Maldives

Full name: Republic of Maldives

Population: 306,000 (UN, 2007)

Capital: Male

Area: 298 sq km (115 sq miles)

Major language: Divehi

Major religion: Islam

Life expectancy: 68 years (men), 69 years (women) (UN)

Monetary unit: 1 rufiyaa = 100 laari

Main exports: Fish, clothing

GNI per capita: US $3,200 (World Bank, 2007)

International dialling code: +960