Commonwealth Governance Handbook 2013/14 203 KEY FACTS Joined Commonwealth: 1982 Population: 320,000 (2011) GNI p.c.: US$5,720 (2011) UN HDI 2011: world ranking 109 Geography Area: 298 sq km Coastline: 644 km Capital: Malé The Republic of Maldives lies in the Indian Ocean, some 670 km west-south-west of Sri Lanka. The 1,190 coral islands, 200 of which are inhabited, occur on a double chain of 26 coral atolls. The archipelago is 823 km long and 130 km at its widest. The islands are divided into 20 administrative units, called atolls (although they do not necessarily correspond to geographical atolls). Each is known by a letter in the Maldivian alphabet in addition to its geographical name. Huvadhu Atoll, for example, is divided into two administrative units: Gaaf Alif and Gaaf Dhaal. Constitution Status: Republic with executive President Legislature: People’s Majlis The 2008 constitution provides for an executive President and a legislature, the People’s Majlis, both elected directly every five years by universal suffrage. A President can serve for a maximum of two terms of office. The Majlis comprises two elected members from each of the 20 administrative atolls and Malé. Where the residents registered in an administrative atoll exceed 5,000, one additional member is provided for each group of 5,000 in excess of the first 5,000. All elections are run on a multiparty platform. The constitution provides for an independent judiciary where judicial power is vested in the courts with the Supreme Court as the court of last resort. Basic rights and freedoms, including freedom of the media, of assembly and of association, are guaranteed as fundamental rights. Freedom of expression is guaranteed so long as such expression is not contrary to any tenet of Islam. Separate independent commissions and offices are mandated to defend judicial independence; conduct elections; prevent and combat corruption; promote human rights; and ensure an effective and efficient civil service. Judicial system Supreme court: Supreme Court Ministry: Attorney-General’s Office The justice system operates in accordance with sharia law. The Supreme Court was established in accordance with the 2008 constitution as the final court of appeals from the High Court, replacing the President of the republic who had previously fulfilled that role. There are magistrates’ courts in Malé and in each of the 20 administration units. Maldives
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