| Scattered like exotic pearls on a vast aquamarine canvas pointed by Indian Ocean , Maldives is one of the finest beach and water sport destination in the world. The 26 natural atolls span 822 km from north to south with 200 of the 1,190 islands being inhabited, the city of Male' over 80 resorts each of them surrounded by a halo of sugar- sand beaches and crystal clear seas, cloaked in lush palm groves provided exotic island hideaways.
Economy
The predominant industries in the Maldives are fishing and tourism. Maldives exports canned tuna, dried and frozen fish, tropical aquarium fish and also fresh frozen Sashimi - all caught from the uncontaminated and chemical free waters of the Maldives . The Tourist arrivals have maintained a growth of about 10% over the last many years. Maldives now receives over 500,000 tourists per year.
Several scheduled air services as well as charter flights serve the capital Male'. It is about 10 hours flying from London via Dubai , or 4 hours from Karachi , 1 hour from Colombo and 4 hours from Singapore .
Brief History
The country has a long and eventful history and has been an independent sovereign state except for a brief occupation by the Portuguese during the 16th century. Maldives became a British Protectorate in the mid-fifties and gained full independence in July 26, 1965. That same year it also became a member of the United Nations. The country has a Republican government with an elected president as the head of the state. It was converted to Islam in the 12th century AD. Maldives has been a100% Muslim State for more than 800 years.
People
Maldivians are a homogenous people - of one race, one culture, and one religion, Islam. Physically, Maldivians resemble Asian, Arab, Negroid and a Mongoloid mix.
The people are friendly and naturally "sunny and warm". The population of the Maldives is around 260,000 with a literacy rate of 98%. From the 1960's English medium Education has been introduced and is now universalized. Top
A quick guide to the Maldives 
Facts & figures:
Area
Land Area: 1,190 islands with a land area of 115 square miles (298 sq. km)
Sea Area: Approx . 41,500 square miles (107,500 sq. km)
Formation and Geographical Location
Coral islands, grouped into atolls, stretch along the 73rd meridian between latitudes 0 42' south and 8 10' north, for a distance of 468.3 miles (753.6 km), with a width of 73.4 (118.1 km) from east to west.
The Shortest distance from the mainland of India is 217 miles (350 km) and from Sri Lanka 460 miles (740 km).
Latitude: 07° 06'30" N to 00° 41'48" S.
Longitude: 72° 32'30" E to 73° 45'54" E.
Political Status
Since 1965, an Independent republic with a democratically elected parliament. President is the head of the government, elected every 5 years.
President of Maldives
H. E. Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom from 1978 up until now.
Population
214,139 (1990)
260,000 (1997 official estimate).
Population in the capital Male' was 58,000 in 1990.
Annual population increase is 3.8%
Capital : Malé
Male' the capital island has an area of 1.77 sq.km
Population in the capital Male' was 58,000 in 1990.
Maldives Standard Time
+5 hrs GMT (5 hours ahead of GMT)
Religion
100% Sunni Muslim.
Maldives is perhaps the only country with a 100% Muslim population. Islam was introduced around A.D.800, and the moderate form practiced in Maldives has remained virtually unchanged.
Languages
Dhivehi and English. Dhivehi, an indigenous language spoken only in the Maldives . The script is called "Thaana". English is the main taught language at schools. Most people in Male and tourist resorts speak English.
Literacy Rate
98.2% (Age group 10-45 yrs)
Health
Maldives is a tropical country but the people are extremely clean. You will be safe there but please get advice from your doctor or health visitor regarding vaccinations.
Currency
Maldivian Rufiyaa Mrf and unit Laari (100 Laari's in 1 Rufiyaa)
Approx. Exchange rates are US $ 1 = 12 Mrf and Sterling £ 1 = 18 Mrf. German Mark = 6.5 Mrf
Working Hours
Banks: 8 am - 1.30 PM (Sun to Thurs)
Government Offices: 7.30 am -2.30 PM (Sun to Thus), Fri and Sat holidays.
Private Offices: Open between 8 am and 10 am and close between 6 PM and 8 PM, with a lunch break. Closed on Fridays only.
Credit Cards Accepted
American Express, Diners Club, Euro Card, JCB, MasterCard, Visa.
Major Industries
Tourism, fish canning, manufacture of garments, boat building, and handicrafts.
GDP growth 6.1%, Inflation: 20.1% (1994 figures) Read more on Maldives
National Tree
Coconut Palm (Cocos nucifera).
National Flower
Pink Rose ( Rosa pdyantha).
Food and Drink
Fish and coconuts are about the only products which do not have to be imported and they find their way into most menu. The spiny backed lobster is a delicacy.
Clothing - Dress Code
Casual clothing is normal in Maldives . However, it is advisable to have your thighs and shoulders covered. Bikini 's are not permitted in inhabited local islands since it is a Muslim country. Light weight cottons and linens clothes are common.
Shopping
The capital Malé, being the centre of commercial activity is the ideal place to shop. Shops open between 7.30 and 9.30 am, closing at 11 PM. On Fridays they open at 1.30 PM, closing as usual.
Alcohol and Drugs
Maldivians, being a Muslims, are prohibited by law from consuming alcohol; hence there is a strict restriction on the alcohol available in inhabited islands. Foreigners
who reside in Maldives can have a private supply arranged by an authorized licensing procedure. All tourist resorts and hotels, as well cruise ships and yachts have
alcohol for consumption guests.
Maldives is amongst one of the toughest countries in dealing with drugs. Lengthy jail sentences are normal if found in possession or whilst using them, even with a
joint. Please do not try to import any form of drugs into Maldives . Also, please do not use drugs even if offered whilst there, it is not worth the risk!
Visa Requirements
No prior visa arrangements are required. A tourist visa of 30 days will be given to visitors with valid travel documents, on arrival. Visitors should be in possession of at least US$25 per day of stay in the Maldives . For those coming from yellow fever infected regions, an international certificate of inoculation is required. A passenger service fee of US$12 is levied per person, on departure.
Air Transport
Apart from international flights operated by Malaysia , India , Sri Lanka , Singapore , the U.A.E., and a number of European countries to and from Malé International Airport , there are also regular domestic flights operated by Island Aviation to Hanimaadhoo, Kadhdhoo, Kaadhedhdhoo, and Gan. Inter-island services are operated by Trans Maldivian and the Maldivian Air Taxi, the latter having the largest air fleet. Sight-seeing trips and photo shooting trips are carried out by them.
Road Transport
Travel on most of the islands takes no more than half-an-hour on foot. Bicycles and motorbikes are popular modes of transport. Taxis are un-metered, charging Mrf 20, if hailed on the road or Mrf 15, if called on phone from
the taxi services, (325656, 323132, etc.).
Sea Transport
Local boats, or dhoani's (average speed 7 knots), are the most common means of water transport. Modern speedboats are also available for hire.
Climate of Maldives
The climate of Maldives is warm year round, determined by the monsoons. However, being on the equator, the monsoons are mild and not as defined as in neighboring countries. Of the two monsoons, the south most monsoons from May to October, brings more rain and wind. The northeast monsoon, from November to April, is the dry season with very little wind. The temperature varies little with an annual average daily maximum of 30.4 degrees Celsius and the minimum at 25.4 degrees Celsius. The annual rainfall stood at just over 1,600 millimeters in 1992. In the same year, the country, with the equator running thought it had over 2,700 hours of sunshine.
Shopping in Maldives
Male' is the best place for shopping if you are interested in buying imported goods. Most of the shops that specialize in tourists do sell a lot of local handicrafts and souvenirs. It is always best to browse through some shops before making a choice.
If you are looking for duty free shops, there are some located at the Male' International Airport . They offer a pretty good range of goods from cameras, cosmetics, electrical and electronic equipment, cigarettes and other merchandise.
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