The Maldives is a micro-tourist state in the Indian Ocean, threatened by global warming due to its low altitude
– Tourist paradise –
Located in the Indian Ocean, in southwestern Sri Lanka, the Maldives consists of 1,192 islands (200 of which are inhabited), scattered over 800 kilometres. They are home to about 3% of the world’s coral reefs.
Tourism is the main resource, accounting for nearly 40% of GDP in 2017 and 16% of employment, according to the World Tourism and Travel Council.
This destination, known for its heavenly white sandy beaches and turquoise blue sea, attracted 726,515 tourists in the first half of 2018, up 10% year-on-year.
It is particularly popular on honeymoons, such as that of actors Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes in 2006.
GNP per capita increased by more than 200% between 1990 and 2015 according to the World Bank, but the country is heavily indebted.
In 2017, households were probably severely affected by a 5.6% increase in food and drink prices and a 4.6% increase in rents.
– Threatened by rising water –
It is one of the most vulnerable countries to global warming, with 80% of the world’s land less than one metre above sea level.
In 2009, then President Mohamed Nasheed even organized an underwater council of ministers to raise awareness of the danger, warning that the inhabitants of the archipelago were in danger of becoming « climate refugees ».
The 2004 tsunami left about 100 people dead and missing.
– Buddhist country turned Muslim –
The Maldives, located on a trade route, has experienced several colonizations. Experts believe that the appearance of Islam dates back to the 12th century, when a Buddhist king converted.
Portuguese explorers occupied the island of Male (now the capital) in the 16th century. Then two successive protectorates, Dutch and British, followed. The Sultanate of Maldives became independent in 1965.
The country has long practiced moderate Islam, but more radical interpretations have spread with an influx of money and Salafist preachers from the Middle East.
Sunni Islam is the state religion, any other religion being prohibited. Alcohol is prohibited, only available in tourist hotels. Homosexuality is illegal. Women convicted of relationships outside marriage may be whipped.
The Maldives left the Commonwealth in 2016, due to criticism of human rights.