[2] A 2014 survey by the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) estimated there were 1,139 female prostitutes on the islands.
[4][7][8] Following pressure from the country's tourism industry, president Mohamed Nasheed lifted the ban a few days later.
[7] Child prostitution is a problem in the country,[6] especially in Malé and in the Laamu Atoll region.
[3] Article 88(a) of the Maldivian Penal Code 1967[10] includes Sharia Law into the country's legislation.
Sex outside marriage is outlawed under Sharia Law, as are other forms of immorality, therefore prostitution is forbidden.