• Maldives:
• Society

Maldives - Society

Population: 306,000 (2007); around 29% lives in Malé, which was in the mid-1990s doubled in area by land reclamation; growth 2.9% p.a. 1970–90 and 2.8% p.a. 1990–2004; birth rate (2005) 35 per 1,000 people (40 in 1970); life expectancy 68 years (50 in 1970).

Religion: Sunni Muslims.

Language: The national language is Dhivehi, which has a strong Arabic influence. English is widely spoken.

Media: The government controls the sole TV service, Television Maldives (TVM), which operates two channels. Voice of Maldives, which broadcasts in English and Dhivehi, and Radio Ek are the state-owned radio stations. There are few private stations, as it is difficult to obtain a licence; Minivan Radio operates via leased overseas shortwave facilities.

The BBC World Service, Radio Australia and Radio Beijing are available on an FM relay.

The leading Dhivehi dailies are Aafathis, Haveeru and Miadhu, which post daily online news bulletins in English.

There are 110 personal computers (2004) and 66 internet users (2006) per 1,000 people.

Education: Public spending on education was 7.1% of GDP in 2004/5. There are seven years of compulsory education starting at age six. All administrative atolls have government primary schools and an education centre providing education for all age groups. Most of the many private schools receive state subsidies and are run by the community. Net enrolment ratios are 79% for primary and 63% for secondary (2005). The pupil–teacher ratio for primary is 20:1 and for secondary 15:1 (2005). The school year starts in January.

There is an Institute for Islamic Studies. Pre-university education is provided at the Science Education Centre in Malé which was intended to evolve into a higher education institute. A state scholarship scheme funds tertiary education abroad. Vocational training is available in health sciences, teaching, and hotel and catering skills. Illiteracy among people age 15–24 is 1.8% (2006).

Health: 83% of the population uses an improved drinking water source and 100% in urban areas have access to adequate sanitation facilities (2004/2005). Infant mortality was 33 per 1,000 live births in 2005 (180 in 1960). Malaria has been practically eradicated and diarrhoeal diseases have been considerably reduced.

Communications: Country code 960. International direct-dial card phones can be found on most of the islands. Mobile phone coverage is excellent in Maldives and roaming agreements exist with most international companies. Handsets can be rented by the day.

Internet access is good and is available in many of the hotels; Malé and the resort islands have several internet cafes. Post offices are found on all the (inhabited) islands.

There are 109 main telephone lines and 879 mobile phones per 1,000 people (2006).

Public holidays: New Year’s Day, National Day (varies April–July), Independence Day (26 July), Martyrs’ Day (September or October), Victory Day (3 November) and Republic Day (11 November).

The opening day of the Citizens’ Majlis (announced by Majlis each year) is also a public holiday and the weekend is Friday–Saturday. The Independence Day and Republic Day celebrations both continue for two days.

Religious festivals whose dates vary from year to year include Islamic New Year, Prophet’s Birthday, Huravee (Mahayana Buddhism), Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan, three days) and Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice).