Maldives

The Maldives, a geological marvel nestled in the middle of the Indian Ocean, are made up of 1,190 coral islands that form an archipelago of 26 major atolls. Each of these atolls is fringed with abundance of exotic live corals and a rainbow of marine lives.

Maldives is about the sun, sand and sea, a thousand ‘Robinson Crusoe’ islands with massive lagoons of different depths and infinite shades of blue and turquoise; a perfect natural combination for the ideal tropical holiday destination. Nontheless, there is a lot more to the Maldives than just that, visit Maldives and discover the beauty of the destination yourself!

 Key Facts

• Location: Southwest of Sri Lanka, straddling the equator. Latitudes 4 degree 17 north and longitudes 73 degree 50 east.
• 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.
• Population: Approx. 298,968 according to 2006 Census.
• 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. 
• Currency: The Maldivian currency is the Rufiyaa and Laari. The exchange rate for US Dollar is fixed at MRf.12.85 for the dollar. 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.
• Local Time:  GMT + 5 hours
• Business Hours: From Sundays to Thursdays 0800hrs to 1600hrs in the government sector and generally from 0900hrs to 1700hrs in the private sector. Additionally, most offices in the private sector are open half day on Saturdays. Weekend falls on Fridays and Saturdays.
• 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 and Wataniya; the telecommunications companies in the Maldives also provides mobile phones for daily rental and internet service.
• 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