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Total Area:
300 sq. km

Population:
349,106 (est. July 2005)
Ethnicity:

South Indians, Sinhalese, Arabs
Language:
Maldivian Dhivehi (dialect of Sinhala, script derived from Arabic), English spoken by most government officials
Religion:
Sunni Muslim
Government Type:
Republic
Capital:
Male
Population Below Poverty Line:
Not Available

Persecution News
None Currently Available

This 500-mile-long string of 1,200 islands in the Indian Ocean is one of the least evangelized nations on earth. All citizens must be Sunni Muslims and the government denies the existence of any other religion in the country. It is estimated that Christians make up 0.1 percent of the population. In 1998, all known Christian foreigners were expelled from the country, and all known Maldivian Christians were arrested. International pressure brought about their release, but they remain under strict surveillance.

Maldivians who become Christians abroad have been known to disappear when they return home, never to be heard from again. There is a legal ban against the practice of any religion other than the official religion, though foreigners are allowed to practice other religions privately.

Having dominated the country’s political scene since 1978, President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom is now seemingly embracing governmental reforms. A riot in the capital city of Male in August, 2004 resulted in promises that there would be increased representation of the people in government, and more political freedoms. In June 2005, political parties were allowed to register as the first step toward a multi-party democracy. President Gayoom stated his desire at that time to begin 2006 with a new Constitution.  While this may seem hopeful, there is no indication that religious freedom is anywhere in the near future for Maldivians.

Prayer Requests

  • Pray for Christians protection and safety for Christians living in Maldives.
  • Pray that those Christians who live there will be wise and yet bold in the way they share the Gospel of Christ with those around them.
  • Pray that the proposed democratic reforms will take effect and that religious freedoms will come as a result.