A stuff of painting, the Maldives consists of nearly 1,200 islets
in the Indian Ocean, most of them are uninhabited. The islands were
introduced to the introduction of Islam in 1153. The archipelago became
the colonial possession of Portuguese, Dutch, and British. After declaring
its independence in 1965, Maldives declared its independence from
Britain. In 1968 the Sultanate became a Republic.
The political scene of the Maldives is dominated by President Maumoon
Abdul Gayoom since 1978. He has been at the helm for the sixth term
in office. In recent times the country is witnessing anti demonstrations
for democratic reforms. Political parties have now allowed in the
archipelago. Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and Dhivehi Raiyyithunge
Party (DRP) are the major parties in the country.
Travel overview
Maldives lives up to the paradisal Indian Ocean Island: a glorious
mix of beautiful beaches, clear waters, sheltering reefs swarming
with sea creatures. Tourist facilities of Maldives are expensive,
and, unusually, cater to all budgets. In short, Maldives makes for
a relaxed, informal and incredibly friendly place to visit. Other
attractions of Maldives are Male and Seenu. The mosque of Hukuru Miskiiy
is well worth a visit. Don’t miss to visit the National Museum
showcasing pre-historic Islamic carvings, beautiful fabric and weapons.
Last but not the least the island of Kudahuvadhoo is another popular
destination where one can find amazing ruins of Buddhist temples.
Capital: Male
Location: Southern Asia, group of atolls in the Indian Ocean, south-southwest
of India
Climate: tropical, hot, humid, dry
Total Area: 300 sq km
Total Population: 369,031
Population Growth Rate: 2.732%
Sex Ratio: 1.046 male(s)/female
Literacy: 96.3%
Ethnic Groups: South Indians, Sinhalese, Arabs
Languages: Maldivian Dhivehi, English
Time Zone: UTC+5
Currency: rufiyaa (MVR)
Type of govt.: republic
Head of Govt.: President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom
Major Political Parties: Adhaalath (Justice) Party or AP, Dhivehi
Rayyithunge Party or DRP, Islamic Democratic Party or IDP, Maldivian
Democratic Party or MDP
Participation in International Organizations: C, CP, FAO, IMF, IMO,
G-77, IBRD, ICAO, AsDB, Interpol, IDA, IPU, OPCW, SAARC, IDB, IFAD,
IFC, IOC, SACEP, ITU, UN, UNCTAD, UPU, MIGA, NAM, OIC, WCO, WHO, WIPO,
WMO, WTO, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO,
Major Agricultural Products: coconuts, corn, sweet potatoes, fish
Natural Resources & Minerals: fish.
Industry & Transport: tourism, fish processing, coconut processing,
shipping, boat building, garments, handicrafts, coral woven mats,
rope, sand mining
Airports: 5
Roadways: 88 km
Major Trade Partners: Japan, Thailand, Sri Lanka, UK, Singapore, Germany,
France, UAE, India, Malaysia,
Exports: $214 million
Imports: $832 million |
|