The Republic
of Maldives consists of 1,190 islands, of which approximately
200 are inhabited. They are situated in the Indian Ocean southwest
of India and northeast of Seychelles. The islands comprise 26
geographical atolls and 20 administrative groups, and cover an
area (land and water) of 90,000 km2 (34,749 miles2), while the
land area is 298 km2 (115 miles2) (see map below). The capital
city and main port is Malé. The population is 270,101 (2000 census)
and Maldivians are descended from Indians, Sri Lankans and Aryan
peoples. The official language is Dhivehi, and English is widely
spoken. The local currency is the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MRf).
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