Quick Guide 1

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 Gayoom

Head of Government:

President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom

Independence day:

26th July

Republic day:

11th November

Time difference:

+5hrs GMT

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)