A group of islands in the Indian Ocean, 500km (300 miles) southwest of the southern tip of India.

GMT + 5.

298 sq km (115 sq miles).

396,300 (2009).

1,329 per sq km.

Malé. Population: 104,403 (2008).

The Republic of Maldives consists of about 1,190 low-lying coral islands, of which only 200 are inhabited. Most of the inhabited islands are covered by lush tropical vegetation and palm trees, while the numerous uninhabited islands, some of which are mere sand spits or coral tips, are covered in shrubs.

Each island is surrounded by a reef enclosing a shallow lagoon. Hundreds of these islands together with other coral growth form an atoll, surrounding a lagoon. All the islands are low-lying, none more than 2m (7ft) above sea level.

Republic since 1965. Gained independence from the UK in 1965. Democracy established in 2008.

President Mohamed Nasheed (since 2008).

After decades of being in power virtually unchallenged, President Maumoon Gayoom, Asia's longest-serving leader, finally made concessions to allow for free and democratic elections in 2008. When no candidate gained a 50% share of the votes, a run-off was held, which was narrowly won by Mohamed Nasheed, long time political dissident and opposition leader.

Gayoom stepped down and Nasheed was sworn in as president in November 2008. Despite having been imprisoned on multiple occasions by Gayoom's police, Nasheed signalled that his government would not prosecute any member of the previous administration and the new government has since focused on much needed reforms such as improving education, health care, social security and environmental protection. In March 2009 the government announced plans to make Maldives the world's first carbon-neutral country.

The national language is Dhivehi. English is widely used as a business language in government offices and the commercial sector. Other languages are widely used within tourist areas.

The indigenous population is entirely Sunni Muslim, and the group practice of other religions is illegal.

230 volts AC, 50Hz. Round-pin plugs are used, although square-pin plugs are now becoming more common.

The majority of the indigenous population does not mix with the tourist visitors, with the exception of those involved with tourism in the resorts and Malé. Dress is informal, but locals who are Muslim will be offended by nudity or scanty clothing in public places, and the government rigidly enforces these standards. Bikinis and other scanty beachwear are not acceptable in Malé or on any other inhabited island; they should be restricted to resort islands only. When entering a mosque, the legs and the body, but not the neck and the face, should be covered. Handshaking is the most common form of greeting. The indigenous population not involved in the tourist trade lives in isolated island communities maintaining almost total privacy. A large number of locals smoke, but smoking and eating during Ramadan is discouraged.