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 Nationality 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 |
