Government of Maldives
Long Conventional Name
Republic of Maldives
Short Conventional Name
Maldives
Long Local Name
Dhivehi Raajjeyge Jumhooriyyaa
Short Local Name
Dhivehi Raajjeyge
Government Type
Republic
Capital City
Male
Administrative Divisions
19 atolls (atholhu, singular and plural) and the capital city*; Alifu, Baa, Dhaalu, Faafu, Gaafu Alifu, Gaafu Dhaalu, Gnaviyani, Haa Alifu, Haa Dhaalu, Kaafu, Laamu, Lhaviyani, Maale* (Male), Meemu, Noonu, Raa, Seenu, Shaviyani, Thaa, Vaavu
Independence Day
Monday, 26th July 1965
Constitutional History
Adopted 1 January 1998
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
Executive Branch
Chief of State
President Maumoon Abdul GAYOOM (since 11 November 1978)
Head of Government
President Maumoon Abdul GAYOOM (since 11 November 1978)
Cabinet
Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the president
Elections
President nominated by the Majlis; nomination must be ratified by a national referendum (at least a 51% approval margin is required); president elected for a five-year term; election last held 17 October 2003 (next to be held in 2008).
Legislative Branch
Unicameral People's Council or Majlis (50 seats; 42 members elected by popular vote, 8 appointed by the president; to serve five-year terms).
Judical Branch
High court
Flag Description
Red with a large green rectangle in the center bearing a vertical white crescent; the closed side of the crescent is on the hoist side of the flag.
