The Maldives are a group of 1190 tiny tropical islands, most of which you can walk across in a couple of hours. Lying in pristine blue waters, their thatched roofs, virtually untouched coral reefs, privately owned islands and atolls with swaying palms and beautiful beaches are under threat due to global warming. Snorkel amongst colourful coral and fish, take a flight over the clear blue lagoons and dive under to explore the shipwrecked Maldive Victory or visit turtles and hammerhead sharks. But get your piece of manicured paradise before it is lost to the world forever. To get under Dhivehi skin read 'Mysticism in the Maldives', watch documentary film 'The Island President' and listen to the local sounds of Mezzo and Zero Degrees.