1r Maldives (formerly Maldive Islands), island republic in southern Asia, located in the northern Indian Ocean, Southwest of the southern tip of India. Maldives is made up of a chain of nearly 2000 small coral islands that are rouped into clusters of atolls. It has a total area of 298 sq km (115 sq mi). The capital is Male (population, 1990, 55, 130). Land and resources The islands are low-lying and have only small tracts of arable land. Vegetation os dominated by coconut palms and breadfruit trees. The climate is tropical and humid. The average annual temperature is 26.7 degree (80 F), with little seasonal variation. The average annual precipitation is 1524 mm (60 in), most of wich falls between May and November. The principal natural resource is the marine life of the sourrounding seas. Population The population of Maldives (1991 estimate) was 223,000, yielding an average population density of 748 persons per sq km (1939 per sq mi). The most populous atolls are Male, the capital and principal commercial center; Sudadiva; and Tiladummati. The people are ethnically heterogeneous, incorporating Indian, Sinhalese, Arabian, and African elements. Islam is the state religion, and nearly all the people are Sunni Muslims. The language is Divehi, an Indo-European tongue related to Sinhalese. Economy and Government The Maldivian economy is dominated by fishing, which accounts for about 60 percent of all export trade. The catch is primarily tuna; corals and shells are also taken. Coconuts are the pricipal agricultural products; most food must be imported. Industrial activity is largely limited to fish processing and garment manufacturing. The tourist industry is growing; annual receipts from tourism totaled $39 million in the late 1980s. The national currency is the rufiyaa which is made up of 100 laari (10.569 rufiyaa equal U.S.$1; 1992). Maldives is a republic governed under a constitution promulgated in 1968. Executive power is vested in a president, elected every five years by universal adult suffrage. The president appoints a cabinet that is responsible to the unicameral legislative body, the 48-member Majilis of Citizen's Council. History The islands were settled by Buddhist peoples from southern Asi. Islam was introduced in the 12th century. The Portuguese traded at Male in the latter half of the 15th century. Although the islands were ruled by a local sultan, European influence was established over the area, first by the Dutch in the 17th century and later by the British. In 1887 the Maldives Islands fromally became a British protectorate. In 1965 the Maldives achived independence as a sultanate, and in 1968 the people voted to establish a republic. In 1988, Indian troops were called in to foil a coup attempt by Tamil mercenaries.ltan, Europeanr wgSA`i]@`i]  c'WT` 0gWhpHh gS|`WJh4 IhhijhgS` I,gS`7J,   t , Arialablish a republic. In 1988, Indian troops were called in to foil a coup attempt by Tamil mercenaries.es The isla