Independence since 1965 and republic since 1968, the Maldives is the member of the United Nation, the Common Wealth ad non-align movement. It maintains very cordial relationship with the international community. The country is champion of global peace and preservation of the environment.

The population of the country currently stands about 300,000. A common language (Dhivehi) and religion (Islam) unite the people into a cohesive, peaceful society. Tradition is valid through not the expense of development and modernization. Moldavians are not race conscious. The country has been inhabited for at least 25 centuries.

The Maldives comprise about 1190 island grouped in to atolls protected. by the. surrounding .coral .reefs. Coconut palms and various tropical plants grow in abundance on most islands.