ABSTRACT
The archipelago of the Maldives is a nation that consists of 26 natural atolls made up of approximately 1,190 islands and sandbanks. Although the inhabitants are distributed among the islands, the Maldives is ranked as the 7th most densely populated country in the world with a population density of 1,364 people per square kilometre. The rapid economic growth and development has enabled the Maldives to achieve the status of a middle-income country. The main value of real estate in the Maldives lies in the commercial aspect of the lodging industry. The Maldives takes part in several international organisations such as: the United Nations and World Trade Organisation and is one of the founding members of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation. Real estate activities are strongly influenced by the tourism industry. The Maldivian Land Act governs the allocation, issuing, selling, pricing, transfer and lease of Maldivian land and dwellings.
