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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 This strip containing black and white oblique stripes, was withdrawn on 26th September 1965 (1 Jumaadhal A'akhira 1385).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 colour codes for the national flag are, RED - British Admiralty Colour Code No. T1144 for Nylon worsted bunting and No. T818A for other bunting, WHITE - British Admiralty Colour Code No. T1145 for nylon worsted bunting and No.T819 for other bunting, GREEN British Admiralty Colour Code No. T1143 for nylon worsted bunting and No. T817 for other bunting.
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 MaIdivians.
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.
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).
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).
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).
"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 colours of our Flag; Green, Red and white which symbolizes Victory, Blessing and Success
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 domain.