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Official Name: Republic of Maldives Geography Area: 298 sq. km. (115 sq. mi.), over 1,100 islands; twice the size of Washington, DC. Cities: Capital--Male' (pop. 100,000). Terrain: Flat atoll islands. Climate: Hot and humid. People Nationality: Noun and adjective--Maldivian(s). Population (2009 est.): 314,000 (plus 80,000 expatriate workers who are not counted in the census). Population growth rate: 1.66%. Population growth rate has dropped dramatically in recent years. Ethnic groups: Maldivians. Religion: Sunni Islam. Languages: Dhivehi (official); many government officials speak English. Education: Years compulsory--7. Enrollment--primary (grades 1-7) 100%; secondary (grades 8-10) 70%. Literacy--97%. (Sources: Maldives Department of National Planning and World Bank) Health: Infant mortality rate--24/1,000 (Source: World Bank). Life expectancy--72 years. Resident work force: Community, social and personal services--21%; manufacturing--13%; fishing--11%; tourism--11%; transport...