Maldives
The Maldives has long been known as the 'mecca' for divers and travellers alike. Anyone who has experienced the 'magic' of the Maldives will tell you that it is an experience not to be missed.
There are many hundreds of Atolls that make up what we know as the Maldives. The Atolls that make up this Indian Ocean Archipelago are spread over a distance of 868 km between latitiude 7º6'30"N and 0º42''30"S. There are an estimated 1190 islands in the Maldives with some form of grass or vegetation on them. Of this total 200 are inhabited and 990 uninhabited. This figure changes from year to year as islands are continuously being eroded and washed away whilst others are being formed.
The population of the Maldives based on the June 2003 census was 327,135. Some of the islands are in the process of change. For instance, on SH Maakadoodhoo, the entire population is being moved to SH Milandhoo, about 6kms to the north becasue the current island does not offer a good harbour. About half of the population has been moved and when the transition is complete in a couple of years time, the island will be uninhabitable.