Maldives is located Southwest of Sri Lanka, on the equator.

An archipelago of 1,190 coral islands, grouped into 26 atolls. It covers an area of about 115,300 sq. km of the Indian Ocean.

The sun shines throughout the year. It is generally warm and humid. Average daily minimum temperature is 24.9° C, and the maximum average daily temperature is 30.9 ° C.

People have been living in the Maldives for over three thousand years. Maldives have been frequented by traders and sailors crossing between Arabia and the Far East. The early settlers has brought with them their diverse backgrounds and rich heritage which have evolved to give the Maldives it own distinctive and refined culture. Many of the traditions and cultural performances are strongly related to the seas reflects our dependence on the seas around us.

People have been living in the Maldives for over three thousand years. Maldives have been frequented by traders and sailors crossing between Arabia and the Far East. The early settlers has brought with them their diverse backgrounds and rich heritage which have evolved to give the Maldives it own distinctive and refined culture. Many of the traditions and cultural performances are strongly related to the seas reflects our dependence on the seas around us.

Dhivehi, which is a language unique to the Maldives, is the language spoken in all parts of the Maldives. However, 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.

In mid 2003 the population of the Maldives was 285,066. The origin of the Maldivians are lost in antiquity. The first settlers are thought to have come mainly form India and Sri Lanka. You will definitely feel comfortable and welcome amongst Maldivian, as they are friendly and hospitable by nature.

Casual is the norm in the Maldives. For most of the time, a T-shirt and cotton clothing may be the ideal choice in Maldives. Women are requested to dress modestly while visiting the capital Male', and other inhabited islands.

The Maldivian currency is the Rufiyaa (Rf) and Laaree. The current exchange rate is 12.75. 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 Rf.2.00, Rf.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.

The Maldives economy grew at an annual average of 10% for the past two decades. Tourism has the highest share in the growth of the GDP. Fisheries and trade follow close behind. Maldives has the highest GDP per capita in the South Asian region. In 2002, GDP per capita was over US$2,000 (growth rate is 4.3). The Government welcome foreign investment, and several incentives are provided for foreign investors.

The Maldives has one of the most literate population in this region. The functional literacy rate is 98%. The education systems is based on the British system of education.

Improvements in health care has been one of the most visible signs of development of the country in recent times. 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. Sea-planes provide a convenient and fast transport service in emergencies. A decompression chamber is within easy reach of most resorts in case of a diving emergency.

GMT + 5 hours

Business Hours

The official government working week is from Sunday to Thursday 7.30 - 14.30. Private sector hours are from 9.00 to 5.00, although most offices in the private sector open for a half day on Saturday. Weekend falls on Friday and Saturday.

Up-to-date technology and international satellite links means that your are never far from home when in the Maldives. 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.

Male' is home to about 27 percent of the country's population. The Male' landscape is characterised by high-rise buildings, and is in stark contrast to the rest of the country. Most of the government offices are in Male', and most commercial activities are centred in Male'. The island is a full of contrast, from the hustle and bustle of the main market area along the harbour front, to the numerous coffee houses in the eastern side of Male' along the area known as the artificial beach. Areas of interest in Male' include, the National Museum, Islamic Centre, Hukuru Miskiiy, Jumhooree Maidhaan, the fish market, and Muleeaage. Despite a proliferation of the high rise buildings, and lack of land Male' is still relatively green and pleasant.

Electricity

The electric system is 230-240 Volts -AC.

Free 30 days Visa upon arrival for all visitors Visitors entering the Republic of Maldives should fulfil the following requirement for the grant of an entry permit into the country. - Possession of a valid international travel document issued by the Government of a Sovereign State. - Possession of a valid return air ticket to a destination where the passenger has permission to enter, together with necessary visas for the onward journey to the next destination. - Possession of minimum of US$30.00 per person per day or confirmed hotel reservation for the intended period of stay in the Maldives.

Aeroflot (Russia), Air Europe (Italy), Air Seychelles (Seychelles), Austrian Airlines (Austria), Condor (Germany), Emirates (United Arab Emirates), Eurofly Spa(Italy), Expo Aviation [Cargo Freighter] (Srilanka), Iberworld Airlines (Spain), Air Airlines (India), Kuwait Airways (Kuwait), Lauda Air Italy (Italy), LTU (Germany), Malaysia Airlines (Malaysia), Singapore Airlines (Singapore), Srilankan Airlines (Srilanka), Qatar Airways (Qatar).


Charter Flights

Aeris (France), Air 2000 Ltd (United Kingdom), Belair (Switzerland), Blue Panorama (Italy), Corsair International (France), Edelweiss Air (Switzerland), Monarch Airways (United Kingdom), My Travel Airways (United Kingdom), Srilankan Airlines [Cargo Freighter] (Srilanka), Transaero Airlines (Russia).

The import of firearms, liquor, drugs and pornography are prohibited. An official license is required for import of alcohol. Alcohol is available in all the resorts and not sold / available in Male'. Dogs, Pigs, and pork products are prohibited. Special permission should be sought to bring the personal pets (dogs not allowed).

The international airport is an island by itself. It is located about 4 kilometres / 2 miles from the capital, Male’. On arrival your passport will be checked by immigration officials and they will issue you your thirty-day on-arrival visa. Your luggage maybe picked up at the carousel. All inbound passenger’s luggage are screened at the airport by custom’s officials. This is done electronically. They rarely ask for inspection of luggage, but do keep your keys handy incase an officer asks you to open an item for inspection.

Immigration Procedure

Disembarkation and Embarkation card shall be filled by every passenger and submitted to the Immigration Officer on entry.

If you have a reservation at a tourist resort, guesthouse or safari yacht, a representative of your host will normally welcome you at the Arrivals Point. There are also several travel agency and resort counters at the Arrival Point if you are not received on arrival. Your host representative will show you to your transfer, which may be either a speedboat or seaplane.