about
Maldives
The Maldives is a popular honeymoon destination. It’s the perfect destination for tourists, but it’s definitely not for local Christians. Islam is the only recognised religion for the 300,000 inhabitants and is considered to be an important tool in forging national unity and maintaining the government’s power. Just as in Saudi Arabia, Shariah Law doesn’t allow conversion from Islam to another religion. In 1998, between 30 and 50 local Christians were tortured and imprisoned and 19 foreign worker were expelled from the country. As a result of international protest, the prisoners were released later that year. The few hundred Christians who still live there have to practice their faith in secret. Foreign tourists are allowed to practice their faith in private, as long as they don’t encourage locals to come along and take part.