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)

HOLIDAYS

January 1 New Year's Day

January 10 Islamic New Year

March 20 National Day and Prophet's Birthday

July 9 Huravee Day

July 26 - 27 Independence Day ( 2 day celebrations)

April / May * Martyr's Day

October 1 Eid Al Fitr

November 3 Victory Day

November 11 - 12 Republic Day (2 day celebrations)

December 8 Eid Al Adha

December 25 Christmas Day

You should know:

Holidays are commonly moved by a day or two. Other holidays are sometimes declared without warning.

Weekend - Friday

* Date Not Confirmed