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NATIONAL FLAG
The National Flag of the Republic of Maldives is rectangular in
form, its width being two-thirds of its length. The flag
comprises of a green rectangle with a crescent in the centre and
surrounded by a red border.
The width of the red border is one-fourth of the width of the
flag. The width of the green rectangle is half of the width of
the flag while its length is two-thirds of the length of the
flag.
The radii of both curvatures of the crescent are one-third of
the width of the green rectangle. They are drawn from two points
on a centre line across the length of the green rectangle, the
first point being 9/16th and the second at 5/8th of the length,
measured from the side nearer to the staff. When the flag is
hoisted the curvature of crescent should face outward.
The Red Border symbolizes the blood of the national heroes who
sacrificed their lives for the independence and the sovereignty
of the nation.
The Green Rectangle denotes life, progress and prosperity.
The White Crescent represents the Islamic faith of the nation.
Earlier, Maldivian flag had a black and white strip on the hoist
side. This strip containing black and white oblique stripes, was
withdrawn on 26th September 1965 (1 Jumaadhal A'akhira 1385).
The color codes for the national flag are, RED - British
Admiralty Color Code No. T1144 for Nylon worsted bunting and
No. T818A for other bunting, WHITE - British Admiralty Color
Code No. T1145 for nylon worsted bunting and No.T819 for other
bunting, GREEN British Admiralty Color Code No. T1143 for nylon
worsted bunting and No. T817 for other bunting.
NATIONAL EMBLEM
The National Emblem of the Maldives consists of a coconut palm,
a crescent, a star and two criss-crossed National Flags with the
Traditional Title of the State.
 The Coconut Palm represents the livelihood of the nation. This
is the most beneficial local tree for the inhabitants. Both on
land and sea and it plays an important role in the everyday life
of the Maldivians.
The Crescent and the Star, supported by two National Flag
signifies the Islamic faith of the State and its authority
respectively.
The two words of the Traditional Title of the State, "Ad-Dawlat"
and "AI-Mahaldheebiyya" were first used by Sultan AI-Ghazee
Mohamed Thakurufaanu Al-Azam (1573-1585) one of the most
illustrious heroes of the nation. The title "Ad-Dawlat Al-Mahaldheebiyya"
means the State of The Maldives.
NATIONAL CURRENCY
The Currency of the Republic of Maldives is "Rufiya" with
denominations of 1, 2, 5,10, 20, 50, 100 and 500 all of which
are paper currencies except Rf 1, which is a round coin. The
present currency was introduced on 7th October 1983 (1st
Muh'arram 1404 AH).
The Rufiya is divided into 100 Laari (coins), which comes in
denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 25 and 50. Rufiyaa was first
introduced on 5th September 1948 (1st Dh'ul Qaidhaa 1367), then
with the denominations of 1/2, 2, 5 and 10.
According to recorded history the earliest form of currency used
in the Republic was cowries (Cypraea Moneta ). This was exported
to India, Africa and other places as a medium of exchange for
imports.
Coins were first minted during the late 16th century in the name
of "Dhigu Laari", made of silver and was a finger long. This
coin was introduced by Sultan AI-Ghazee Mohamed Thakurufaanu
(1573 - 1588).
NATIONAL TREE
The National Tree of the Republic of Maldives is the "Dhivehi
Ruh" (Coconut Palm). All the islands throughout the Republic
support a dense growth of the palm.
Dhivehi Ruh, botanically known as Cocos nucifera and belonging
to the family Palmae (Arecaceae) has been widely known here for
its economic importance, throughout history.
Dhivehi Ruh, which is also incorporated in the National Emblem
of the Republic of Maldives was declared as the National Tree on
25th July 1985 (07th Dh'ul Q'aidhaa 1405 AH).
NATIONAL FLOWER
The National Flower of the Republic of Maldives is "Finifenmaa",
the commonly known Pink Rose, which is botanically identified as
Rose polyantha.
"Finifenmaa" (Rose) has a high regard among the Maldivians and
the Pink Rose is one member of the Rose family which could be
easily grown in Maldivian soil.
Finifenmaa was declared the National Flower on 25th July 1985
(07th Dh'ul Q'aidhaa 1405 AH).
NATIONAL ANTHEM
"Qawmee mi ekuveri kan mathee thibegen kureeme salaam.
Qawmee bahun gina heyo dhua'a kuramun kureeme salaam.
Qawmee nishaan ah hurmathaa eku boa labaa thibegen
Audhaana kan libigen evaa dhidha ah kureeme salaam.
Nasraa naseebaa kaamiyaabu ge ramzakah himeney
Fessa rathaai hudhaa ekee fenumun kureeme salaam."
(Translation)
In National Unity we do salute our Nation, In the National
Language we do offer our prayers and salute our nation.
We bow in respect to the Emblem of our Nation, And salute the
Flag so exalted.
We salute the colors of our Flag; Green, Red and white which
symbolizes Victory, Blessing and Success
NATIONAL LANGUAGE
The national Language of the Maldives is "Dhivehi", which
belongs to the Indo-Aryan stock of languages. The present script
of the language is called "Thaana" which has an alphabet of 38
letters and is written from right to left. Although Dhivehi is
spoken uniformly throughout the Republic, due to the
geographical dispersion of the islands, some vocabulary and
pronunciation tend to vary from island to island. The earliest
script used, was known as "Eveyla" and was written from left to
right as Roman script. This was superseded by another called "Dhives
Akuru" which was also written from left to right and was
replaced in the late 16th century by the current script, Thaana.
The language shows a strong Arabic influence.
NATIONAL RELIGION
Maldives being a 100% Muslim country, the national religion is
Islam. Islam is the religion of the State and the backbone of
the society.
It was during 1153 AD that the then King of the Maldives
accepted Islam and declared it to be the religion throughout his
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