Name of country: conventional long form: Republic of Maldives conventional short form: Maldives
Data code: MV
Type of government: republic
Capital: Male
Administrative divisions: 19 districts (atolls); Aliff, Baa,
Daalu, Faafu, Gaafu Aliff, Gaafu Daalu, Haa Aliff, Haa Daalu, Kaafu,
Laamu, Laviyani, Meemu, Naviyani, Noonu, Raa, Seenu, Shaviyani,
Thaa, Waavu
Independence: 26 July 1965 (from UK)
National holiday: Independence Day, 26 July (1965)
Constitution: 4 June 1968
Legal system: based on Islamic law with admixtures of English common law primarily in commercial matters; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Suffrage: 21 years of age; universal