Quick Guide
Apparently trapped in the heart of the azure Indian Ocean, the Maldives is the perfect tropical paradise. This nation consists of more than a thousand tiny Robinson Crusoe like islands, covered in green flora, reef ringed and drenched in sun.
| Official Name: | Republic of Maldives |
| Commonly Name: | The Maldives |
| Location: | Indian Ocean |
| Area: | 90,000 km ( of which about 10% is only land) |
| Number of islands: | 1190 (approx.) |
| Population: | 320,000 (census 2000) |
| Capital: | Male’ |
| Major Industries: | Tourism, Fishing and Shipping |
| Major Exports: | Tuna and Reef fish |
| Major Imports: | Consumer goods, capital goods and petroleum |
| National Symbols: | The National Emblem The National Emblem comprises a Coconut Palm, a Crescent and Star, two National Flags and the traditional Title of the State. |
| The National Flag The National Flag comprises a green rectangle with a red border and a white Crescent in the centre. |
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| National Tree: | Coconut Palm |
| National Flower | The pink rose |
| Official Language: | Dhivehi |
| Second Language: | English |
| Religion: | Islam (100% Sunni Muslim) |
| Government: | Democratic |
| Justice System: | The constitution of The Maldives which is based on Islamic Sharia |
| Head of State: | President Mohamed Waheed |
| Head of Government: | President Mohamed Waheed |
| Independence day: | 26th July |
| Republic day: | 11th November |
| Time difference: | +5hrs GMT |
| Currency: | Rufiyaa (Notes) and Laari (Coins) |
| Exchange rate: | MRF 15.42 per US$ (subject to chnage) |
| Official Weekly Holidays: | Friday and Saturday |
| Business Hours: | Government offices: 0830 – 1730 |
| Banks: 0800 – 1330 | |
| Airports: | International: 1 (Male’ International Airport, located in the island of Hulhule) |
| Domestic: 4 | |
| Seaports: | 1 |
| Climate: | Tropical |
| Average Temperatures: | 30.7 degrees Celsius (Max) 25.7 degrees Celsius (Min) |
| Average Rainfall: | 1868.9 mm |
| Electricity: | 240 Volts, 50 Hz |
| Television Channels: | 3 (TVM, DhiTV, VTV) |
| Radio Stations: | 5+ Rajje Radio, Sunfm, DhiFM, Capital FM |
