For more information see the Maldives profile.

The Republic of Maldives is made up of 1,200 coral islands, 202 of which are inhabited. Located 600 km. southwest of Sri Lanka, Maldives is grouped into 19 administrative groups. The entire country is less than two meters above sea level and thus, susceptible to the effects of global warming. Fishing and tourism are the significant industries.

Maldives has a long tradition of isolated independence. The nation was an independent British protectorate until 1965. It has been a non-party democratic republic since 1968.

Islam is the only recognized religion, and the government uses all its power to enforce allegiance to Islam and to forbid the importation of Christian materials. The Maldivians are among the least evangelized people on earth, as there are no Scriptures in their language and no Christian radio programs. There have never been any resident missionaries.