NAM, OIC, SAARC, UN,
UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in US: Maldives does not have an embassy
in the US, but does have a Permanent Mission to the UN in New York,
headed by Ahmed ZAKI

US diplomatic representation: the US does not have an embassy in
Maldives; the US Ambassador to Sri Lanka is accredited to Maldives
and makes periodic visits there

Flag: red with a large green rectangle in the center bearing a
vertical white crescent; the closed side of the crescent is on the
hoist side of the flag

Economy
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Economic overview: During the 1980s tourism became one of the most
important and highest growth sectors of the economy. In 1994,
tourism, Maldives largest industry, accounted for about 18% of GDP
and more than 60% of the Maldives' foreign exchange receipts.
Fishing is a second leading growth sector. Over 90% of government
tax revenue comes from import duties and tourism-related taxes. The
Maldivian Government initiated an economic reform program in 1989
initially by lifting import quotas and opening some exports to the
private sector. Subsequently, it has liberalized regulations to
allow more foreign investment. Agriculture and manufacturing
continue to play a minor role in the economy, constrained by the
limited availability of cultivable land and the shortage of domestic
labor. Most staple foods must be imported. In 1994, industry which
consisted mainly of garment production, boat building, and
handicrafts accounted for about 15% of GDP.

GDP: purchasing power parity - $390 million (1994 est.)

GDP real growth rate: 6.6% (1994 est.)

GDP per capita: $1,560 (1994 est.)

GDP composition by sector:
agriculture: 21.5%
industry: 15.3%
services: 63.2% (1994 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices): 16.5% (1994 est.)

Labor force: 66,000 (est.)
by occupation: fishing industry 25%

Unemployment rate: NEGL%

Budget:
revenues: $88 million (excluding foreign grants)
expenditures: $141 million, including capital expenditures of $NA
(1995 est.)

Industries: fish processing, tourism, shipping, boat building,
coconut processing, garments, woven mats, rope, handicrafts, coral
and sand mining

Industrial production growth rate: 6.3% (1994 est.)

Electricity:
capacity: 5,000 kW
production: 30 million kWh
consumption per capita: 123 kWh (1993)

Agriculture: coconuts, corn, sweet pota