WELCOME TO THE MALDIVES Welcome to the Maldives

WELCOME TO THE MALDIVES Welcome to the Maldives, where sands are white as the smiles of the locals, where fish swim happily in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, where the weather is a dream, and the deep rays of the sun wait to engulf you their arms. (in thaana script) : Hindhu emaa kandu therein, Mala fehi ruhgas hedhey Meemagey ufan bimey, Dheebu Dhivehi mee Kula ali maa Kandu therein, Ali raiy mui hen dhirey Meemagey ufan bimey, dheebu Dhivehi mee Translation : In horizon of the vast Indian Ocean grow green palms This is my homeland, this is the Maldives From the clear blue seas, we grow like pearls, This is my homeland, this is the Maldives (Dheebu Dhivehi Mee, Old Maldivian Folk song)

MALDIVES AT A GLANCE National Flag President National Emblem 1965 – Independence from the British. Map

LOCATION AND GEOGRAPHY A South Asian island country, located in the Indian Ocean, situated in the Arabian Sea. It lies southwest of India and Sri Lanka. 1, 192 coral islands. Chain of 26 atolls comprising a territory spanning roughly 298 square kilometres. One of the world's most geographically dispersed countries. The smallest Asian country by both land area and population, with a little over 393, 500 inhabitants. Capital City – Malé.

CULTURE MUSIC & DANCE Boduberu

Ban’diya Dhan’di Jehun Thaara Bai-Polhi

ART & CRAFT

ENVIRONMENT, WEATHER & CLIMATE The islands are protected by thousands of reefs. Endangered marine species like the whale shark, turtles, dolphins as well as corals are also protected by law. Average temperature is at about 30 degrees Celsius. Two distinct seasons: 1. Dry season (northeast monsoon), from January to March. 2. Wet season (southwest monsoon), from mid-May to November.

Former President Mohamed Nasheed held a cabinet meeting underwater to highlight the need for action on climate change.

MAJOR PROBLEMS FACED Rising Sea-level due to global warming. Male’ being densely populated. Unemployment in rural areas.

SOLUTIONS Raising awareness about global warming. Develop rural areas and provide better resources and other facilities. Generate employment in rural areas.

FAMOUS PLACES Malé

Utheemu Gan’duvaru Located in the Northern part of Maldives. One of the historical significant tourist places in Maldives. It is the birthplace of Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu — revered in Maldivian history for chasing away Portuguese intruders.

Hukuru Miskiiy (Old Friday Mosque) Islamic Centre

Artificial Beach Rasfannu

TOURISM Tourism is the largest economic industry in the Maldives, as it plays an important role in earning foreign exchange revenues. Tourism began in the Maldives in 1972. At present, there are over 105 resorts located in the different atolls Today, more than 800, 000 tourists visit the Maldives each year.

FISHING The fishing industry in the Maldives is the island's second main industry.

FESTIVALS

EDUCATION Maldives Schools are categorized into three types and they are namely English language primary and secondary schools, Quaranic Schools and Dhivehi language primary schools. Literacy rate as of 2012: 98. 4%.

CUISINE Maldivian cuisine is the cuisine of the Maldives and of Minicoy, UT Lakshadweep, India. The traditional cuisine of Maldivians is based on three main items and their derivatives: coconut, fish and starches. Popular dishes include: Garudhiya, Mas Huni, Fihunu Mas. Hedhikaa is the local word for snacks in the islands. Some of the favorites are Bajiyaa, Gulha, Keemia, Kulhi Boakibaa, etc.

TRANSPORTATION In Maldives there are three main ways to move around: by domestic flight, by seaplane or by boat.

FOREIGN RELATIONS The Maldives maintains diplomatic relations with 135 countries. Maldives maintains friendly relations with all the countries. The foreign policy of the Maldives has received the respect of the international community. Maldives joined the United Nations (UN) in 1965 and became a founding member of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) in 1985. Maldives became a member of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in 1995. By 2012 Maldives was a member of 63 international organizations. One of foreign policy goal is to promote greater regional cooperation in South Asia.

CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS PEACE In the transition towards a liberal democracy, the Maldives has successfully established dialogue and collaboration with the international human rights organizations. The Maldives has always advocated for regional disarmament in order to ensure peace, security and stability. The Maldives has continuously supported the establishment of the Indian Ocean as a Zone of Peace, since the declaration adopted by the General Assembly in 1971.

THANK YOU