The Maldives (Republic of Maldives) is an island nation located in the Indian Ocean, southwest of Sri Lanka and India. The Maldives has no land borders and is washed by the Indian Ocean on all sides. It is an archipelago consisting of more than 1,000 coral islands scattered across a vast ocean area. The capital is Male. The form of government is a presidential republic, the head of state is the president.
Climate. The Maldives has a tropical maritime climate, characterized by high temperatures all year round and high humidity. The average daily temperature throughout the year remains between 30°C and 32°C. The ocean water also remains warm, making the Maldives a popular swimming and snorkeling destination.
Number. The estimated population in 2022 was 403,000.
Language. In the Maldives, the official and national language is Dhivehi, also known as the Maldivian language. This language is used in education, administrative and government documents, as well as in the everyday life of the population.
However, due to tourism in the Maldives, English is also widely used and most Maldivians, especially in the tourist hotels and service sectors, have a good level of English.
The country's economy is heavily dependent on tourism and fishing, but despite its small economy, the Maldives has a high per capita income thanks to profits from tourism and fishing. The islands attract tourists due to their beautiful beaches, coral reefs and marine life. Export of fish and seafood is one of the key export products. The Maldives is one of the countries suffering from the threat of rising sea levels caused by climate change. The highest point of the Maldives is only a few meters above sea level, and rising sea levels could lead to loss of territory.
The education system in the Maldives is organized in accordance with Islamic tradition and includes primary, secondary and higher education. The country's population has a relatively high literacy rate, and education is considered a priority in the country. However, access may be limited on outlying islands. The Maldives has a public health system that provides medical care to citizens. However, on some remote islands, quality medical care may not be available. The Maldives is struggling with infectious diseases such as dengue fever and HIV/AIDS. Medical tourism is becoming increasingly popular in the Maldives due to the high level of equipment and qualifications of doctors in some medical facilities.
