Gained independence from the UK in 1965. The national language is Dhivehi. English is widely used as a business language in government offices and the commercial sector. Other languages are widely used within tourist areas. The indigenous population is almost entirely Sunni Muslim.
Handsets can by hired by the day.
Mal , the capital, has a cybercaf and almost all resorts facilitate the sending and receiving of e-mails. The islands' ISP is Dhiraagu . Airmail to Western Europe takes about a week. The Maldives News Bulletin is published weekly in English. Haveeru, Aafathis and Miadhu have English sections.