Gross National Product (GNP): Ranked by United Nations as one of world's twenty-nine least developed countries, World Bank estimated 1991 GNP at US$101 million and per capita income at US$460, with annual growth rate of 6 percent in 1993.
Agriculture: Accounted for almost 10 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) in 1990 and employed about 7 percent of labor force. Major products coconuts, cassava, corn, taro, and sweet potatoes. Most food imported.
Fishing:Provided 15 percent of GDP in 1992 and employed 22 percent of labor force; extensive fishing fleet of domestically built boats; 1992 catch record 82,000 tons. Modernization and refrigeration projects underway.
Tourism: In l992 represented 17 percent of GDP and major source of foreign exchange. In 1991 had 196,112 tourists, mainly from Germany, Italy, Britain, and Japan.
Exports: Fish and fish products, clothing accessories; main markets Britain, United States, and Sri Lanka.
Imports: Foodstuffs, petroleum products, consumer goods; sources India, Sri Lanka, Singapore, and Britain.
Balance of Payments: 1992 trade deficit US$110.5 million; current account deficit US$33.2 million.
Currency and Exchange Rate: 1 rufiyaa (Rf) = 100 laari. June 1995 exchange rate US$1 = Rf11.77.
Fiscal Year: Calendar year.
Data as of August 1994