A string of pearls scattered over the deep blue Indian Ocean - that's the only way to describe the beautiful tropical Maldives. 1190 islands are spread over 26 atolls, ringlike coral formations enclosing a lagoon, which gives the Maldives its unique paradise-like appearance.

They stretch for about 820 km from North to South, 130 km at the widest point and do not exceed a length of 4.5 miles or an altitude of 6 feet above sea level.

Only about 200 islands are inhabited, the rest includes the 87 tourist resorts and uninhabited islands, some of which are used for drying fish or other agricultural activities.

The capital Malé, the seat of government and the centre of trade, commerce, business, health and education, is located in the middle of the atoll chain, a small island buzzing with the sounds and activities of about 75.000 people which is about one third of the population. The atolls of the Maldives are formed from coral structures, separated by lagoons. The atolls are in fact part of a greater structure known as the Laccadives-Chagos Ridge, which stretches over 2000 Kilometers. The islands are low lying with the highest point at approximately 8 feet above sea level.

It is no surprise that with over 99 per cent of the total area of the Maldives consisting of water, the country boasts some of the best fishing grounds in the world. The fish stock of the Maldives include over a thousand species, some of which are indigenous to the Maldives such as the Maldives clown fish. The methods of fishing vary depending on the type of fish and the time of the day. The most popular fishing with visitors is night fishing for Groupers, Snappers, Emperors, Jacks, Squirrelfish, Barracuda and other reef fish. The catch normally ends with an exquisite barbecue dinner on the beach.