UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WMO, WTO

_#_Diplomatic representation: Maldives does not maintain an embassy
in the US, but does have a UN mission in New York;

US--the US Ambassador to Sri Lanka is accredited to Maldives and
makes periodic visits there; US Consular Agency, Midhath Hilmy,
Male; telephone 2581

_#_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
_#_Overview: The economy is based on fishing, tourism, and shipping.
Agriculture is limited to the production of a few subsistence crops that
provide only 10% of food requirements. Fishing is the largest industry,
employing 25% of the work force and accounting for over 60% of exports;
it is also an important source of government revenue. During the 1980s
tourism has become one of the most important and highest growth sectors
of the economy. In 1988 industry accounted for about 5% of GDP. Real
GDP is officially estimated to have increased by about 10% annually
during the period 1974-87, and GDP estimates for 1988 show a further
growth of 9% on the strength of a record fish catch and an improved
tourist season.

_#_GDP: $136 million, per capita $670; real growth rate 9.2% (1988)

_#_Inflation rate (consumer prices): 14% (1988 est.)

_#_Unemployment rate: NEGL%

_#_Budget: revenues $51 million; expenditures $50 million, including
capital expenditures of $25 million (1988 est.)

_#_Exports: $39.4 million (f.o.b., 1988);

commodities--fish 57%, clothing 39%;

partners--Thailand, Western Europe, Sri Lanka

_#_Imports: $105.7 million (c.i.f., 1988);

commodities--intermediate and capital goods 47%, consumer goods
42%, petroleum products 11%;

partners--Japan, Western Europe, Thailand

_#_External debt: $70 million (December 1989)

_#_Industrial production: growth rate - 5.0% (1988); accounts
for 5% of GDP

_#_Electricity: 5,000 kW capacity; 11 million kWh produced,
50 kWh per capita (1990)

_#_Industries: fishing and fish processing, tourism, shipping, boat
building, some coconut processing, garments, woven mats, coir (rope),
handicrafts

_#_Agriculture: accounts for almost 30% of GDP (including fishing);
fishing more important than farming; limited production of coconuts,
corn, sweet potatoes; most staple foods must be imported; fish catch
of 63,000 tons (1988 est.)

_#_Economic aid: US commitments, inc