Maldives at a Glance



Official Name : Republic of Maldives
Number of Islands : 1190 (approx.)
Inhabited Islands : 200 ( approx.)
Tourist Resorts : 100 ( approx.)
Population : 270,101 ( census 2000 )
Capital : Male
Airports : International:- 1 ( Male International Airport ) Domestic:- 4
Currency ( Code ) : Maldivian Rufiyaa ( MVR )
Exchange Rate : MVR 12.72 Per US$ 01.00 ( average )
Time Zone : Maldives Standard Time is five hours ahead of GMT. ( +5 )
Business Hours : Government offices:- 07 30 hrs – 14 30 hrs Banks :- 08 00 hrs- 13 30 hrs
Official Weekly Holidays : Friday & Saturday
International Calling Code : +960
Independence : 26th July 1965

Flag

Emblem



Religion : Islam
Ethnic Group : Dhivehis
Languages : Dhivehi (official and national language), English is the Second language.
Electricity : 240 volts, 50 Hz.
National Flower : The Pink Rose
National Tree : Coconut Palm
Major Industries : Tourism, Fishing and Shipping.
Major Exports : Tuna & Reef fish
Major Imports : MConsumer goods, capital goods and petroleum
Location : Consists of 1190 islands grouped into 26 natural atolls scattered over an area of 90,000 sq. km straddling the equator between latitudes 7°6” north and 0°42” south and longitudes 72°32” and 73°46” east.
Climate : Tropical, Average temp. 30 deg. C With only two seasons – the South West Monsoon from May to November and the North East Monsoon from December to April. While the South West Monsoon tends to bring with it more rain normally in June and July, the North East Monsoon is considered to be relatively rain-free.
Tourist Resorts : Each Resort is a separate uninhabited island and the luxurious Resorts amongst Resort Islands, are equipped with all modern conveniences, are the most sought after. The activities such as lawn tennis, football, volleyball, billiards & etc.. are available in most resorts in addition to a Water Sport Center including diving facilities which is one of the most important facilities in any resort. Most Resorts organise excursions to fishing villages and trips to Male for Shopping & etc.
Water Sports Adventure : The water sports adventures in Maldives is one of the main reason to make a tour to this island of corals. Water-Sports is a prime attraction for the adventure seeking tourists who love to indulge in water sports activities like surfing, skiing, speed boating, Snorkeling and also diving.
Diving : Maldives is home to some of the most diverse marine fauna and flora in the world. Tens of thousands of reefs, a thousand recorded species of fish, over two hundred species of coral and hundreds more species of other marine life; no wonder many see this as one of the greatest dive destinations on earth.
Resort Entertainment : From resort to resort the entertainment in the evenings differs widely. Some resorts provide a more club like atmosphere and may have a weekly program of animation with professional entertainers. Almost all resorts offer disco and live music either with their inhouse DJs and bands or visiting bands from Male’. Some resorts include traditional dance and music in their entertainment programs.