The Maldives is made up of a chain of nearly 1,200 islands, most of them uninhabited, which lie off the Indian sub continent.

A string of pearls scattered over the deep blue Indian Ocean. The first glimpse you get of this fascinating formation confirms two unique aspects of the Republic of Maldives. Not only does it consist of the most beautiful tropical islands, but most are covered by the sea. Ring like coral formations enclosing a lagoon, which gives the Maldives its unique paradise like appearance.

No more than two hundred islands are inhabited, the rest tourist resorts and uninhabited islands, some of which are used for drying fish or other agricultural activities.

Originally a Buddhist nation, Islam was introduced in 1153. In 1965 the Maldives obtained independence from Britain. The Maldives have seen only two Presidents, though political restrictions have loosened somewhat recently.

The language is from Indo Iranian Sanskritic origin, which points at a later influence from the North of the Subcontinent. According to the legends, the kingly dynasty that ruled the country in the past has its origin there.

The Maldivia economy was entirely dependent on fishing and other marine products for many centuries. Fishing remains the main occupation of the people and the government gives special priority to the development of the fisheries sector.

The development of tourism has fostered the overall growth of the countrys economy. It has created direct and indirect employment and income generation opportunities in other related industries.

Many Maldiviens live in poverty. However, the country has developed its infrastructure and industries, including the fisheries sector, and has boosted health care, education and literacy.

The Maldives was hit by the December 2004 Asian tsunami. Homes and resorts were devastated by the waves, precipitating a major rebuilding programme.

There is a fear that as sea levels rise, island countries such as the Maldives, and some Pacific territories, will simply be swamped and disappear. None of the coral islands measures more than 1.8 metres above sea level, making the country vulnerable to a rise in sea levels associated with global warming.

The Maldives has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year round and a great deal of sunshine. The warm tropical climate results in relatively minor variations in daily temperature throughout the year. The hottest month on average is April and the coolest, December. The weather is determined largely by the monsoons.

As the Maldives comprises more sea than land, it is only natural that fish have always been the most prominent element of Maldivien food. However, with travellers from different parts of the world, new seasonings and vegetables were introduced in to the country and added to the existing repertoire of seafood. Each new discovery was incorporated into the diet in quantities most palatable to Maldiviens. Thus Maldivien cuisine now comprises Arabic, Indian, Sri Lanka and Oriental tastes blended into a unique cuisine that embodies a culinary identity of its own.

Sun, sand and sea, a thousand Robinson Crusoe islands, massive lagoons with different depths and infinite shades of blue and turquoise, dazzling underwater coral gardens. A perfect natural combination for the ideal tropical holiday destination.