|
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: |
270,101 (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. |
|
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 Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom |
|
Head of Government: |
President Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom |
|
Independence day: |
26th July |
|
Republic day: |
11th November |
|
Time
difference: |
+5hrs GMT |
| Telephone: |
All resorts have International Direct Dialing facilities.
Some resorts provide access to
Internet /E-mail.
GSM Mobile phones are available for rent from Dhiraagu - The National Telecom Company.
|
|
Currency: |
Rufiyaa (Notes) and Laari (Coins) |
|
Exchange rate: |
MRF 12.:85 per US$ |
|
Official Weekly Holidays: |
Friday and Saturday |
|
Business Hours: |
Government offices: 0730 – 1430 |
| |
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: |
2 (TVM and TVM Plus, in Male’) |
|
Radio Stations: |
2 (broadcasting on 1449 kHz MW and 104 MHz FM) |