Country
Countries A-Z
Maldives
Republic of Maldives
Dhivehi Jumhuriyah
Political Status: Former British protectorate; independent since July 26, 1965; sultanate replaced by republican regime November 11, 1968; present constitution promulgated January 1, 1998.
Area: 115 sq. mi. (298 sq. km.).
Population: 270,101 (2000C); 299,000 (2006E).
Major Urban Center (2005E): MALÉ (88,000).
Official Language: Dhivehi.
Monetary Unit: Maldivian Rufiyaa (market rate November 2, 2007: 12.80 rufiyaa = $1US).
President: Maumoon Abdul GAYOOM; nominated by the Majlis on July 28, 1978, to succeed Ibrahim NASIR, who had declined to seek reelection; assumed office for a five-year term on November 11 after being confirmed by popular referendum; most recently reelected by the People’s Majlis on September 25, 2003, and confirmed in office by referendum on October 17; sworn in for a sixth term on November 11.
The Country
The Republic of Maldives ...