Region: South-central Asia

Capital: Male

Population: 339,330 (July 2004 est.)

Surface area: 298 sq km

Currency: rufiyaa

GDP per capita: purchasing power parity - $3,900 (2002 est.)

Background:
The Maldives were long a sultanate, first under Dutch and then under British protection. They became a republic in 1968, three years after independence. Tourism and fishing are being developed on the archipelago.

Economy – Overview
Tourism, Maldives' largest industry, accounts for 20% of GDP and more than 60% of the Maldives' foreign exchange receipts. Over 90% of government tax revenue comes from import duties and tourism-related taxes. Fishing is a second leading sector. The Maldivian Government began an economic reform program in 1989 initially by lifting import quotas and opening some exports to the private sector. Subsequently, it has liberalized regulations to allow more foreign investment. Agriculture and manufacturing continue to play a lesser role in the economy, constrained by the limited availability of cultivable land and the shortage of domestic labor. Most staple foods must be imported. Industry, which consists mainly of garment production, boat building, and handicrafts, accounts for about 18% of GDP. Maldivian authorities worry about the impact of erosion and possible global warming on their low-lying country; 80% of the area is one meter or less above sea level.

United Nations Membership date: 21 September 1965

New York Mission:
Permanent Mission of the Republic of Maldives to the United Nations
800 Second Avenue, Suite 400E
New York, N.Y. 10017 USA
Telephone: 212-599-6194, 6195
Fax: 212-661-6405

Website: http://www.un.int/maldives