MALDIVES 马尔代夫

The Maldives was long a sultanate, first under Dutch and then under British protection. It became a republic in 1968, three years after independence. Since 1978, President Maumoon Abdul GAYOOM - currently in his sixth term in office - has dominated the islands' political scene. Following riots in the capital Male in August 2004, the president and his government have pledged to embark upon democratic reforms, including a more representative political system and expanded political freedoms. Tourism and fishing are being developed on the archipelago.

Fast Fact 基本资料 Geographical Location 地理   Maldives holds the record for being the flattest country in the world, with a maximum natural ground level of only 2.3 metres (7½ ft), though in areas where construction exists this has been increased to several metres. Sea levels are at the lowest since the Permo-triassic boundary about 250 million years ago. Over the last century, sea levels have risen about 20 centimeters (8 in). The ocean is likely to continue rising and this threatens the existence of Maldives.   Area 面积 300 sq km   Population 人口 359,000   Capital 首都 Male 路易港   People 人民 South Indians, Sinhalese, Arabs   Religion 宗教 Sunni Muslim   Climate 气候 The climate of Maldives is warm year round, determined by the monsoons. However, being on the equator, the monsoons are mild and not as defined as in neighboring countries. Of the two monsoons, the southwest monsoon from May to October, brings some rain and wind. The northeast monsoon, from November to April, is the dry season with very little wind. The temperature varies little with an annual average daily maximum of 30.4 degrees Celsius and the minimum at 25.9 degrees Celsius.