General info
Area:
298 sq km (115 sq miles).
Population:
269,010 (2000).
Capital:
Malé. Population: 74,497 (2000)
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 in the tourism sector.
Religion:
The indigenous population is 100% Sunni Muslim.
Time:
GMT + 5hrs
Electricity:
220 volts AC,50Hz. Round-pin plugs are used, although square-pin plugs are now becoming more common.
Telephone:
IDD is available. Country code: 960. Outgoing international code: 00.
Mobile:
GSM 900 network operated by Dhiraagu, the Maldives Telecommunications 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 (StingRay)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.