Why in News?

Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel is in India for the 2nd India-Maldives High Level Core Group meeting to review the Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership.

About Maldives

Location & Geography

• Maldives is a low-lying island nation in the north-central Indian Ocean, located about 600 km southwest of India.
• It is made up of around 1,200 coral islands, grouped into atolls, with only 200 inhabited.
• The islands are flat and rise just 1.8 metres above sea level, protected by barrier reefs from monsoon damage.

Capital: Malé

Currency: Maldivian Rufiyaa

Language: The official language is Dhivehi, while Arabic, Hindi, and English are also spoken.

Religion: Islam is the state religion.

Economy: Maldives’ economy is mainly dependent on tourism, which is a major source of income and employment.

Political System

• The Constitution of Maldives was implemented in 2008.
• The President serves as both the head of state and government, supported by a Vice President and a Cabinet.
• Both the President and Vice President are directly elected by the people for a maximum of two terms, each lasting five years.

Map Location: Maldives