Maldives

Flag Description Red with a large green rectangle in the center bearing a vertical white crescent; the closed side of the crescent is on the hoist side of the flag. Currency Rufiyaa. Astronomy Today's date is May 17, 2008. There is currently a First Quarter Moon. Location Southern asia, group of atolls in the indian ocean, south-southwest of india. Climate Tropical; hot, humid; dry, northeast monsoon (november to march); rainy, southwest monsoon (june to august). Terrain Flat, with white sandy beaches. Elevation Extremes The lowest point is at Indian Ocean 0 m. The highest point is at unnamed location on Wilingili island in the Addu Atoll 2.4 m.

Nature & Science News

'Effective chemicals may be lost' - It is claimed tighter rules on pesticide use in Europe could lead to reduced yields and increases in food costs.

Wildlife populations 'plummeting' - Between a quarter and a third of the world's wildlife has been lost since 1970, says the Living Planet Index.

Small biomass option concern - Small-scale biomass power plants can have bigger enviro-impacts than other renewables, a study says.

Asbestos cancer chemo doubts - Chemotherapy does not help people with asbestos-related cancer, according to UK researchers.

Evolution rolls on for Mars rover - The wheels continue to turn on Europe's billion-euro project to put a robotic rover on the Red Planet's surface.

Mars probe set for risky descent - Scientists prepare for "seven minutes of terror" as the Phoenix spacecraft attempts to land on the surface.

Maldives

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