Maldives

National name: Dhivehi Raajjeyge Jumhooriyyaa

Government
Republic.

Geography
The Republic of Maldives is a group of atolls in the Indian Ocean about 417 mi (671 km) southwest of Sri Lanka. Its 1,190 coral islets stretch over an area of 35,200 square mi (90,000 sq km). With concerns over global warming and the shrinking of the polar ice caps, Maldives is directly threatened, as none of its islands rises more than six feet above sea level.

Historical Background
The Maldives was long a sultanate, first under Dutch and then under British protection. It became a republic in 1968, three years after independence. Since 1978, President Maumoon Abdul GAYOOM - currently in his sixth term in office - has dominated the islands' political scene. Following riots in the capital Male in August 2004, the president and his government have pledged to embark upon democratic reforms, including a more representative political system and expanded political freedoms. Tourism and fishing are being developed on the archipelago. Country's first multiparty elections, held in October 2008, Mohamed Nasheed, a former political prisoner, defeated President Gayoom in the second round of voting.

Capital

Malé

Government

Presidential republic

Language

Dhivehi

Religion

Islam is the only official religion of The Maldives. The open practice of all other religions is forbidden and such actions are liable to prosecution under the law of the country.

Area

298 km2 (206th) 115 sq mi 

Population

2010 estimate 396,334 (176th1) 2006 census 298,968

Currency

Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR)