Maldivian Dhivehi (dialect of Sinhala, script derived from Arabic), English spoken by most government officials
Elevation:
highest point: unnamed location on Wilingili island in the Addu Atoll 2.4 m
lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
Natural hazards:
low level of islands makes them very sensitive to sea level rise
Climate:
tropical; hot, humid; dry, northeast monsoon (November to March); rainy, southwest monsoon (June to August)
Agricultural:
coconuts, corn, sweet potatoes; fish.
Economy:
Tourism, Maldives largest industry, accounts for 20% of GDP and more than 60% of the Maldives' foreign exchange receipts. Over 90% of government tax revenue comes from import duties and tourism-related taxes. Almost 400,000 tourists visited the islands in 1998. Fishing is a second leading sector. The Maldivian Government began an economic reform program in 1989 initially by lifting import quotas and opening some exports to the private sector. Subsequently, it has liberalized regulations to allow more foreign investment. Agriculture and manufacturing continue to play a minor role in the economy, constrained by the limited availability of cultivable land and the shortage of domestic labor. Most staple foods must be imported. Industry, which consists mainly of garment production, boat building, and handicrafts, accounts for about 18% of GDP. Maldivian authorities worry about the impact of erosion and possible global warming on their low-lying country; 80% of the area is one meter or less above sea level.
Industry:
fish processing, tourism, shipping, boat building, coconut processing, garments, woven mats, rope, handicrafts, coral and sand mining
Ethnicgroups:
South Indians, Sinhalese, Arabs
Yellow fever:
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers coming from infected areas.
