Maldives
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Name: The Republic of Maldives History: Maldives is an old sulanate and most of the people are of Sinhalese origion. From 1656 to Dutch ruled the island and from 1887 to 1965 it was under Britain rule. In 1965 it gained independence and in 1968 became a Republic. The word Maldives may have derived from the Sanskrit word "Maladvipa" meaning 'garland of islands'. Maldives is the smallest Muslim Nation in the world, smallest in population and smallest country which is a member of United Nations. Location: Maldives is a group of atolls in Indian Ocean. It is in Southern Asia in South of Lakshwadweep group of islands of India. Terrain: It consists of 1,200 coral islands of which 202 are inhabited. It is flat and have sandy beaches, Maldives is the flatest country in the world and 80% of the area is 1 meter or less above the sea level. Their lowland and rising sea level is a matter of concern for their government. Climate: Tropical, hot, humid, dry, souhwest monsoon and north east rainy. Rainfall is very heavy. Ethnic Group: South Indians, Sinhalese and Arabs Languages: Maldivian Dhivehi, dialect of Sinhala, script derived from Arabic and English is also spoken by government officials. Religion: Islam (Sunni Muslim) Nationality: Maldivian Area: 300 sq km Capital: Male Largest City: Male Population: 359,008 (July 2006 est) Population Growth Rate: 2.78% (2006 est) Calling Code: +960 Internet Country Code: .mv Time Zone: (UTC+5) Independence: 26 July 1965 from UK Constitution: Adopted on 1 January, 1998 Government: Republic Legal System: Based on Islamic Law with mixture of English Law specialy in Commercial matters. Executive Branch: President is the chief of the State and the head of the Government. Cabinet of ministers are appointed by the President Legislative Branch: Unicameral people,s council or Majlis with 50 members, out of which 8 are appointed by the President and 42 are elected for the term for 5 years. Military Branch: National Seacurity Service, Security Branch, Air Element and Coast Guard. National Flag: Is red with a large rectangle in the center bearing a vertical white crescent, the crescent is on the closed side of the flag. Crescent symbolizes Islam, Red symbolizes boldness of the heroes of the Maldives and Green symbolizes Coconut Palm trees. National Emblem: The coat of arm has a coconut Palm, 2 criss crossing National flag, a cresent with a star in between and traditional tittle of the State. National Anthem: "Gavmee Salam" - Gavmii mi ekuxerikan matii tibegen kuriime salam (In National Unity Do We Salute Our Nation.) National Holiday: Independence day 26 July Economy: 20% of GDP and more than 60% of the Maldives foreign exchange cover from Tourism. Import duties and tourism related tax account for 90% of govrnment tax revenue. Second leading sector in Maldives is Fishing. GDP percapita is recorded as 26.5% in 1980. Agriculture Products: Corn, millets, fruits, fish, sweet potatoes and coconuts. Industries: Tourism, shipping, garments, coconut processing, boat building and woven matts, handicraft, coral and mining. Main Export: dry fish. |