Quick Guide
Maldives - The Sunny Side of Life
Maldives is a tropical island paradise, located across the equator in the Indian Ocean. The pearl string like islands of the destination covers a land area of no less than 298 km2. Each island has a turquoise lagoon blessed with crystal clear water and white sandy beaches. The islands are encircled by exotic coral reef structures, housing the beautiful marine species and spectacular underwater life.
| Official name | Republic of Maldives |
| Location | Indian Ocean (across the equator) |
| Capital city | Malé 4°10′N 73°30′E |
| Area | |
| - Total area | 298 km2 (115 sq mi) |
| - Water (sea) | 99% |
| - Number of atolls | 26 |
| - Number of islands | 1190 |
| - Inhabited islands | 187 |
| Population | |
| - 2014 census | 341,356 |
| - 2014 census | 341,356 |
| - Density | 1,102.5/km2 (2,855.4/sq mi) |
| Climate | |
| - Average temperature | 30.7 degrees Celsius (max)
25.8 degree Celsius (min) |
| - Average rainfall | 1868.9 mm |
| Official languages | Maldivian (Dhivehi) |
| Second language | English |
| Time zone | MVT (UTC+5) |
| Ethnic groups | 100% Maldivians |
| Religion | Islam (Sunni) |
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| Tourist resorts | 106 (in 2015) |
| International airports | Ibrahim Nasir International Airport
Maamigili International Airport Gan International Airport Hanimaadhoo International Airport |
| Domestic airports | 6 |
| Tourist Visa | Free Visa on Arrival |
| Ports | 2 (Male’ City and Addu City) |
| Local Currency | Maldivian rufiyaa (MVR)
- Notes (Rufiyaa), Coins (Laari) - MVR 15.42 per US$ (subject to change) |
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| Major industries | Tourism, Fishing, Shipping |
| GDP (PPP) | Total $2.841 billion |
| - Per capita | $8,731 |
| GDP (nominal) | Total $1.944 billion |
| - Per capita | $5,973 |
| Government | Unitary presidential constitutional republic |
| - President | Abdulla Yameen Abdul Qayoom |
| - Vice President | Mohamed Jameel Ahmed |
| - Speaker | Abdulla Maseeh Mohamed |
| - Chief Justice | Abdullah Saeed |
| Legislature | People's Majlis |
| Major political parties | PPM (Ruling), MDP (Opposition) |
| Current constitution | 7 August 2008 |
| Independence Day | 26 July (from UK on 26 July 1965) |
| Republic Day | 11 November |
| Official weekly holidays | Friday & Saturday |
| Government office hours | 08:00 – 15:30 hrs |
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| Calling code | +960 |
| ISO 3166 code | MV |
| Electricity | 220 Volts, 50 Hz |
| TV channel | TVM, DhiTV, Raajje TV, VTV, Channel13 |
| Radio stations | Rajje Radio, Sunfm, DhiFM, Capital FM |
