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Full country name:
Republic of Maldives Area: 298 sq km (115 sq mi) Population: 301,475 Capital city: Malé (pop. 62,973) Language: Dhivehi Religion: Sunni Muslim Government: Republic President: Maumoon Abdul Gayoom GDP: US$500 million GDP per head: US$1840 Annual growth: 5.8% Inflation: 6.3% Major industries: tourism, fisheries, construction Major trading partners: Sri Lanka, US, Germany, Singapore, UK, India, Hong Kong, Japan, Thailand Fishing For a country with 99 percent of its territory covered by ocean, fishing is the most natural economic activity. For centuries fishing has been the most important economic activity. For centuries fishing has been the most important economic activity for the Maldivians. Even though tourism is now the main industry, fisheries remains important in terms of employment and export earnings. There is an abundance of fish in the Maldives which makes it a natural aquarium. Tuna constitutes most of the catch. Tuna is exported in frozen, dried and salted forms and also in cans. Fishermen in the Maldives use the traditional boat, dhoni which is now mechanized and can carry up to 10-15 fisherman. Poles and line fishing is used by the Maldivians which is the most environment friendly technique. Netting/trawling is not allowed in the Maldives. |
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