Discover Maldives

Destination Maldives

The perfect holiday destination Maldives one visit here will not forget the beauty of sun, sea and sand. Maldives resort islands mainly developed on single Solitary Island – one resort on one island basis. Some islands are closed to another separated by lagoons or sea.  Almost every islands surrounded by sun kissed white

sandy beaches and encircled with shallow cyan color lagoon, while getting deep water the color change blue to dark blue almost reach to the sea. The islands are surrounded by house reef and stones are stack around the island from waves.

Location
Maldives is located on the Indian Ocean towards the south of Lakshwadeep Islands of India and towards the west of Sri Lanka and extends some 823 kilometers, lies between the latitudes 1°S and 8°N and longitudes 72° and 74°E

Geography
Maldives comprises of 1192 coral islands, forming an archipelago of 26

major atolls.  Area covered 820 kilometers north to south and 120 kilometers east to west, more than 115 exclusive resort islands are in operation in various part of the country.

Climate
Average temperature around 28 – 32 degree Celsius, generally warm and humid. Sun shines throughout the year

What to wear
Casual dress is perfect to wear and T-shirts and cotton clothing are most appropriate. In Male’, (the capital city island) and other inhabited islands it is highly recommended that women wear modest clothing without exposing much.

Population
As per the estimation conducted on 2016, the population reaches about 344,023. Origin of the Maldivians are lost in ancient times, but history shows that the islands have been populated for over 3,000 years ago. Early settlers were travelers on the Silk Route and from the Indus Valley Civilization. Integrally warm, friendly and hospitable by nature, it is easy to feel contented and peaceful with a Maldivian.

Culture Maldives having a proud history and wealthy culture evolved from the first immigrants who were from different parts of the world traveling by seas in ancient times. The Maldives has been a melting pot of diverse cultures as people from various parts of the world came here and settled down. Some of the local music and dance for instance look like African impacts, with hand-beating 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. However many of the South Asian customs especially with regard to women – for instance the Sub Continent’s tradition of secluding women from public view – are not tenets of life here. In fact women play a major role in society – not surprise considering the fact men spend throughout the day at sea for fishing. Many of the traditions are well connected to the marine life and the fact that life is reliant on the seas around us.

Language
Dhivehi is the official language spoken in everywhere of the Maldives. English is widely spoken by Maldivians and visitors can simply make themselves understood getting around the capital city island. In the resorts, a variety of languages are spoken by the staff including English, German, French, Italian, Chinese and Japanese.

Economy
The Maldives economy has been developing at an annual average of 10% for the past two decades. Tourism is the main industry, contributing about to 25% of the GDP. Fisheries and trade follow close behind. The Maldivian economy is regarded as commendable in the region and greatly welcomes foreign investment.

Currency

The Maldivian currency name is the Rufiyaa and Laaree. The exchange rate

for US Dollar at the time of writing has a bandwidth ranging from 10.28MRf – 15.42MRf for a dollar. One Rufiyaa is equivalent to 100 laarees. Rufiyaa bank notes come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 500. Coins are in the denominations of MRf.2.00, MRf.1.00, 50 laarees, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 laaree. The commonly used foreign currency is US Dollar. Payments in the resorts and hotels can be made in most hard currency in cash, travelers’ cheques or credit cards. Commonly used credit cards are American Express, Visa, Master Card, Diners Club, JCB and Euro Card and so forth.

Education
The functional literacy rate is 98%. Educational standards are among the highest in the region and schools follow the British system of education.

Health
Health care facilities are improving almost on a daily basis. The Indhira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) in Male’ is the biggest hospital in the country providing sophisticated 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
GMT + 5 hours

Business Hours

From Sunday to Thursday 9:00 – 14.00 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.

Communication
Up-to-date technology and international satellite links allow Maldives to have a sophisticated communications system. IDD facilities are available on all resorts and card phones are available on all inhabited islands. Dhiraagu and Ooredoo, the Maldives Telecommunications Companies also provides mobile telephones for daily rental. It is also the Internet service provider.

Electricity
The electric system is 230-240 Volts -AC

Getting Here
Free 30 days Visa upon arrival for all visitors. No prior visa is required to enter the Republic of Maldives. Entry permit will be granted to visitors on arrival at designated ports of entry, based on the immigration requirement.