Maldives

A Nation of Islands.
The former sultanate Maldives is an archipelago in the Indian Ocean, it comprises of 1190 coral islands grouped into 26 atolls (200 inhabited islands, plus 80 islands with tourist resorts);
The Republik of Maldives has strategic location astride and along major sea lanes.
The Maldives became a republic in 1968, three years after independence from Britain. Tourism and fishing are being developed on the archipelago.

geografically close to: India, Sri Lanka,
related countries: United Kingdom

Official Name:
Dhivehi Raajjeyge Jumhooriyyaa
short form: Dhivehi Raajje
int'l long form: Republic of Maldives
int'l short form: Maldives

ISO Country Code: mv

Time:
Local Time = UTC +5h

Country Calling Code: +960

Capital City: Male'

Government:
Type: Republic.
Independence: 26 July 1965 (formerly a British protectorate).
Constitution: 11 November 1968.

Geography:
Location: Southern Asia, group of atolls in the Indian Ocean, south-southwest of India.
Area: 298 sq. km. (115 sq. mi.).
Terrain: Flat coral islands.

Climate: Hot and humid.

People:
Nationality: Maldivian(s).
Population: 280 000 (plus 31 000 expatriate laborers who are not counted in the census).
Ethnic groups: South Indians, Sinhalese, Arabs.
Religion: Sunni Islam.
Languages: Dhivehi (official); many government officials speak English.
Literacy: 98%.

Natural resources: Fish, corals.

Agriculture products: Coconuts, corn, sweet potatoes; fish

Industries: Tourism, fish processing, shipping, boat building, coconut processing, garments, woven mats, rope, handicrafts, coral and sand mining.

Exports partners: USA 32.1%, Thailand 17%, Sri Lanka 13.4%, Japan 10.7%, UK 9.8%, Indonesia 4.5% (2003)

Imports partners: Singapore 24.8%, Sri Lanka 13.8%, India 10.2%, Malaysia 7.6%, UAE 7.6%, Thailand 5.1% (2003)

Currency: Rufiyaa (MVR)