The Maldives has become the first country in the world to open a virtual embassy in Second Life, the online virtual world.
The Maldives Virtual Embassy is an on-line space located in the Diplomatic Quarter of Diplomacy Island in Second Life, which is designed to allow new avenues for diplomatic representation and negotiation, especially for small and developing countries that have limited diplomatic outreach in the 'real' world. The embassy includes a notice board with detail on 'democratic and human rights reform' in the country. The Virtual Embassy is another channel to provide viewpoints on issues of international concern, and to interact with partners in the international community. The Second Life (SL) is a fast-growing virtual community with more than six million 'citizens.' It has its own currency, the Linden Dollar, which can be exchanged for US dollars. SL citizens own property, socialise, learn and interact in SL.
