MALDIVES

The Maldives is an independent island nation aproximately 600 miles off the southern coast of India. It is an archipelago of about 50 atolls located in the tropical waters of the Indian Ocean.

The Maldives is the smallest country in Asia, has the smallest population (slightly less than 600,000), and is the lowest nation on earth. The average altitude of The Maldives is a only slightly less than 5 feet with the highest point reaching only 17 feet.

Most citizens of The Maldives live in Male, the capital city. Islam is the predominant religion. Free market economics has enabled Maldive citizens to have the highest standard of living in southern Asia, thanks to a thriving tourist trade and a successful fishing industry.

High altitude photo of the Maldives archipelago

Male, capital city of the Maldives

The clear blue water and white sand beaches found in the Maldives make it the favorite vacation spot for the citizens of India and other southern Asian nations.

The Maldives, an inviting vacation destination

SRI LANKAAnother Asian island nation is the country of Sri Lanka, an independent country of about 22 millions people located a short distance off the southeast coast of India. Colombo is Sri Lanka’s largest city.

The formal name of the country is the DEMOCRATIC SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF SRI LANKA, the new name chosen by its citizens in the 1970s after they had gained their independence from the British who had called the island Ceylon.

As the name suggests, Sri Lanka began its modern history using the socialist economic system. By the 1990s, however, a move was made toward free market economics. Now Sri Lanka trails on the Maldives in terms of average individual income. Sri Lanka exports large quantities of high quality tea, coffee, and cinnamon. Industry has expanded so that many who live in URBAN areas work in manufacturing.

While the predominant religion of Sri Lanka is Buddhism, a mixture of Hindu, Islam, and Christianity can be found throughout the island.

Examine the map and photos on the following pages.

Ladies harvesting tea leave in the island country of Sri Lanka.

Sri Lankan agriculture. Sri Lanka’s warm, moist weather enables Sri Lankans to produce bountiful harvests.

Exotic wildlife can be found in Sri Lanka.

Buddhist boys of Sri Lanka in traditional dress.