Introduction: Maldives was a sultanate for large period of time, first under Dutch and then under British protection. It became a republic in 1968, three years after independence. President Maumoon Abdul GAYOOM dominated the islands' political scene for 30 years, elected to six successive terms by single-party referendums. Following riots in the capital Male in August 2003, the president and his government pledged to embark upon democratic reforms including a more representative political system and expanded political freedoms. Progress was sluggish, however, and many promised reforms were slow to be realized. Nonetheless, political parties were legalized...

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Climate Change Challenges: Maldives is the lowest lying country in the world (with a maximum natural ground height of less than 3 metres). Maldives is very concerned about the threat posed by climate change and has been active internationally to bring attention to the issue. Maldives' officials have been prominent participants in international climate change talks due to the islands' low elevation and the threat from sea-level rise. Maldives wrote to the Australian Government to express its support for Australia's decision to ratify the Kyoto Protocol.

Maldives belongs to the Cartagena group, which is based on a group of developed and developing ...

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