Maldives

History and Etymology

Dravidian people were the first settlers of Maldives. It is considered that they were the fisherman of the southwest coasts of Indian Subcontinents as well as western coast of Sri Lanka.

Maldives was a long sultanate under the Dutch sultanate. Then it came under the British protection. In1968, it became republic. The country has been dominated by the President Maumoon Abdul GAYOOM since 1978.

Previous Records and Medals

As far as records and Medals are concerned, Maldives does not have any Olympic medal.

Demography

The ethnic identity of Maldivian is considered as blend of the island’s first settlers. The language and the religion of the settlers are still same without any change. Cast system is not prominent in the country and it is very difficult to differentiate between the noble people and the common people. The tourist resorts are very far from the residential area of natives.

Government and Politics

The Politics in Maldives occurs in framework of the presidential republic. The government of the country is headed by the President. He or she also is also the head of executive branch. The president has a right for appointing the cabinet. The president is elected for five years and the nomination of the president is confirmed by the national referendum.

The fifty member’s team composes the unicameral Majlis of the Maldives and out of fifty members; two are directly elected by the universal suffrage whereas the president appoints eight members and most of them are women. In fact this is the main rout through that women get entry in parliament.

Culture

There are numerous sources that contribute to the Maldivian culture. But among all, southern Indian and Sri Lanka are the main sources. The spoken and the official language of the country is Dhivehi that is basically an Indo European language. The Dhivehi language is quit similar to Elu, an old Sinhalese language.

The official language of the country is Islam that covers a large of the total population of the country. People are very strict and dedicated towards their religion.

Education

Country is having traditional system for education that consists of three kind of institution- Makthab, Madharsaa and Kiyavaage. Literacy rate in the country is very high and the credit goes to Madharssa that’s main objective is to make the maximum number of people literal. Makthab teaches the young people to read as well as write Arbic and Dhivehi. Makhab also includes simple arithmetic in the syllabous.

A new curriculum has been designed in order to promote the education level of primary as well assecondary schools. The curriculum adds environmental studies, Dhivehi language, science, mathematics, fine arts, English language, calligraphy and physical education.

Economy and Infrastructure

Maldives has a well developed tourism industry. In fact it is the biggest industry in the country and is strong base of country’s economy. Tourism industry accounts for the 28% of the country’s GDP. Apart form the tourism, the economy of the country depends upon following two industries:

• Fishing industry- fishing is the second industry that contributes more to the economic of the nation. Fishing comes in main occupation of country’s natives. Government also supports the people engaged in fishing,
• Cottage industry- the  booming tourism industry in the country also boosts the traditionalcottage industry that includes mat weaving, handicraft, lacquer and making of coir rope.

There are some more industries flourishing in the nation such as printing, brick making, garment production etc. But they don’t have much contribution in the economy of the country.

Geographical setting

The Maldives is the lowest nation of the world in terms of the ground level. The maximum ground level of the country is 2.3 m. during last century the sea level has increased around 20 cm. 
The reef has been composed of living coral and coral debris. It functions as the barrier against ocean, forming lagoons. The island’s barrier reefs protect it from the high waves and sea storms.

Freedom

Maldives became independent on the 26th July 1965 and after 3 years in became republic.

Capital city

The capital city of Maldives is Male. Almost all the government offices and head quarters are in Male.

Total Population