Illicit drugs:
regional transit point for some illicit drugs; drug trafficking
prosecuted vigorously and carries severe penalties
This page was last updated on 8 February, 2007
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@Maldives
Introduction Maldives
Background:
The Maldives was long a sultanate, first under Dutch and then under
British protection. It became a republic in 1968, three years after
independence. Since 1978, President Maumoon Abdul GAYOOM - currently
in his sixth term in office - has dominated the islands' political
scene. Following riots in the capital Male in August 2004, the
president and his government pledged to embark upon democratic
reforms, including a more representative political system and
expanded political freedoms. Progress has been slow, however, and
many promised reforms have been delayed indefinitely. Tourism and
fishing are being developed on the archipelago.
Geography Maldives
Location:
Southern Asia, group of atolls in the Indian Ocean, south-southwest
of India
Geographic coordinates:
3 15 N, 73 00 E
Map references:
Asia