MALDIVES

1. Population and capital.

The Maldives is an island country in South Asia with a population of about 530 thousand people. The capital and largest city of the country is Malé.

2. Religion.

The official religion of the Maldives is Islam. The population of the country predominantly practices Sunni Islam, which plays an important role in the culture, traditions, and laws of the Maldives.

3. Malé.

Malé is the capital, largest city, and main political, administrative, and economic center of the Maldives. The city is located on a small island and is one of the most densely populated cities in the world.

4. Coral reefs.

The Maldives is famous for its coral reefs, white sandy beaches, and clear tropical waters. Coral reefs surround many of the islands and provide a habitat for a wide variety of marine animals.

5. Atolls.

The Maldives is an archipelago consisting of approximately 1,200 coral islands grouped into 26 atolls. Only about 200 islands are permanently inhabited, while many others are used as tourist resorts.

6. Independence.

The Maldives gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1965. In 1968, the country became a republic.

7. Tourism.

Tourism is one of the most important sectors of the Maldivian economy. The country is famous for its island resorts, beaches, diving, and rich underwater world and attracts millions of tourists every year.

8. Currency.

The national currency of the Maldives is the Maldivian rufiyaa.

9. Geographical location.

The Maldives is located in South Asia, in the Indian Ocean, southwest of India and Sri Lanka. The country has no land borders with other countries and consists of numerous small coral islands.