Easy traveling to the Maldives
If your idea of paradise is a pristine tropical island with swaying palm trees and pure white beaches surrounded by crystalline lagoons of varying shades of blue - then the Maldives Islands will definitely fit the bill.
Indeed, it is not without reason that the Maldives Islands has been described as '(the) flower of the Indies' by Marco Polo and 'one of the wonders of the world' by Ibn Batuta.
Location On the equator, southwest of Sri Lanka on the Indian Ocean.
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 to wear modest clothing.
Population About 298,842 according to 2006 census. Origin of the Maldivians are lost in antiquity, but history reveals that the islands have been populated for over 5,000 years.
Good and affordable tour operator:
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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 Maldives 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 Maldives 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
