FACTS

Location: Southern Asia, group of atolls in the Indian Ocean, south-southwest of India

Area (only Total) total: 300 sq km

Climate: tropical; hot, humid; dry, northeast monsoon (November to March); rainy, southwest monsoon (June to August)

Terrain: flat, with white sandy beaches

Population: 379,174 (July 2008 est.)

Main Language (only first): Maldivian Dhivehi

Government type: republic

Capital (Name): Male

Capital (Time Difference): UTC+5

Independence: 26 July 1965 (from UK)

National holiday: Independence Day, 26 July (1965)