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Official Name: The Republic of Maldives |
| Common Name: Maldives |
| Location: Indian Ocean |
| Area: 90,000 sq km (including 1% land area) |
| Number of Islands: 1,190 |
| Capital: Malé |
| Population: 300,000 |
| Official Language: Dhivehi |
| Second Language: English |
| Government: Democratic |
| Justice System: The Maldives Constitution based on Islamic Sharia |
| Head of State: President |
| Religion: Islam |
| Economy / Industry: Tourism, fishing and shipping |
| Major Exports: Tuna and reef fish |
| Major Imports: Consumer goods, capital goods and petroleum |
| National Flag: A green rectangle with a red border and a white crescent at the centre. |
| National Emblem: Comprises a coconut palm, a crescent and a star, two national flags and the |
| State title. |
| National Tree: Coconut Palm |
| National Flower: Pink Rose |
| Independence Day: 26th July |
| Republic Day: 11th November |
| Currency: Rufiyaa or MRF (notes); 1 MRF equals 100 Laari (coins) |
| Exchange Rate: MRF12.85 per USD |
| Local Time: GMT +5 hours |
| Business Hours: Government offices: 0730 – 1430 Banks: 0800 – 1330 |
| Weekly Holidays: Friday and Saturday |
| International Airport: International Airport located in the island of Hulhule |
| Domestic Airports: 4 |
| Seaports: 1 |
| Climate: Tropical |
| Temperature: 25 degrees C. (Min) and 32 degrees C. (Max) |
| Average Annual Rainfall: 1869 mm |
| Television Channels: 1 (TVM) |
| Radio Stations: 2 (1449 KHz MW and 104 MHz FM) |
| Electricity: 240 volts, 50 Hz |
