Maldives at a Glance

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 Tree: Coconut Palm
National Flower: The pink rose
Language: Dhivehi is the national language. English is widely spoken in business sectors.
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
Maldives Standard Time: +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 (International): 1
Climate: Tropical
Average Temperatures: 30.7 degrees Celsius (Max) 25.7 degrees Celsius (Min)
Average Rainfall: 1868.9 mm
Monsoons: South-West : May-October, North-East : November-April
Electricity: 240 Volts, 50 Hz