The Maldives are a series of over 1,100 small, low lying coral islands grouped together to form twenty-six atolls perched on top of a submerged mountain range. The land is dry, relatively infertile and supports a limited array of flora and fauna. As a tiny island nation in a huge ocean, the combined area of dry land makes up only 0.4%of the country. With a population of some 270,000, the growth rate is not particularly steep, though it is hard to imagine where more people could possibly fit on Male.

It is known as the world's flattest nation, with no area of natural land higher than 2.4 meters. Interestingly, it could also be viewed as one of the most mountainous regions. At over 2,000 kilometers long and 5,000 meters high, this ancient volcanic mountain range reveals peaks capped not with snow, but with coral.

The Maldives are distinctive and diverse in their own way. The Maldivian people share a mixed Indian, Arabic and African ancestry. Male is a bustling metropolis built on a relatively tiny speck of coral sand in the middle of the ocean. A walk through town is intriguing, with mosques, markets and motorbikes - the later flying around a maze of narrow brightly colored streets. Many buildings are modern and there is much construction work underway, but the city retains many of its historic and traditional charms including old coral-stone houses.

Every afternoon, the local fishing boats or 'dhonis' return to port from their daily fishing expeditions to unload their catch and sell their goods at the market, a vibrant, noisy epicentre of activity and bargaining. The dhonis are built in many shapes and sizes, but all display a distinctive, tall, curved prow that transform them from the kinds of boats we expect to see to distinctively, regal Maldivian craft.

It is refreshing to learn that net fishing and trawling is prohibited in Maldivian waters to seventy-five nautical miles from land. Inside this area, all fishing is done by pole and line with over 75% of the catch being tuna. This 'no nets' policy limits the amount of fish taken and it significantly reduces bycatch. The Maldivian's seem keenly aware of the need to protect their marine environment for future generations.

Tourism began in the Maldives only 30 years ago. Since then, visitors continue to be captivated and intrigued by the natural beauty of this country. The Maldives has been described by many visitors as paradise on earth.

With a Muslim culture steeped in tradition, a unique island geography and an astoundingly rich underwater environment, the Maldives is a truly facinating tourist destination.