Note: The cache is not at the listed coordinates.
Living in the smallest state in the country is a source of pride for many Rhode Islanders. However few people know that Rhode Island is actually much larger than a number of entire nations. This cache is the first in a series representing the world's ten smallest countries, all of which are significantly smaller than the Ocean State. These puzzle caches aren't designed to be the most difficult, but hopefully you'll learn something about each country along the way. In most cases, the information provided at the beginning of each cache page will not be particularly helpful in solving the puzzle.
The Maldives
The Maldives, comprising 298 km2 in total, are the 8th smallest nation in the world. Located off the coast of India, the islands were first settled around 500 BC by the Aryan people of northern India. In the islands’ early history, they were ruled exclusively by women, and Islam was established as the main religion through contact with Arab travelers. With the exception of a few very short periods, the Maldives have remained independent throughout their history. Each ruler of the Maldives, or Sultan(a), whose laws were recognized only when they were to the benefit of the people, had very little actual power, and could be dethroned quite easily. From 1887-1965, the nation, while remaining largely autonomous, became a protectorate of the British Empire. In 1968, the Maldives became an official republic, and have remained completely autonomous ever since.
As a collection of low-lying coral atolls, the islands are extremely sensitive to the effects of global warming (the highest point in the entire nation is only 8 feet above sea level). The Maldivian government has recently become one of the fiercest advocates for the curbing of all greenhouse gas emissions and replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy sources, although the entire nation currently runs solely on diesel fuel. The tourism industry in the country has been greatly expanded recently, in spite of concerns about its sustainability on a remote island chain largely devoid of natural resources. Regardless, the islands’ near-pristine beaches and coral reefs draw over one million visitors each year.
The Puzzle
I know that some people aren't very fond of Sudoku puzzles, but from time to time they can be fun. This one isn't all that difficult, but it'll need to be solved to get your final coordinates. (Read starting with the top letter, and then with the right-hand letter).
N 41 [AC][EC].[GC][AD][EI] W 071 [IF]0.[DD][GE][FC]
The cache itself is almost a Park and Grab, with a short walk from the trailhead. CITO is also encouraged. Good luck!
You can check your answers for this puzzle on GeoChecker.com.
Co-FTF goes to BlackstoneVal and ~Marvalus!