14 December 2011 Last updated at 06:52 ET

Maldives profile - Key facts

Maldivian shopkeeper The Maldives is Asia's smallest country by area and by population, and is vulnerable to a rise in sea level
  • Full name: Republic of Maldives
  • Population: 320,000 (UN, 2011)
  • Capital: Male
  • Area: 298 sq km (115 sq miles)
  • Major language: Divehi
  • Major religion: Islam
  • Life expectancy: 76 years (men), 79 years (women) (UN)
  • Monetary unit: 1 rufiyaa = 100 laari
  • Main exports: Fish
  • GNI per capita: US $6,530 (World Bank, 2011)
  • Internet domain: .mv
  • International dialling code: +960

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