Maldives: Tropical Paradise

The Maldives is a tropical paradise located in the Indian Ocean, southwest of Sri Lanka. It is an island nation consisting of a chain of 26 coral atolls, which are made up of more than 1,000 coral islands. The capital and largest city of the Maldives is Malé.

Here are some key points about the Maldives:

Geography: The Maldives is the smallest Asian country in both land area and population. The islands are scattered across approximately 90,000 square kilometers (35,000 square miles) of the Indian Ocean. The country’s highest point is only about 2.4 meters (7.9 feet) above sea level, making it the lowest country in the world in terms of average ground level.

Tourism: The Maldives is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, with crystal-clear turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life. Tourism is the backbone of the Maldivian economy, and the country attracts millions of visitors each year who come to enjoy the pristine beaches, world-class diving and snorkeling, luxury resorts, and water sports.

Environment: The Maldives is highly vulnerable to climate change, particularly rising sea levels. The threat of sea-level rise poses a significant risk to the islands, and the government has been actively involved in environmental initiatives to combat climate change and protect the fragile ecosystems. The country has committed to becoming carbon-neutral by 2025.

Culture: The Maldivian culture is influenced by South Indian, Sinhalese, Arab, and African traditions. Islam is the official religion of the Maldives, and the country has a conservative Muslim society. Visitors are expected to respect the local customs and dress modestly when in public places outside of resorts.

Economy: Apart from tourism, fishing is another important industry in the Maldives. The country is known for its tuna fishing, and the fishery sector plays a significant role in the local economy. In recent years, the government has also been focusing on diversifying the economy through initiatives such as sustainable agriculture and renewable energy.

Political system: The Maldives is a presidential republic, where the President is both the head of state and the head of government. The country gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1965 and has been a multi-party democracy since 2008.

These are just some basic facts about the Maldives. If you have any specific questions or want to know more about a particular aspect, feel free to ask!