Maldives Republic

Quick Facts

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Local name

Dhivehi Raajje

Capital

Male

Government

Republic

Nationality

Maldivian

Population

299,000^[1]

Languages

Maldivian Dhivehi

Religions

Islam (Sunni)

Currency

Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR)

Calling Code

+960

Time Zone

UTC+5

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Introduction

No need for snorkelling equipment...

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Located just southwest of India, the Maldives are a chain of atolls stretching southwards over the equator. This is not a destination with a variety of attractions: visitors head to the Maldives for beautiful beaches, diving and other basic tropical island activities. Maldivian resorts are generally expensive, but of a high standard. They provide a launching point from which to enjoy the islands' rich rewards, like their gorgeous underwater coral formations and abundance of sea creatures, including whales, turtles, manta rays and sharks.

The two main towns (they can hardly be called cities) are Malé and Seenu and these make for nice daytrips. The British, Dutch and Muslim influences which have created the modern Maldivian culture are of some interest for the tourist. But really, the best idea is to just stick to the sand.

Brief History

Geography

Atolls

Of the 20 administrative atoll groups in the Maldives, only the following 10 are open to tourism (code names used - traditional names are in parentheses).

• Lhaviyani (Miladhunmadulu Uthuruburi)
• Raa (Maalhosmadulu Uthuruburi)
• Baa (Maalhosmadulu Dhekunuburi)
• Kaafu (North and South Male Atoll) is home to the capital Male and the airport, home of most Maldivian resorts
• Alifu (Ari) is the second most popular group.
• Vaavu (Felidhu)
• Meemu (Mulak)
• Faafu (Nilandhe Atholhu Uthuruburi)
• Dhaalu (Nilandhe Atholhu Dhekunuburi)
• Seenu (Addu) is the second most populous group.

The remaining atolls are Gaafu Alifu, Gaafu Dhaalu, Gnaviyani, Haa Alifu, Haa Dhaalu, Laamu, Nyavinani, Seenu, Shaviyani, and Thaa.

Cities

• Male - The country's capital and largest city.
• Hithadhoo

Sights and Activities

Events and Festivals

Weather

Getting there

By Plane

Malé International Airport (MLE) is the main airport with direct flights from Rome, Milan, Prague, Düsseldorf, Amsterdam, Paris, Moscow, Dubai, London, Munich, Manchester, Zürich and Frankfurt among others. In Asia there are connections from Colombo, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Shanghai. All these destinations are operated by foreign airlines.

As of 2008, Island Aviation Services was the only Maldives based airlines to fly internationally with only one destination, Thiruvanathapuram in India.

By Train

By Car

By Bus

By Boat

Getting around

By Plane

Island Aviation Services has domestic flights between Gan, Hanimaadhoo, Kaadedhdhoo Island, Kadhdhoo Island and Malé. Trans Maldivian Airways does the same. Maldivian Air Taxi provides private air charters and VIP flights between many islands.

By Train

By Car

By Bus

By Boat

Red Tape

Money

Work

Study

Language

Eat

Sleep

Drink

Health

Safety

Keep Connected

Internet

Phone

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