Lakshadweep, a group of 36 islands out of which only 11 are inhabited, lies in the Arabian Sea about 280 to 486 km. to the west of Kerala. It became a Union Territory in 1956, and the Laccadives, Minicoy and Amindivi islands were renamed Lakshadweep in 1973. Area under cultivation is about 27.50 sq km. The only major crop is coconut and fishing is the main activity of the inhabitants. Coconut fibre extraction and conversion of its fibre into products is the main cottage industry in the islands. Many varieties of mats and matting are produced. Eco-friendly tourism is an important industry of these islands. The climate is tropical throughout the year, with warm winters. The average annual rainfall is 155 cm.