Country's Full Name: Republic of Maldives, Dhivehi Raajjeyge Jumhooriyyaa

Brief History: Maldives have cultural and economic ties with Sri Lanka and India. It is believed that original inhabitants migrated from Sri Lanka. The population initially was Buddhist, changing their faith to Islam in 1158. Portugese arrived in 1518 and were driven out in 1573 by popular uprising. From year 1645-1796 the archipelago was under Dutch control. Since 1796-1965 the British protected the islands from Ceylon (Sri Lanka). The country became independent from British rule in 1965 and became republic on 1968.

What is the country known for: Country is famous for coral reefs and exotic locations within its hundreds of islands. The tranquil atmosphere, wonderful beaches with blue waters hosts rich flora and fauna.

Main Industries: The main industry is tourism on which the economy depends. Limited quantity of fish is exported

Main Trading Partners: The country is fully dependent on import of essential commodities. The import is from Singapore 23%, UAE 16%, India 11%, Malaysia 8%, Thailand 7% and Sri Lanka 6%. Fish is the only commodity exported to Thailand, UK, Sri Lanka, Japan, France and Algeria. Total exports (2004): $214 million, Total imports: $832 million.

Major Cities: Male (capital), Kulhudhuffushi, Naifaru, Thinadhoo

Location: 3 15 N, 73 00 E
The republic is a group of coral islands in the Indian Ocean. It lies in the equatorial region to the west of India and Sri Lanka.

Size: Consists of islets of more than 1192 islands. Some islets are no bigger than a football field. Total land is 300 sq km. Only 200 are inhabited.

Time Zone: GMT 5 hours

Type of Government: Maldives is a republic with unicameral parliament called as Majlis. Majlis has 50 seats where 42 are elected by people and remaining 8 are elected by the President to serve 5 years. Since 1978, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom is in the sixth term as President of Maldives.

National Holidays:

2010
1 Jan New Year's Day.
1 Feb *National Day.
26 Feb Mawlid al-Nabi (Birth of the Prophet).
1 Mar *The Day Maldives Embraced Islam.
26 Jul - 27 Jul Independence Day.
11 Aug Ramadan begins.
10 Sep Eid al-Fitr (Ramadan ends).
1 Nov *Hajj Day.
3 Nov Victory Day.
11 Nov Republic Day.
17 Nov Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice).
7 Dec Islamic New Year.

2011
1 Jan New Year's Day.
15 Feb Mawlid al-Nabi (Birth of the Prophet).
26 Feb National Day.
29 Mar The Day Maldives Embraced Islam.
26 Jul Independence Day.
1 Aug Ramadan begins.
31 Aug Eid al-Fitr (Ramadan ends).
3 Nov Victory Day.
4 Nov - 7 Nov Haj.
6 Nov Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice).
11 Nov Republic Day.
26 Nov Islamic New Year.

The dates are calculated with Islamic calendar and varies yearly, please check on the yearly calendar.

Population and Breakdown:
Total 369,031 (July 2007 estimated)
0-14 years: 42.9% (male 81,383/female 76,984)
15-64 years: 54% (male 101,699/female 97,518)
65 years and over: 3.1% (male 5,619/female 5,828)
Median age 18.1 years (male 18 years/female 18.2 years)
Life Expectancy: 64.76 years (male 63.41 years/female 66.19 years)

Religion: 100 percent Sunni Muslim

Language: Maldivian Dhivehi (Dialect of Sinhalese in Arabic script) and English

Customs: Are there any local customs to be aware of?
Being an Islamic country respect of the Muslim religion is expected. Don't bring in narcotics, alcoholic beverages which are banned in Islamic laws.

Best Time to go: Summer never ends in Maldives, but with cool winds and rainfall the weather remains comfortable. December to April have less rainfall providing extra sunshine these months are also the busiest months for visitors.

Currency:

1 US Dollar = 12.94000 Maldive Rufiyaa
1 Maldive Rufiyaa (MVR) = 0.07728 US Dollar (USD)
1 Euro = 17.68160 Maldive Rufiyaa
1 Maldive Rufiyaa (MVR) = 0.05656 Euro (EUR)
1 British Pound = 26.08122 Maldive Rufiyaa
1 Maldive Rufiyaa (MVR) = 0.03834 British Pound (GBP)

Customs Regulations:
Maldives is an Islamic country and restricts entry of any alcoholic beverages. You need special import license to bring liquor. Cigarettes up to two cartons and photographic films up to 10 rolls are allowed to bring in.

Tipping:
Tipping is not encouraged in Maldives as most resorts, restaurants include 10% service charge. It is up to you to tip or not.