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• Maldives is an island nation situated in the Indian Ocean southwest of Sri Lanka. It is made up of 1192 coral islands, the highest point of which is only 2.3 meters above sea level.

  Rising ocean levels have endangered the 300,000 inhabitants of the island chain, forcing the government to consider some unconventional solutions. In May 2009, it was reported that President Mohamed Nasheed had proposed that the nation purchase land elsewhere in order to insure its future. Citing the pre-Israeli Jewish settlements in Palestine as an example, Nasheed said that the move may be necessary as an "insurance policy" in case of disaster. Parts of Sri Lanka and Australia were mentioned as potential new Maldivian homelands.Eco Salon: President of the Maldives Gets Busy Bailing Out His Island Nation (May 1, 2009)

• Fast Facts:

  1. Capital: [[Malé]]
  2. Government: Republic
  3. Population: 300,000 (July 2006 estimate)
  4. Currency: Rufiyaa
  5. Exchange Rate: 12.795
  6. Official Language: Dhiveli
  7. Calling Code: +960

• Brief Overview

  The Maldives' main industry is tourism, and the nation attempts to provide an ideal paradise getaway for foreigners. However, the government makes an effort to control the tourist population in order to protect the native values and culture of the land. Despite the fact that many wealthy foreigners visit the islands, many Maldivians live in poverty.

  President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has ruled over the country since 1978 and has been elected six times. The Maldives intends to hold its first ever elections by the end of 2008.

• Related Mahalo Pages

  Buddhism | Hinduism | India | World Bank | Japan | Sri Lanka | Sri Lanka Vacation | Sri Lanka Hotels | Indian Ocean | Seychelles | Arabian Sea

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