plan