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CommunicationsTelephones - main lines in use World Ranking: 163
48,000 (2009)
Telephones - mobile cellular World Ranking: 163
494,400 (2009)
Telephone system
General assessment
Telephone services have improved; interatoll communication through microwave links; all inhabited islands and resorts are connected with telephone and fax service Domestic Each island now has at least 1 public telephone, and there are mobile-cellular networks with a rapidly expanding subscribership that has reached 125 per 100 persons International Country code - 960; linked to international submarine cable Fiber-Optic Link Around the Globe (FLAG); satellite earth station - 3 Intelsat (Indian Ocean) (2009) Broadcast media
State-owned radio and TV monopoly until recently; state-owned TV operates 2 channels; 2 privately-owned TV stations; state owns Voice of Maldives and operates both an entertainment and a music-based station; 5 privately-owned radio stations (2009) Internet country code
.mv
Internet hosts World Ranking: 154
3,054 (2010)
Internet users World Ranking: 163
86,400 (2009)
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Maldives (Male):
 
GPS points from Maldives (Male)
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A sultanate since the 12th century, the Maldives became a British protectorate in 1887. It became a republic in 1968, three years after independence. President Maumoon Abdul GAYOOM dominated the islands' political scene for 30 years, elected to six successive terms by single-party referendums. Following riots in the capital Male in August 2003, the president and his government pledged to embark upon democratic reforms including a more representative political system and expanded political freedoms. Progress was sluggish, however, and many promised reforms were slow to be realized. Nonetheless, political parties were legalized in 2005. In June 2008, a constituent assembly - termed the "Special Majlis" - finalized a new constitution, which was ratified by the president in August. The first-ever presidential elections under a multi-candidate, multi-party system were held in October 2008. GAYOOM was defeated in a runoff poll by Mohamed NASHEED, a political activist who had been jailed several years earlier by the former regime. President NASHEED faced a number of challenges including strengthening democracy and combating poverty and drug abuse. In early February 2012, after several weeks of street protests following his sacking of a top judge, NASHEED resigned the presidency and handed over power to Vice President Mohammed WAHEED Hassan Maniku. Maldives officials have played a prominent role in international climate change discussions (due to the islands' low elevation and the threat from sea-level rise) on the United Nations Human Rights Council, and in encouraging regional cooperation, especially between India and Pakistan.