INTRODUCTION

The Maldives is a group of islands located in the Indian Ocean about 400 km south west of India. It consists of a double chain of twenty six atolls. The atolls are composed of live coral reefs and sand bars. It is the smallest Asian country in terms of population and land area. The islands are surrounded by turquoise waters which turn deep blue as you go away from the islands. The beaches are white and sandy. It is the lowest country in the world with an average ground elevation of about 1.5 metres above sea level.

The Portuguese ruled the islands for about fifteen years during the mid 16^th century. Then the Dutch ruled for a brief period during the mid 17^th century. The islands became a British Protectorate from 1887 to 1965. Maldives gained independence from the British in 1965 and became a Republic in 1968.

The local population is about 300,000. Out of a total of 1,192 islands only about 200 are inhabited. The local language is Dhivehi and Islam is the only religion. The people are Sunni Muslims.

Sailors and Traders from Arabia, Africa, Europe, India and Sri Lanka visited the islands and influenced the people. Tourism and Fishing are the largest industries today. Male is the capital and the largest city with a population of about 100,000.