Maldives

Maldives

AREA	298 sq km (115 sq miles).
POPULATION	263,189 (1997).
POPULATION DENSITY	883.2 per sq km.
CAPITAL	Malé.
CAPITAL POPULATION	62,973 (1995).
GEOGRAPHY	The Maldives Republic is located 500km (300 miles) southwest of the southern tip of India and consists of about 1190 low-lying coral islands, of which only 200 are inhabited. Most of the inhabited islands are covered by lush tropical vegetation and palm trees, while the numerous uninhabited islands, some of which are mere sand spits or coral tips, are covered in shrubs. Each island is surrounded by a reef enclosing a shallow lagoon. Hundreds of these islands together with other coral growth form an atoll, surrounding a lagoon. All the islands are low-lying, none more than 2m (7ft) above sea level. The majority of the indigenous population do not mix with the tourist visitors, with the exception of those involved with tourism in the resorts and Malé.
GOVERNMENT	Republic since 1965. Gained independence from the UK in 1965. Head of State and Government: President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom since 1978.
LANGUAGE	The national language is Dhivehi. English is widely used as a business language in government offices and the commercial sector. Other languages are widely used within tourist areas.
RELIGION	The indigenous population is almost entirely Sunni Muslim.
STANDARD TIME	GMT + 5.
ELECTRICITY	220 volts AC, 50Hz. Round-pin plugs are used, although square-pin plugs are now becoming more common.

Posted in: countries