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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
Capital city > Geographic coordinates	4 10 N, 73 30 E
Constitution new constitution ratified 7 August 2008
Diplomatic representation in the US > Chief of mission Ambassador Mohamed Hussain MANIKU
Executive branch > Cabinet Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the president
Executive branch > Chief of state President Mohamed NASHEED (since 11 November 2008); Vice President (vacant); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government
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
Government type	republic
Independence	26 July 1965 (from UK)
Judicial branch Supreme Court; Supreme Court judges are appointed by the President with approval of voting members of the People's Council; High Court; Trial Courts; all lower court judges are appointed by the Judicial Service Commission
Legal system based on Islamic law with admixtures of English common law primarily in commercial matters; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
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)
National holiday	Independence Day, 26 July
Parliamentary seats > Female	6%		[106th of 143]
Political parties and leaders Adhaalath (Justice) Party or AP [Abdul Majeed Abdul BARI]; Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (Maldivian People's Party) or DRP [Maumoon Abdul GAYOOM]; Islamic Democratic Party or IDP [Omar NASEER]; Maldivian Democratic Party or MDP [Mohamed NASHEED]; note - political parties were allowed to register in June 2005
Political pressure groups and leaders various unregistered political parties
Status democracy
Suffrage 21 years of age; universal
Time required to start a business > days	13 days		[151st of 171]
Transnational Issues > Disputes > International	none

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