Geography Overview of the Maldives

Geography Overview of the Maldives Abstract This paper reviews the Maldives and the political, economic, topographical, and historical geography of the nation and its people. After a brief overview of basic facts, the paper will shift focus to more specific areas. First, a look at the topographical geography of the nation, reviewing formation and size of atolls, as well as climate, flora, and fauna. Historical geography, political geography, and economic geography will be followed by a conclusion of the current state of the Maldives and possible future outcomes of the nation based on political and climate changes. Maldives The Republic of Maldives is a South Asian country comprised of atolls located in the Indian Ocean. It is an isolated archipelago that is one of the smallest and poorest countries in the entire world. The United Nations estimated that the population of Maldives to be approximately 294,000 people (Metz, 1995). The Maldivian capital of Male holds about a quarter of the total population. Officially, Divehi is the language of Maldives. Divehi is spoken similarly to the old Ceylon language. Arabic and Urdu have influenced the language, and Maldivians write in Thaana. Most government officials speak English, but only a small percentage of Maldivians speak anything other than Divehi. Ethnic groups consist of a combination of Sinhalese, Arabic, Dravidian, Australasian, and African assemblages (Metz, 1995). Topographical Geography The Republic of Maldives is the smallest country in Asia. An archipelago located in the Indian Ocean, Maldives consists of nearly 1,200 coral islands assembled in a dual chain of 27 atolls. These atolls sit upon a ridge jutting up from the Indian Ocean in a north-to-south expanse of 596.5 miles (Brown, Turner, Hameed, Bateman, 1997). Many atolls are made of circular coral reefs which support small islands within. Each island spans about a mile, and are less than a mile above sea level. Maldives is the worlds lowest country, with an average ground-level elevation of only 4 feet 11 inches above sea level. The highest point in the Maldives is also the lowest in the world, coming in at 7 feet 10 inches (Metz, 1995). No single island is longer than 5 miles or wider than 18 miles. Each atoll has about five to ten islands that are populated, and twenty to sixty which are unpopulated. Many atolls consist of a main remote island enclosed by a steep coral beach (Metz, 1995). The Maldives archipelago is situated upon the Chagos-Maldives-Laccadive Ridge, which is an immense underwater mountain range. This particular geographical set up forms a unique terrestrial ecoregion, but leaves the nation susceptible to natural disasters due to rising sea levels. For example, the tsunami of 2004 killed more than 100 Maldivians and displaced more than 12,000 (BBC News, 2014). Other environmental issues plague the Maldives, leading to a diminishing supply of freshwater and poor sewage treatment (Brown et al, 1997). Approximately 200 of these atolls are inhabited by local Maldivians, and 87 of the islands have been converted into lavish resorts for travelers and tourists. The lush groves of breadfruit and coconut trees, the sandy beaches and beautiful corals visible through crystal clear waters combined to attract nearly a million and a half tourists to Maldives in 2015 (Naish, 2016). Historical and Political Geography Early Maldivian history is shrouded in mystery. No archeological remains have been found of early settlers. The earliest identified settlers were probably from southern India followed by migrants from Sri Lanka. Arab sailors came from east Africa and other countries, and todays ethnicity reflects a blend of these cultures (Metz, 1995). Many researchers believe the earliest settlers to be of Aryan descent, coming from India and Sri Lanka in the 5th century BC. Maldivians are believed to have practiced Hinduism, then Buddhism until 1153 AD. The sitting king of Maldives was converted to Islam in the 12th century (Metz, 1995). Maldivian history reflects the Islamic concept that before Islam, ignorance reigned, although the Maldivian culture reflects much of the customs and mannerisms from when Buddhism was prominent in the area. Since that initial Islamic conversion, the recording of history in Maldives was much more consistent (MaldiveIsle, 2010). After Islamic conversion, the Maldivian government was considered a monarchy ruled by sovereign sultans, and intermittent Sultanas or queens (MaldiveIsle, 2010). Trade wars with the Portuguese during the 16th century lead to Portuguese seizure of Male in 1558. In 1573, resistance leader Muhmmad Thakurufanu defeated the Portuguese invaders and ruled Maldives until 1752. At this time, Malabari pirates overthrew the Sultan, Ali 6th, and stationed army troops in the capitol. Maldivian leader Muleege Hassan Maniku regained control of the throne (MaldiveIsle, 2010). Political instability led Maldives to enter into a protectorate with the British in 1887, wherein Maldives gained protection from foreign antagonism, in exchange agreeing not to join forces with any other foreign authority (MaldiveIsle, 2010). Although researchers disagree whether or not Maldives was definitely independent of British power, for the most part Maldivians enjoyed independence from foreign rulers. The Maldivian constitution was formed in 1932, with overtones of Islamic Sharia law, and the sultanate becoming an elected position (MaldiveIsle, 2010). However, the public disagreed, physically tearing the Constitution to pieces and dethroning the Sultan in 1934 for overstepping his bounds. A new Constitution was written in 1937. Nine years later, the British agreement was renewed. The Maldives changed from a monarchy to a Republic within the British Commonwealth in 1953, and the position of sultanate was eliminated. Mohammed Amin Didi was the first elected President of Maldives, but his victory was cut short after being overthrown due to food scarcities and his tobacco ban. The Sultanate once again ruled Maldives until 1968, with famine caused by World War Two lingering into the 1950s. Mohammed Fareedh was the last Sultan of the Maldives, having been ousted after the Republic was reinstated and Ibrahim Nasir became President in 1968 (BBC News, 2016). Nasir retired in 1978, and was succeeded by Abd al-Gayoom. Maldives rejoined the Commonwealth in 1982, after the tourist industry led to expanded economic growth (BBC News, 2016). Gayoom was reelected repeatedly until 2008, when opposition leader Mohamed Nasheed became President. Nasheed resigned in 2012 after demonstrations and mutiny by the police force, and Vice-President Mohamed Waheed rose to the Presidency. Political unrest in Maldives continued after the 2013 election of Gayooms half-brother, Abdulla Yameen. However, opposition leader and former President Nasheed was arrested on terrorism charges in 2015, prompting speculation from international governments about political unrest in Maldives (BBC News, 2016). Nasheed was sentenced to 13 years for his terrorism case, but was granted leave in January 2016 to travel to Britain for back surgery. In April, the Maldivian government ordered Nasheed to return; however, Nasheed was granted refugee status in Britain, where he remains to this day (BBC News, 2016). Abdulla Yameen remains the Maldivian President, and in October 2016 the Maldives announced its departure from the Commonwealth (BBC News, 2016). Current political atmospheres in Maldives appear to be relatively stable. The political structure remains a Republic with an executive President and a Legislature known as Peoples Majlis. Both positions are selected during elections that take place every five years. Like the United States, Presidents are limited to two terms in office (BBC News, 2016). Economic Geography Once known as The Money Isles, Maldives was the main producer of cowry shells. These Maldivian cowries were used in monetary transactions over most of Asia and much of East Africa, and the cowry is used as the symbol of the Maldives Monetary Authority. Historically, shipping and fishing have been the fixed industries of the nation, not surprising since the Maldives territory is comprised of islands (MaldiveIsle, 2010). Poor soil quality and scarce cultivatable land limit the practice of agriculture. Native fruits and vegetables are used mainly to feed natives, and most other living essentials are imported. Crafting and boatbuilding fuel business workings, and more modern manufacturing and assembly is limited to a fish cannery, a few garment factories, and assorted consumer products. Many Maldivians work in the fishing industry, which employs almost half of the labor force (Brown et al, 1997). With fishing being the main source of employment for Maldivians, a variety of fish is caught and exported for profit. The main types of fish caught and sold are skipjack tuna, yellowfin tuna, little tuna, and frigate mackerel. Once done by hand with a line and pole, modern fishing vessels have enabled Maldivian fishermen to nearly triple their catch, while refrigeration has allowed for longer storage times which enable fishermen to travel farther out to sea for their catch (MaldiveIsle, 2010). Although there appears to be a shortfall of resources in the Maldives, tourism has grown impressively over the last twenty years. The beauty and tranquility of the water, as well as the native flora and fauna attracts nearly 1.2 million tourists per year. Because of this uptick in tourism, skilled laborers such as construction workers, tile workers, and other craftsmen are experiencing an increase in work (Naish, 2016). Overall, Maldives is a beautiful, lively nation with a vibrant history and interesting culture. From early Dravinian culture to modern-day Islam, Maldives has remained steadfast in its resolve to preserve the atolls that nearly a quarter million people call home. However, despite local government efforts, the increasing damaging effects of climate change and global warming threaten to eliminate this isolated gem from the world map entirely. Only time will tell if efforts to reduce climate change impact can save this wonderful nation. References Brown, K., Turner, R., Hameed, H., Bateman, I. (1997). Environmental carrying capacity and tourism development in the Maldives and Nepal. Environmental Conservation, 24(4), 316-325. Retrieved from https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/environmental-conservation/article/div-classtitleenvironmental-carrying-capacity-and-tourism-development-in-the-maldives-and-nepaldiv/DC50C550C6E6403C034B77F3292FAB9F History of Maldives. (2010). In Maldive Isle. Retrieved from http://www.maldiveisle.com/history.htm Maldives Profile- Timeline. (2016). In BBC News. Retrieved from http://www.bbc.com/news/world-south-asia-12653969 Metz, H. C. Library Of Congress. Federal Research Division. (1995) Indian Ocean: five island countries. [Washington, D.C.: Federal Research Division, Library of Congress: For sale by the Supt. of Docs., U.S. G.P.O] [Online Text] Retrieved from the Library of Congress, https://www.loc.gov/item/95016570/. Naish, A. (2016). Tourist arrivals reach 1.2m in 2015. In Maldives Independent. Retrieved from http://maldivesindependent.com/business/tourist-arrivals-reach-1-2m-in-2015-121424

Remember the titans Essay

Gary, the team captain, and Julius, his black roommate, got off to a rough start. In the beginning, each disliked the other intensely. a) Describe why they disliked each other so much. b) In the movie, the two young men had a â€Å"heart-to heart† talk where each angrily told the other how he really felt. Describe the episode and why it was so significant. 1. A) Gary and Julius disliked each other because of the color of their skin and both of them thought that the other was not doing their job of a leader and bringing the team together. These boys were fearful of the change and each other, which lead them to avoid each other as much as possible. When together, the boys would communicate in unproductive ways; they treated each other with complete disrespect and without trust for one another. b) In their â€Å"heart-to heart† talk, Gary tells Julius that he is wasting his football talent by not listening to anyone. After an intense practice, Gerry and Julius bumped into each other. Gerry, tired of added practices that Boone had enforced, took advantage of the situation by trying to gather facts to tell Boon. Gerry ended up accusing Julius of being selfish; a stubborn player with a bad attitude. Julius responded to Gerry in a way that allowed Gerry to realize that he wasn’t being a true leader. Julius highlighted that â€Å"his white buddies† were not blocking for Rev. In that moment, Gerry realized that he hadn’t been a good team captain as he had been treating players unequally. 2) Other than Gary, Julius, and the two coaches, describe two other individuals who made a difference and who made a significant contribution to the success of the Titans. 2. The two other individuals that made a difference were Lewis Lastik and Ronnie Bass . Lewis Lastik was the first person who talked with someone from the other race and got along with them. When he was questioned by Julius why he was not sitting with his own race, he replied by saying that he is with everyone no matter their color. He showed how teammates should interact and behave with each other. Ronnie Bass also had a huge impact on the team. After Jerry Harris was injured, Ronnie Bass stepped in his place and emerged as one of the leaders of the team. Even though he was different from everyone else, he got along with everyone and help the team grow. 3) Provide three examples which illustrate how a friend or outsider was able to help another to see blind spots. 3. 1) Gary had the blind spot and Julius helped him to see it. The blind spot was that Gary was not doing his job as being the leader of the team and treating everyone equally. This was significant because it helped Gary realize that he is not trying his best to be a leader and bring together all his teammates. Coach Boone had the blind spot and Coach Yoast helped him to see it. The blind spot was that Coach Boone cared more about winning games and about him being a winner. This was significant because, Coach Boone realized that he was blinded by his own ambition about winning games and being seen as a winner and he should care more about his players. 3) Coach Yoast had the blind spot and his daughter Sheryl Yoast helped him to see it. The blind spot was that Coach Yoast had too much pride in himself to ask for coach Boone’s help on defense. This was significant because Coach Yoast realized that in order to win the game, he needs Coach Boone’s help. 4) Identify two conflict styles†¦ one used by Gary and one used by Julius and provide specific examples. 4. Gary used the Competing conflict style. The competing style has a win-lose approach in which the conflict is solved in the favor of the person who wants control of the situation and has low concern for others. Gary used this style when he was talking to Coach Boone about reserving half of the starting positions for the white players and not needing any black players on the defense. He also used this style , when Julius put up a picture of the famous Black Power Salute on his side of the room and Gary wanted him to remove the picture which led to a fight between them and some of the other players. Julius used the Collaborating conflict style. In this conflict style, the two parties involved share their ideas and work together to solve a problem. This conflict style has a win-win approach. Julius used his style when Gary failed to show up to his house to play basketball and the conflict among the two started to build again, Julius went to Gary’s house to retain the close friendship that they had built. Describe three things that Coach Boone did in order to transform the racial hostility into a unified team effort and explain the significance of each of the three examples. 5. 1) When the team was leaving for camp, all the white players and the black players were sitting in separate buses, when Coach Boone noticed this, he had all the defensive players sit in one bus and all the offensive players sit on the other bus. On the buses, he had everyone sit with someone from the other race and the two people sitting together had to  be roommates throughout the camp. The significance of this change was that it let the players know that there will be no differences among the two races and everyone should treat each other equally. 2) Coach Boone had all of his players meet and learn about someone from the other race and report to him until they have met everyone of the opposite race that was on the team. The significance of this was that Coach Boone wanted all to players to know each other and decrease the racial tension among the two races. 3) Coach Boone took the team on a run to the Gettysburg field. On this field , the Battle of Gettysburg took place. This was significant because it showed the team that if they don’t come together and get rid of the hate, they will be destroyed just like the many lives that were lost during that Battle of Gettysburg. Remember the Titans Case Study by Manpreet Singh Harjot Samra Interpersonal Communication Professor: Bart Chudleigh August 10, 2013

Life After Death Essay - 1599 Words

‘The concept of life after death is incoherent’. Discuss. (35) For millennia, humanity has been plagued by the issues surrounding life after death because the only way of truly knowing what happens is to actually experience it, by dying. This means that we can only theorise possible outcomes and discuss key issues such as personal identity or immortality of the soul. Theories about life after death are all interested in whether or not there is a part of the human body which survives the death of all the physical parts and where or when it goes. Dualism states that there is a distinction between our body and our actual self, commonly referred to as our soul. Generally, in dualism, the soul is viewed as immortal, and therefore our existence†¦show more content†¦It is unclear on to what extent he believed the soul was separate to the body. In his De Anima, he makes it clear that he believes the intellectual part of the soul can be separable from the body and is eternal. This makes it a bit confusing on whether the soul is part of the body or separate, or is it some part of the soul that is separable. Aristotle separated the intellectual sense into the ‘calculative’ or ‘deliberative’ or ‘theoretical’ or ‘scientific’. The first part is art meaning outside man hence the result of his activity. The other part is prudence that is the activity-referred to as the ‘art’ of doing. Prudence concerns what men are supposed to do with the future. The part of scientif ic understanding is the top activity of the faculty and of man himself since it’s man’s intellectual ability that separates him from other creatures. I do not believe Aristotle’s view of the soul is completely coherent because he does appear to contradict himself, as mentioned above. It also seems that there is no clear understanding of life after death, making the concept incoherent. John Hick thought of a way of presenting the concept of resurrection from a non-dualistic viewpoint, which he called the Replica Theory. Hick believes that the body and soul cannot be separated; human beings are a ‘psycho-somatic unity’. The replica theory claimed that resurrection is a divine action in which an exact replica of ourselves isShow MoreRelatedLife after Death Essay2099 Words   |  9 PagesLife after death is a topic of controversy in which Bertrand Russell and John Hick discusses the idea of whether it is possible to have life after death. Russell addresses his argument against the idea through his brief essay titled â€Å"The Illusion of Immortality† (1957). In addition, Hick also discusses the topic through his work â€Å"In Defense of Life after Death† (1983) of why life after death is a plausible idea. 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Othello Act 5, Scene 2 - Analaysis

We continue our Othello Act 5, Scene 2 analysis. You can get more information on the first part of this scene here.   Act 5, Scene 2 (Part 2) Othello explains that Iago told him that she and Cassio were having an affair and that Cassio himself admitted it and had the handkerchief; the token of love he gave to Desdemona passed down from his mother. On hearing this Emilia reacts; â€Å"O God! Heavenly God!† Realising her part in her husband’s plan, Emilia is moved. Iago orders Emilia to hold her peace but she refuses; telling the group that her husband asked her to steal the handkerchief for a reason unknown to her and that she did find it and give it to him. The Death ofEmilia Iago accuses her of lying and draws his sword on his wife. She says; â€Å"What should such a fool Do with so good a wife?† Othello runs at Iago calling him a villain. Montano disarms Othello and Iago wounds his wife. Emilia asks to be laid next to Desdemona to die. Iago exits. Montano goes after Iago and orders the others to guard Othello and not let him escape. Before she dies Emilia says; â€Å"Moor, she was chaste. She loved thee cruel Moor. So come my soul to speak true. So, speaking as I think alas, I die.† Othello is now consumed with guilt he finds a weapon hidden in his room but tells Graziano to approach him but not to fear him. He intends to use the weapon on himself. He looks at Desdemona’s cold body and curses himself. Othello wounds Iago Lodovico enters with Iago, Montano and Cassio in a chair. Othello stands forward as Iago is brought to face him. Othello wounds Iago. Lodovico orders the attendants to disarm Othello. Othello is unrepentant about hurting Iago, Lodovico reminds him that he was a respected soldier and Othello says that he acted in honour rather than in hate. He admits to consenting to Cassio’s death. Cassio says that he did Othello no wrong and Othello apologises to him. Lodovico says that two letters were found in Roderigo’s pocket, one says that Roderigo was ordered to kill Cassio and the other is written by Roderigo to Iago complaining about his evil plan. He says that he was going to expose the villain but Iago killed him off. The letter explains how he was ordered to goad Cassio on his watch, which is how the quarrel between Cassio and Othello first began. Lodovico tells Othello that he must return with him to Venice to answer to his crimes. Cassio is instated as ruler of Cyprus. Othellos Death Othello gives a speech to say that he wants to be remembered as a lover who was deceived. He wants to be remembered as someone who had a precious jewel but foolishly threw it away, he uses an analogy of a base character from an Indian tribe who threw away a precious pearl. He uses another reference to race when he says; â€Å".in Aleppo once, Where a malignant and a turbaned Turk beat a Venetian and tradused the state, I took by th’ throat and smote him thus†. He then stabs himself, kisses Desdemona and dies. Lodovico tells Iago to look at the consequences of his actions, he then closes the curtains. Lodovico tells Graziano that any riches in the house are his as he is the next of kin. He tells Cassio that he will leave Iago’s punishment to him and that he will return to Venice with the sad news of what has come to pass; â€Å"Myself will straight abroad and to the state This heavy act with heavy heart relate.† Note:  If you are looking for scene-by-scene analysis of other Othello scenes, simply visit our index  where you can find a full list of all scene by scene guides to  Shakespeares  Othello.