Your Dream Destination
The
Maldivian archipelago located 300 miles southwest of the southern tip of India
and 450 miles west of Sri Lanka is a beautiful string of 1,1 90 low-lying coral
islands scattered across the equator in the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean,
giving us a rare glimpse of what is aptly described as a tropical paradise. Just
consider this - sparkling white sun-kissed beaches; crystal-clear lagoons
studded with profusely-coloured corals; azure warm seas with an undisturbed,
exotic marine life; palm-fringed islands; the pervading serenity; all of it
summarised by the famous Moroccan traveler Ibn Battuta on describing Maldives as
"One of the wonders of the world".
Location
Southwest of Sri Lanka, on the equator.
Geography
1,190 coral islands, forming an archipelago of 26 major atolls. Stretches 820
kilometres north to south and 120 kilometres east to west. 202 are inhabited, 87
are exclusive resort islands.
Climate
Generally warm and humid. Sun shines all year through. Average temperature
around 29 - 32 degrees Celsius.
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 according to 1998 estimates. Origin of the Maldivians are lost in
antiquity, but history reveals that the islands have been populated for over
3,000 years ago. Early settlers were travellers on the Silk Route and from the
Indus Valley Civilisation. Inherently warm, friendly and hospitable by nature,
it is easy to feel comfortable and relaxed with a Maldivian.
Culture
A proud history and rich culture evolved from the first settlers who were from
various parts of the world travelling the seas in ancient times. The Maldives
has been 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.
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
surprising considering the fact men spend the whole day out at sea fishing. Many
of the traditions are strongly related to the seas and the fact that life is
dependent on the seas around us.
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.
Economy
The Maldives economy has been growing at an annual average of 10% for the past
two decades. Tourism is the main industry, contributing close to 20% of the GDP.
Fisheries and trade follow close behind. The Maldivian economy is regarded as
exemplary in the region and welcomes foreign investment.
Currency
The Maldivian currency is the Rufiyaa and Laaree. The exchange rate for US
Dollar at the time of writing is MRf.11.82 for the 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 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, Diners Club, JCB and Euro Card.
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 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.
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, the Maldives
Telecommunications Company also provides mobile telephones for daily rental. It
is also the Internet service provider.
Electricity
The electric system is 230-240 Volts -AC