Maldives

Author: Zhu Zaiming
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-11-01
Features: The Republic of Maldives is an island nation with a long history in the Indian Ocean. The total land area of the country is 115,300 square kilometers, of which only 298 square kilometers is land. The country consists of 26 natural atolls and 1,190 islands, with only 197 islands inhabited. The Maldives is renowned for its beautiful scenery and is often called the "Island of Hadas" or the "Island of Palaces." It is one of the most ideal tourist destinations in the world. In 2002, tourism accounted for 34.7% of the GDP of the Maldives, forming one of the three major pillars of the country's economy alongside shipping and fishing industries.