Maldives are a country of about 1200 islands. 360 000 Maldivians are living on about 200 of them. Even more islands were established as resorts for tourists - with 1.4 million tourists every year, the Maldives are one of the best-known travel-destinations.
Maldives are famous for their turquoise lagoons, their reefs with colourful corals, and the white sand under the palmtrees. The word "atoll" is derived from Maldivian, and the "Hollywood-Swing" was invented by Maldivians - inspite of the name.
Because of the ever increasing tourism, the nation develloped very fast: Where, 40 years ago, fishermen were living in houses with walls made of woven palm-leaves, there are now modern living and modern life-style.
The Maldivians are proud to be the only nation to be 100% islamic - but that's not quite true: there are also several hundred christians. But being a christian is only allowed to foreigners, to live a christian life, that will bring you difficulties anyway.