Location
Group of atolls stretch along the 73rd Meridian between latitudes 0 42' south and 8 10' north, for a distance of 468.3 miles with a width of 73.4 miles from east to west.
Geography
1,190 coral islands, forming an archipelago of 26 major atolls. Stretches 820 kilometers north to south and 120 kilometres east to west. 200 are inhabited, 87 are exclusive resort islands.
Climate
Generally warm and humid. Sun shines all year through. Average temperature around 29 - 32 degrees Celsius.
Land Area
1,190 islands with a land area of 115 square miles (298 sq. km
Sea Area Approx. 41,500 square miles (107,500 sq. km)
Population
About 289,000 according to 2006 estimates.
Economy
Major Industries: Tourism, fish canning, manufacture of garments, boat building, and handicrafts. |
