| Area: |
298 sq km (115 sq miles) |
| Poulation: |
292,000 |
| Capitol: |
Republic since 1965.Gained independence from the UK in 1965.Head of State and Government: President Mohamed Nasheed since october 2008. |
| 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 in the tourism sector. |
| Religion: |
The indigenous population is 100% Sunni Muslim. |
| Mobile: |
GSM 900 network operated by Dhiraagu, the Maldives Telecommunica-tions Company. Handsets can by hired by the day. |
| Internet: |
The Internet can be accessed from most areas of the Maldives.Malé, the capital, has Internet cafés and almost all resorts and even some
liveaboards (Sting Ray, Eagle Ray) facilitate the sending and receiving of e-mails. The islands' ISP is Dhiraagu.
|
| Post: |
Airmail to Western Europe takes about a week.Post office hours: Sat-Thurs 0730-1330 and 1600-1750. |
| Press: |
The dailies Haveeru Daily, Aafathis and Miadhu News have English sections. Information about local events is widely available on all the resort islands. |
| Tot slot: |
Sun, sand and sea, a thousand ‘Robinson Crusoe’ islands, massive lagoons with different depths and infinite shades of blue and turquoise, dazzling underwater coral gardens; a perfect natural combination for the ideal tropical holiday destination. However there is more to the Maldives than just that. |
