The Maldives
Republic is located 500km (300 miles) southwest of the southern tip
of India and consists of about 1190 low-lying coral islands, of
which only 200 are inhabited. Most of the inhabited islands are
covered by lush tropical vegetation and palm trees, while the
numerous uninhabited islands, some of which are mere sand spits or
coral tips, are covered in shrubs. Each island is surrounded by a
reef enclosing a shallow lagoon. Hundreds of these islands together
with other coral growth form an atoll, surrounding a lagoon. All the
islands are low-lying, none more than 2m (7ft) above sea level. The
majority of the indigenous population does not mix with the tourist
visitors, with the exception of those involved with tourism in the
resorts and Malé.
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