Former Maldives President Calls for New Elections

Anchor Marco Werman speaks with the BBC’s Andrew North about the latest developments from the Maldives.

Climate-Crusading Maldives President Resigns

Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed has resigned after weeks of unrest. Host Marco Werman reports on the sudden resignation of a leader who had been a vociferous campaigner for action on climate change.

Maldives Looking At ‘Carbon Neutrality’ by 2020

The government of the Maldives plans to make the Indian Ocean island nation “carbon neutral” by 2020. It’s an effort to set an example for other countries and help avert the possible inundation of much of the country in the face of rising sea levels.

China and India Jockey for Influence in the Maldives

India and China are competing for influence in the Maldives, a tiny country of 1,200 islands scattered in the northern Indian Ocean.

Even in the Maldives, Climate Change Seems a Remote Threat for Many

The Maldives is one of the countries most imminently threatened by rising seas from climate change. But as Lily Jamali reports, even many people in the tiny Indian Ocean nation don’t sense a real threat to their lives and livelihoods.

Uncertain Future for Asian Island Nation

The Maldives are only about five feet above sea level, so there’s big concern the islands’ days ware will become inundated as sea levels rise in the coming century.

Voting, vowing and singing in a foreign language

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In this week’s World in Words podcast, we explore when it’s helpful to understand a foreign language, and when it’s essential. Also, an Islamic calligraphy master offers classes in his Arlington, Virginia home. And Broadway star Amra-Faye Wright talks about learning Japanese so she could perform “Chicago” in Tokyo.
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Foul-mouthed wedding vows

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A hotel in the Maldives has apologized after a Swiss couple renewing their marriage vows were subjected to a torrent of sexual and religious abuse in a language they did not understand. The pair thought they had received a traditional blessing from one of the hotel’s employees and it was only later it became clear they had been insulted in the local language. The BBC’s Jonny Hogg reports. Download MP3
>>>Watch the YouTube video (contains profanity)

Underwater cabinet meeting

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The government of this Asian country is to hold a cabinet meeting underwater to highlight the threat of global warming. President Nasheed and his cabinet will sign a document during a dive this weekend, calling for global cuts in carbon emissions. The low-lying island nation says it faces being wiped out if oceans rise. The World’s Alex Gallafent has the story. Download MP3

• BBC coverage
• President Nasheed’s office

Low lying islands

Today’s Geo Quiz is about a sinking economy. The global economic downturn is being felt in countries around the world. But the economy may be quite literally sinking in the country we’re looking for today.

Geo answer for June 10, 2009

The answer to today’s Geo Quiz is the Maldives Islands, one of many island nations vulnerable to the effects of global warming. Anchor Marco Werman speaks with Charles Ehrhart, co-author of a study that attempts to chart how climate change will directly affect human populations. Listen