Agriculture and food in Maldives

Agriculture in Maldives

The Maldives is an archipelago of more than 1,000 coral islands (200 are inhabited), grouped into 26 atolls (natural rings), in the Indian Ocean. It's just south of India's Lakshadweep islands, about 700 kilometers (435 miles) southwest of Sri Lanka. The atolls are composed of live coral reefs and sand bars, sitting atop a submarine ridge 960 kilometers (600 miles) long that rises abruptly from the depths of the Indian Ocean. The Maldives is one of the world's most geographically dispersed countries, as well as the smallest Asian country by land area and population. With an average ground-level elevation of only 1.5 meters (4.9 feet) above sea level, it is also the world's lowest country. And if that weren't enough, it is also the flattest country in the world, with no point on any of its many islands rising more than five meters (16.4 feet) above sea level. As a result of all this, about 80% of the country would be submerged if the sea level were to rise by just 18 meters (59 feet). With so many low-lying islands, the Maldives is extremely vulnerable to rising sea levels as a result of climate change. In fact, the government has already begun looking into building new homes on higher ground in case some of the existing islands become uninhabitable in the future. The Maldives has a tropical climate, with two distinct monsoonal seasons. The dry season runs from December to April, while the wet season lasts from May to November. Temperatures remain relatively constant throughout the year, averaging around 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit). The white sandy beaches and clear blue waters make it a popular destination for tourists. The landscape of the Maldives is mainly made up of coral reefs and coconut trees. There are also much beautiful fish and other marine life to be found in the waters around the Maldives. The best time to visit the Maldives is between December and April. Maldives is a tropical country and the weather is usually hot and sunny. During the monsoon season from May to November, the weather can be more unpredictable with heavy rains and strong winds. Despite this, the Maldives is still a popular destination for honeymooners and those looking for a relaxing beach holiday. Thanks for reading! I hope this has given you a good overview of the Maldives landscape. The Maldives is made up of 26 atolls which are scattered across the Indian Ocean. These atolls are home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The water is so clear that you can often see fish swimming around your feet as you walk along the shore. The Maldives is also home to a variety of different plant and animal life. The coral reefs around the islands are teeming with colorful fish and other marine life. Inland, you will find tropical forests full of birds and other animals. Tourism is the Maldives' biggest industry, accounting for nearly 60% of the country's GDP. The Maldives is a popular destination for both leisure and business travelers, with its clear blue waters, white-sand beaches, and luxury resorts. Fishing is also an important part of the Maldives economy, accounting for around 15% of GDP. The Maldives has some of the best fishing grounds in the world, and its tuna exports are particularly valuable. Other seafood exports from the Maldives include lobster, shrimp, and crab. The Maldives also has a growing manufacturing sector, which accounts for around 10% of GDP. The country's main export products include fish products, textiles, and garments. The Maldives has a strong economic growth rate, averaging around 6% per year over the past decade. The country's GDP per capita is also relatively high, at around $13,000. The Maldives is a member of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and the World Trade Organization (WTO). It is also a signatory to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The Maldives has a free market economy. The government has traditionally played a relatively small role in the economy, with most businesses being privately owned. However, the government is now seeking to boost its investment and infrastructure spending in order to further develop the country's economy. The country is heavily dependent on imported goods, as it lacks many natural resources of its own. The Maldives is also vulnerable to changes in the global economy, such as the recent global financial crisis. Despite these challenges, the Maldives continues to experience strong economic growth and is working to diversify its economy in order to become more resilient to future shocks. The Maldives has a long tradition of agriculture, dating back to the time when the first settlers arrived from South Asia. The first crops grown in the Maldives were coconuts, Breadfruit, mangoes, bananas, papayas, and sweet potatoes. Today, agriculture still plays an important role in the Maldives economy, accounting for about 2% of GDP and 10% of employment. The majority of farms in the Maldives are located on the islands of Hinnavaru, Neykurendhoo, and Maalhos. Agriculture in the Maldives is characterized by small landholdings and subsistence production. The average farm size is just 0.4 hectares. The main crops grown in the Maldives are coconuts, breadfruit, mangoes, bananas, papayas, and sweet potatoes. The country is also famous for its tuna fisheries. Agriculture accounts for about 2% of GDP and 10% of employment in the Maldives. Most farms are located on the islands of Hinnavaru, Neykurendhoo, and Maalhos. The Maldives has been a member of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) since 1985. In recent years, the Maldives has participated in SAARC's Agricultural Cooperation Programme and the Fisheries Programme. The Maldives is also a member of the Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC). In September 2014, the Maldives hosted the Third SAARC Agriculture Ministers' Meeting in Male'. At this meeting, the agriculture ministers of the SAARC member states signed the Male Declaration on Regional Cooperation in Agriculture. The Declaration calls for increased cooperation among the SAARC member states in the areas of agriculture, fisheries, and forestry. The Maldives is a party to the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) since 1995. The Maldives is also a member of the Interim Commission on Phytosanitary Measures (ICPM). The Maldives has a long and proud history of fishing, with the industry playing an important role in the country's economy and culture. The Maldives is home to some of the world's richest fishing grounds, and its fisheries are an important source of food and income for many Maldivians. The Maldives' fisheries are managed by the Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture, and are an important part of the country's economy. The Maldives has a total fishing area of about 1.2 million square kilometers, and its waters are home to a variety of fish species. The Maldives' fisheries are managed under a number of laws and regulations, including the Fisheries Act, the Fisheries Regulation Act, and the Maldives' fisheries policy. These laws and regulations aim to ensure that the Maldives' fisheries are sustainably managed and that the country's fish stocks are healthy and productive. It is one of the most geographically dispersed countries in the world, as well as the smallest Asian country by both land area and population. The population of the Maldives was 423,257 in July 2012. The majority of the population is Sunni Muslim. The ethnic groups of Maldives include South Indians, Sinhalese, Arabs, and Malays. The literacy rate in the Maldives is estimated at 96.3%. Male literacy stands at 97.8%, while female literacy is at 94.7%. The Maldives has a young population, with nearly 60% of the population below the age of 25. The population growth rate is 1.42%. The life expectancy in the Maldives is 75 years for males and 80 years for females. The infant mortality rate is 17 per 1,000 live births. The total fertility rate is 2.3 children per woman. The Maldives is a predominantly Muslim country, with Islam being the official religion. However, the Constitution of Maldives guarantees freedom of religion, and there are small numbers of Hindu, Buddhist, and Christian residents in the country. The vast majority of Maldivians are Sunni Muslims. According to a 2012 report by Pew Research Center, 97% of the population is Muslim. The Sunni branch of Islam is the largest in the country, with Shafi'i being the predominant school of thought. There are also small numbers of Ahmadi Muslims, as well as Sufi Muslims. Hinduism and Buddhism are also practiced by a small minority of Maldivians. There are about 500 Hindus living in the Maldives, most of whom are Indian expatriates. Buddhism was once the dominant religion in the Maldives but is now only practiced by about 1% of the population. Christians make up a very small minority in the Maldives, with only about 200 members. Most of these are Roman Catholic expatriates from Sri Lanka, India, and the Philippines. There is also a small community of Seventh-day Adventists. The Constitution of Maldives guarantees freedom of religion, and there are no laws that restrict religious practice. However, the government has placed some restrictions on non-Muslim religious groups. For example, non-Muslim groups are not allowed to build places of worship, and religious instruction is only allowed in private homes. While there is religious freedom in the Maldives, Islam is still the dominant religion, and most of the population identifies as Muslim. Maldive culture is a unique blend of influences from South Asia, Africa, Arabia, and the Middle East. The Maldives has its own language, Dhivehi, which is spoken by the majority of the population. The country's religion is Islam, and the overwhelming majority of Maldivians are Sunni Muslims. The Maldives has a long history of trade and cultural exchange with its neighbours. Arab traders first arrived in the Maldives in the 12th century, bringing with them Islam and the Persian language. Over time, the Maldives developed its own distinctive form of Islam, which is still evident in Maldivian culture today. Maldivian cuisine is also a unique blend of influences from around the Indian Ocean. The staple diet consists of fish, rice, and coconut, with curry being the most popular dish. Fruit and vegetables are also important components of the Maldivian diet. The Maldives is a very relaxed and friendly place. People dress modestly and there is little alcohol consumed. Hospitality is very important in Maldivian culture, and guests are always made to feel welcome.