Location | Geography |
Climate | What to wear |
Population
Culture | Language | Economy
| Currency | Education |
Health
Local Time | Business Hours |
Communication | Electricity
 Location
Southwest of Sri Lanka, on the equator.
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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.
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Climate
Generally warm and humid. Sun shines all year through. Average
temperature around 29 - 32 degrees Celsius.
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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 without baring too much.
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Population
About 270,000 according to 1998 estimates. Origin of the Maldivians are
lost in antiquity, but history reveals that the islands have been
populated for over 3,000 years ago. Early settlers were travellers on
the Silk Route and from the Indus Valley Civilisation. Inherently warm,
friendly and hospitable by nature, it is easy to feel comfortable and
relaxed with a Maldivian.
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Culture
A proud history and rich culture evolved from the first settlers who
were from various parts of the world travelling the seas in ancient
times. The Maldives has been a melting pot of different cultures as
people from different parts of the world came here and settled down.
Some of the local music and dance for instance resemble African
influences, with handbeating of drums and songs in a language that is
not known to any but certainly represents that of East African
countries. As one would expect there is a great South Asian influence in
some of the music and dancing and especially in the traditional food of
the Maldivians. However many of the South Asian customs especially with
regard to women - for instance the Sub Continent's tradition of
secluding women from public view - are not tenets of life here. In fact
women play a major role in society - not surprising considering the fact
men spend the whole day out at sea fishing. Many of the traditions are
strongly related to the seas and the fact that life is dependent on the
seas around us.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Education
The functional literacy rate is 98%. Educational standards are among the
highest in the region and schools follow the British system of
education.
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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.
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Local Time
GMT + 5 hours
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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.
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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, the Maldives Telecommunications Company also provides
mobile telephones for daily rental. It is also the Internet service
provider.
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Electricity
The electric system is 230-240 Volts -AC
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