Explore Maldives

Location:
Maldives

Currency:
rufiyaa (MVR)

Communications:
The telephone code for Maldives: + 960

About:
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.