THE REPUBLIC OF MALDIVES
Overview
For a long time, the Republic of Maldives was one of the best-kept secrets in the world; a beautiful string of low-lying coral islands in the Indian Ocean, a paradise for water sports and sun seekers. Now the islands are developing quickly to become an increasingly popular long-haul destination. The country's 26 natural atolls offer nautical delights from night-fishing trips, windsurfing and scuba-diving. Many islands embrace enormous lagoons, where bright blue-green water laps gently.
Yet, even in paradise, trouble can bubble beneath the surface. It is precisely because the Maldives are so low-lying (80% of the territory is less than 1m/3.3ft above sea level), so transparent and perfect for snorkelling, that their very existence is especially threatened by global warming. They are also particularly vulnerable to natural catastrophe, as shown in the devastating tsunami on 26 December 2004: of the Maldives' 199 inhabited islands, 20 were completely destroyed. These factors need to be seriously discussed by the international community in future years. Otherwise, paradise really might be lost.
Key Facts
The Maldives are a group of islands in the Indian Ocean, 500km (300 miles) southwest of the southern tip of India.
Time : GMT + 5.
Area : 298 sq km (115 sq miles).
Population : 370,000 (CIA estimate 2007).
Population Density : 1,242per sq km.
Capital : Malé. Population: 83,000 (UN estimate 2003).
Geography : The Republic of Maldives consists of about 1,190 low-lying coral islands, of which only 200 are inhabited. Most of the inhabited islands are covered by lush tropical vegetation and palm trees, while the numerous uninhabited islands, some of which are mere sand spits or coral tips, are covered in shrubs. Each island is surrounded by a reef enclosing a shallow lagoon. Hundreds of these islands together with other coral growth form an atoll, surrounding a lagoon. All the islands are low-lying, none more than 2m (7ft) above sea level.
Government : Republic since 1965. Gained independence from the UK in 1965.
Head of State : President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom since 1978.
Recent History : President Gayoom is Asia's longest-serving leader, re-elected for a record sixth five-year term in 2003, having first taken office in 1978. The Maldives has been relatively stable under his rule, despite attempted coups in the 1980s. Human rights groups accused Gayoom of running an autocratic state and anti-government violence flared in the streets. The Maldives was hit by the December 2004 Asian tsunami. Homes and resorts were destroyed, and a major rebuilding programme was consequently put into place.
Language : The national language is Dhivehi. English is widely used as a business language in government offices and the commercial sector. Other languages are widely used within tourist areas.
Religion : The indigenous population is almost entirely Sunni Muslim.
Electricity : 230 volts AC, 50Hz. Round-pin plugs are used, although square-pin plugs are now becoming more common.
Social Conventions : The majority of the indigenous population does not mix with the tourist visitors, with the exception of those involved with tourism in the resorts and Malé. Dress is informal, but locals who are Muslim will be offended by nudity or scanty clothing in public places, and the government rigidly enforces these standards. Bikinis and other scanty beachwear are not acceptable in Malé or on any other inhabited island; they should be restricted to resort islands only. When entering a mosque, the legs and the body, but not the neck and the face, should be covered. Handshaking is the most common form of greeting. The indigenous population not involved in the tourist trade lives in isolated island communities maintaining almost total privacy. A large number of locals smoke, but smoking and eating during Ramadan is discouraged.
Passport/ Visa
For the following nationalities a passport, visa and return ticket are required:
British, Australian, Canadian, USA, EU.
Visas : Tourist visas for 30 days will be issued on arrival at the immigration desk at Maldives International Airport only and are free of charge to all visitors in possession of valid travel documents. Foreign visitors who enter the Maldives must be in possession of return or onward tickets and a minimum of US$100 and US$50 per person per day or confirmed hotel reservation for the intended period of stay in the Maldives. Tourist visas can be extended,by 90 days (including the initial 30 days granted on arrival) by applying to the immigration department.
Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the high commission/embassy for visa requirements.
Currency : Maldivian Rufiya (MVR; symbol MRf) = 100 laari. Notes are in denominations of MRf500, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of MRf2 and 1, and 50, 25, 10, 5, 2 and 1 laari. Currency Exchange : Major currencies can be exchanged at banks, tourist resort islands, hotels and leading shops. Payments in hotels can be made in most hard currencies (particularly US Dollars) in cash, traveler's checks or credit cards.
Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs : Most major island resorts, local and souvenir shops will accept American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa. Arrangements vary from island to island. There are ATMs at a few places on Capital Island.
Traveler's Checks : These are generally accepted in Pounds Sterling and US Dollars. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take traveler's checks in US Dollars.
Banking Hours : Sun-Thurs 0730-1430.
Health
Vaccinations
|
Special Precautions |
|---|---|
Diphtheria |
Sometimes |
Hepatitis A |
Yes |
Malaria |
No |
Rabies |
Sometimes |
Tetanus |
Yes |
Typhoid |
Yes |
Yellow Fever |
No* |
Inoculation regulations can change at short notice. Please take medical advice in the case of doubt. Where 'Sometimes' appears in the table above, precautions may be required, depending on the season and region visited. |
|
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travelers coming from infected areas.
-
For the most current information, please see the Center for Disease Control Website
Phone: 1-800-311-3435
Website: http://www.gov/healthservices/immunize
Food and Drink : The water provided in the resort areas is generally safe to drink. In other areas, water of uncertain origin used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Food in hotels and resorts is usually risk free, although visitors should be cautious elsewhere.
Health Care : There are two hospitals on Malé, the Indhira Gandhi Memorial Hospital and the ADK private hospital. First-aid facilities are available on all resort islands. A decompression chamber is accessible at most resorts in case of diving emergencies. Medical treatment in the Maldives can be very expensive and comprehensive health insurance is recommended.
Top Things To See
•Admire the superb collection of artefacts, including Sultanese thrones and palanquins, in Malé's National Museum, located in Sultan's Park.
• Opt for some aerial sightseeing and photo flights for an astonishing glimpse of the islands and a blue panorama.
• Pop your head into the beautiful 17th-century Hukuru (Friday Mosque) in Malé. The Islamic Centre, topped with a magnificent golden dome, is worth a visit. There are over 20 mosques scattered around the capital.
• See the Maldives Victory Wreck (which sank in 1981), lying on the western side of Hulule. This is a dive for experienced divers.
• Spot fish (notably grey reef shark), giant snappers and tropical reef fish at Mushimasmingili Thila (Shark Thila), located in the northern section of the Ari Atoll.
Getting Around By Air
Internal air services are operated by Island Aviation Services (Q2) (website: www.island.com.mv), linking Malé with Kaadedhdhoo, Kadhdhoo and Gan. There are also services to Hanimaadhoo in the north. A number of companies operate seaplane and helicopter services around the Maldives. The transfer from the airport to the resort islands may be an optional extra on the tour. These services are also available for trips around the islands.
Getting Around By Water
Visitors generally remain on their resort island for the duration of their stay, although island-hopping trips by ferries are widely available. Local charter boats are also easily available for hire. High-speed boats meet arrivals at the airport, supplied by the resort they are booked with, and boats are available for hire at the ferry counter near the jetty area. The speedboats connect the airport with Ari Atoll and some outlying islands.
Getting Around By Road
Travel on individual islands does not present any problem since few of them take longer than half an hour to cross on foot. In Malé, it is possible to take taxis.
Communications MediaTelephone : Country code: 960.
Mobile Telephone : Roaming agreements exist with most international mobile phone companies. Coverage is excellent throughout the islands. Handsets can be hired by the day.
Internet : The Internet can be accessed from most areas of the Maldives. Malé, the capital, has several Internet cafes and almost all resorts have Internet connections.
Post : Airmail to Western Europe takes about one week.
Post office hours: Sat-Thurs 0730-1330 and 1600-1750. Media Criticism of the state is limited, and the government occasionally closes media outlets for this reason. Self-regulation by the media has meant that there has been only isolated official action against journalists.
Press : Local dailies which publish in the Dhivehi language have some English-language pages and concentrate on local and regional topics. The Maldives News Bulletin is published weekly in English. The other dailies Aafathis Daily News, Haveeru Daily and Miadhu News have English sections. Information about local events is widely available on all the resort islands.
TV : The government controls the sole TV service, Television Maldives (TVM), which operates two channels.
Radio : The government controls the state radio station Voice of Maldives. Radio Eke is also state owned. Climate
The Maldives have a hot tropical climate. There are two monsoons, the southwest from May to October and the northeast from November to April. Generally the southwest brings more wind and rain in June and July. The temperature rarely falls below 25°C (77°F).
Required Clothing
Lightweight cottons and linens throughout the year. Light waterproofs are advised during the rainy season.
Map
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