Like a string of pearls scattered over the deep blue Indian Ocean lie the Maldives. This is a Sun and Sea lovers paradise for those looking for total relaxation away from it all. Of the 1190 islands 87 are exclusive island resorts ranging from 5 star deluxe to standard comfortable accommodation. They all offer excellent service and good food, particularly seafood. The Maldives is also famous for its rare underwater beauty; The profusion of psychedelic colours and the abundance and variety of life underwater have fascinated divers and snorkellers since Maldives was discovered as a diving destination. The highest level of visibility that one could expect, sometimes exceeding 50 metres, and warm temperatures throughout the year makes diving in the Maldives a delight. Come and see for yourself..!
LOCATION
Southwest of Sri Lanka, on the equator. The Capital is Male.
CLIMATE
The Maldives has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year round and a great deal of sunshine. The warm tropical climate results in relatively minor variations in daily temperature throughout the year. The hottest month on average is April and the coolest, December. The weather is determined largely by the monsoons.
WHAT TO WEAR
Dress is generally casual. T-shirts and cotton clothing are most suitable. In Male’, the capital island and other inhabited islands it is recommended that women wear modest clothing without baring too much.
POPULATION
About 270,000. History reveals that the islands have been populated for over 3,000 years ago. About a quarter of the population is resident in Male, the capital. Outside Male the largest population is in Hithadhoo in Addu Atoll, Fuamulah and Kulhudhufushi in Haa Dhaalu Atoll with 9,640, 7243 and 6,354 respectively. The rest is dispersed sparsely in the rest of the 200 inhabited islands.
CULTURE
The Maldives is a melting pot of different cultures as people from different parts of the world came here and settled down. Some of the local music and dance for instance resemble African influences, with handbeating of drums and songs in a language that is not known to any but certainly represents that of East African countries. As one would expect there is a great South Asian influence in some of the music and dancing and especially in the traditional food of the Maldivians.
LANGUAGE
Dhivehi is the language spoken in all parts of the Maldives. English is widely spoken by Maldivians and visitors can easily make themselves understood getting around the capital island. In the resorts, a variety of languages are spoken by the staff including English, German, French, Italian and Japanese.
CURRENCY
The Maldivian currency is the Rufiya. One Rufiya is equivalent to 100 laarees. £1 is approximately 17Rf. The US Dollar is the most commonly used foreign currency. Payments in the resorts and hotels can be made in most hard currency in cash, travellers’ cheques or credit cards. Commonly used credit cards are American Express, Visa, Master Card.
HEALTH
The Indhira Gandhi Memorial Hospital in Male’ is the biggest hospital in the country providing adequate medical care. ADK Hospital is the biggest private health care facility and follows high medical standards. Some resorts have in-house doctors. A decompression chamber is within easy reach of most resorts in case of a diving emergency.
LOCAL TIME
The Maldives is 5 hours ahead of GMT.
BUSINESS HOURS
From Sunday to Thursday 7.30 - 14.30 in the government sector and generally from 9.00 to 5.00 in the private sector, although most offices in the private sector open for a half day on Saturday. Weekend falls on Friday and Saturday.
ELECTRICITY
The electric system is 230-240 Volts
VISA AND ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
A visitor must be in possession of a passport valid for more than 6 months from the date of arrival and a return or onward ticket and sufficient funds for the duration of your stay. A entry permit for up to 30 days will be granted to visitors on arrival at designated ports of entry, based on the immigration requirements.
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