Overview
The Maldives, officially known as the Republic of Maldives, is an archipelagic state located in the Indian Ocean, southwest of Sri Lanka and India. It is known for its stunning coral reefs, beaches, and lagoons, making it a popular destination for tourists worldwide.
Geography
The country consists of approximately 1,192 coral islands grouped in a double chain of 26 atolls, stretching over 871 kilometers. Only about 185 of these islands are inhabited. The Maldives is the smallest Asian country in both land area and population.
History
- Early Settlements: Evidence suggests that the Maldives was first settled around 5th century BC by people from India and Sri Lanka.
- Buddhist Era: Until the 12th century, Buddhism was the predominant religion in the Maldives.
- Islamic Influence: In 1153, the Maldives officially converted to Islam under the influence of an Arab trader.
- Colonial Period: The Maldives was a British Protectorate from 1887 to 1965, although it maintained its own governance.
- Independence: The Maldives became fully independent from United Kingdom on July 26, 1965.
- Recent History: The Maldives has seen political turbulence, with a brief period of emergency declared in 2018 following a parliamentary vote.
Culture
- Language: Dhivehi, a language closely related to Sinhala, is the official language.
- Religion: Islam is the state religion, and adherence to Islamic law is a fundamental aspect of Maldivian culture.
- Traditional Arts: The Maldives is famous for its traditional crafts like Mat Weaving, Lacquer Work, and Dhivehi Art.
Economy
The economy of the Maldives is heavily dependent on:
- Tourism: It contributes significantly to the GDP, attracting over a million tourists annually.
- Fishing: Traditionally, fishing, particularly for Tuna, has been a mainstay of the economy.
- Shipping: The Maldives' strategic location on the main sea lanes makes it a key player in maritime transport.
Environment
The Maldives is particularly vulnerable to:
- Climate Change: Rising sea levels threaten the very existence of the nation, with predictions suggesting that the Maldives could become uninhabitable by the end of the century if current trends continue.
- Conservation Efforts: Initiatives like the Maldives Climate Change Adaptation program are in place to mitigate these impacts.
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