Maldives Country Guide

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.

From Sunday to Thursday 7.30 - 2.30 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. Shops are open until 23.00 and restaurants are open until 01.00. Weekends fall on Fridays and Saturdays.

The weather in Maldives is influenced by two monsoons; the northeast monsoon and the southwest monsoon from November to April brings fine weather coincides with the high tourist season. The southwest monsoon from May to October is often wet and rainy. However, this period provides the best surf.

The functional literacy rate is 98%. Educational standards are among the highest in the region and schools follow the British system of education.

- Narcotics and psychotropic substances
- Pornographic material
- Live pigs
- Religious materials offensive to Islam
- Idols (for worship)
- Arms and ammunition
- Alcohol and Spirits
- Pork and its by-products
- Dogs
- Dangerous animals

Items allowed when accompanied with certificates

- Live plants and animals - a valid phytosanitary / sanitary certificate required
- Medicines - doctor's medical prescription required.

Malé is the capital and the largest city in the Maldives. Hithadhoo is the country's second largest city and was the temporary home of the Suvadive secessionist movement.

The majority of Maldivians are Muslims, although the local population is an amalgamation of Sinhalese, Arab and South Indian influences. Alcohol, dogs, pork and following a non-Muslim faith in public is banned on all inhabited islands. The tourist resorts function in a sort of bubble where anything goes.

The weekend is observed on Friday and Saturday in the Maldives; government offices, banks and many of the shops are closed on these days. At the resorts, there is no such timetable, except that the lunch hour might be shifted to accommodate Friday prayers.

Even paradise has its costs and the Maldives is no exception. There really are no budget options for either accommodation or transportation in the Maldives, as the resorts have a complete monopoly on providing services and charge for everything. For a couple staying at a mid range resort, estimate about $1,000 per week for food, drinks and excursions, beyond what you pay for accommodation and air tickets. All services at the hotel have an extra 10% 'service charge', although tips are still expected above this amount.

Temperatures are generally warm and humid. Sun shines all year through. Average temperature is around 29-32 degrees Celsius. Click on this Maldives weather link to view the current weather in Malé (the capital).

The international dialling code for the Maldives is +960. To dial internationally from within the Maldives, dial 00 followed by the relevant country code and phone number.

Emergency numbers in the Maldives are: Ambulance - 102, Police - 119, Fire - 118 and Coast Guard - 191.

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 first telecommunication company, has been operating for the past 17 years. It was the only service provider for the whole country until Wataniya Telecom International entered the market. Consumers have gained numerous benefits due to strong competition between these two rivals.

Internet cafes can be found in the capital of Malé. Most hotels & resorts will also have some kind of internet facility. You will find internet on most islands, whilst being scarce on some of the more remote islands.

International post from the Maldives can take around one week to Europe, longer for other destinations.

Maldives is well connected to the rest of the world, with international direct dial phones, fax services and Internet access available at all resorts. Cruising vessels usually have wireless phone services and VHF radio as well. The country's mobile network is expanding rapidly and prepaid mobile kits and roaming services are easily available.

Prior to 1995, telephone services were only available to a few islands. By 2000, all inhabited islands had access to telecommunication. Dhiraagu and Wataniya Telecommunication Mobile Services are widely used by locals as well as expatriates living in the Maldives. 98% of the country’s population are connected via mobile phones; essentially there is one mobile phone for every person. The Maldives has a fully digital mobile network.

GSM Services

There is GSM coverage in all of the Maldives' resorts and over 105 islands, reaching more than 73% of the population. With GSM International Roaming services available through more than 158 operators in over 70 countries, 75% of international visitors will be able to use their mobile phones in the Maldives.

Internet Services

Introduced into the country in October 1996, Internet services were initially limited to dial-up at speeds of up to 38.8 kbps. Since then, services have been substantially improved to offer high-speed access and multiple access, at reduced costs. There is a choice of PSTN or ISDN dial-up, ADSL broadband, dedicated leased lines and direct satellite access.

Dhiraagu & ROL are the Maldives Internet leasing companies which have recently embracing optic fiber submarine cables providing Internet speeds at 4Mbps. There are many cyber cafes in Male’ and in some of the few atolls offering public Internet services.

The currency of Maldives is the Rufiyaa (Rf), which is divided into 100 Larees. Rufiyaa notes come in several denominations, with notes in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 500; coins come in 1, 2 and Larees some in 25 and 50.

Most resorts in the Maldives do have foreign exchange facilities and will let you make payments in hard currencies, like the US Dollar, the Great Britian and EUROs, as well as by credit card and traveller's cheques.

There is no restriction on import or export of foreign and local currencies, so that is a definite advantage when visiting the Maldives. The Maldives Monetary Authority is the country's first central bank and is found in central locations. Here you can convert all major foreign currencies into the local Maldives Rufiyaa. Banks in Maldives are open Monday to Friday from 8:30 to 13:30 in the morning and open after lunch until 21:00.

The US dollar is the most commonly converted foreign currency in the Maldives. Most hotels and resorts offer exchange facilities and currency is easily exchanged at the airport as well.

To view the current Maldives exchange rate, clink on this link to OANDA.com - The Currency Site.

The electric system is 220-240 Volts AC.

To view a list of Maldives embassies around the world, as well as foreign embassies within the Maldives, click on this link to EmbassyWorld.com.

Population - 298,968 people (as of 2006 census)
Total Area - 300 square kilometres
Capital - Malé (which is home to one-quarter of the population)
Time Zone - GMT + 5 hours time

To view the current time in Malé, click on this link to TimeAndDate.com.

The primary language in the Maldives is Dhivehi and is quite similar to languages spoken in South East Asia, especially languages in Sri Lanka and North India, and incorporates many Hindi, English and Arabic words.

The original inhabitants spoke an ancient form of Singhalese called 'Elu', which has undergone several transformations to its current form of Dhivehi. The script is written from left to right as it includes many Arabic words. The modern day Thaana script was created during the sixteenth century after the overthrow of the Portuguese. Probably the oldest Dhivehi lettering has been etched on copper plates and is known as the 'Loamaafaanu'. This script uses letters and vowels individually above or below the letters to create distinctive sounds.

The administration of the Maldives used Dhivehi as its script and till the 1960s schools also taught in Dhivehi, but higher education used English medium teaching, making English widely spoken, written and understood by the locals.  

Useful Dhivehi phrases

Hello - Assalaamu Alaikum
Yes - Aan
No - Noon
What is your name? - Kon nameh kiyanee?
How are you? - Kihineh?
Good - Rangalhu
Thank you - Shukuriyaa
I am sorry - Ma-aafu kurey
Where is it? - Kobaa
How much does it cost? - Agu kihaavareh?
What time are we leaving? - Aharemen dhanee kon irakun?
What time is it? - Gadin kihaa ireh?
Where are you going? - Kon thanakah thi dhanee?
How long does it take? - Kihaa ireh nagaanee?
Goodbye - Dhanee

Follow the link to view a list of current public holidays in Maldives during 2010. Holidays in Maldives are commonly moved by a day or two, and other holidays are sometimes declared without prior notice. Friday is a weekend.

The citizens of Maldives are Sunni Muslims and Islam is followed in every aspect of their lives, including prayers that are held five times every day in mosques on all inhabited islands. The Islamic Centre's golden dome dominates the capital city of Malé when it is seen from both air and water. The mosque was inaugurated in 1984, by the government of President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, in an effort to strengthen and uphold the nation's character.

The mosque is very well planned and equipped to cater to many important official engagements as well as regular prayer meetings. With dark woodcarvings depicting the history of their religion and serving as a spiritual inspiration, the mosque is an absolute work of beauty. In a wonderful juxtaposition of technology and tradition, worshippers can see both the modern communication tower at the postal building and the refined minaret of the Islamic Centre.

At night the view of the mosque is absolutely breathtaking and very spiritual. As one of the most beautiful mosques in all of Asia, it is a great place for reflection.

The Sunnis, who are the most traditional of Islamic sects and also the largest in the world, believe that 'There is no God but Allah' and in 'Muhammad' as the messenger of Allah. Maldivians also believe in the afterlife and in the final judgement that determines whether they go to heaven or hell. The deciding factor is right conduct, which includes keeping the five pillars of the Islamic religion and repeating 'There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is the prophet of Allah', offering prayers five times every day (dawn, midday, mid-afternoon, sunset and after dark), giving alms to those less fortunate than yourself, making a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once and fasting during the holy month of Ramadan.

Visitor visas for the Maldives are issued by the Maldivian Embassy/Consulate and are stamped on the inside of passports. For tourists who wish to stay for 30 days, a visa is given on arrival in the Maldives. There are no formal requirements for such a visa.

Requirements to acquire a Maldives Visa

The following requirements must be met in order to get a Maldives Visa:

1) Valid international travel documents
2) Valid return air tickets
3) Proof of sufficient funds to cover the period of stay.

Visa Extension Requirements

To extend an existing visa, you need to apply for a visa extension; for this you will have to go to an immigration office in the capital city of Malé to buy an Extension of Tourist Visa form. You will also need someone local to sponsor you - this could be a travel agent or the manager of the resort where you are staying.

While entry permits and visas are granted upon arrival to visitors in Maldives, these are strictly for tourist activities and visitors are not allowed to set up a business, take a job or live in the country permanently.

The Maldives are a group of islands situated in the Indian Ocean, and lying in Southern Asia to the south-southwest of India. To view a map of the Maldives, click on this link to WorldAtlas.com.

Located on the equator, south west of Sri Lanka, the coral reef islands of Maldives consist of a total of 1,190 islands, forming an archipelago of 26 natural atolls that are groups of neighbouring coral islands. The 26 atolls are divided into 19 administrative atolls with the capital Malé as the twentieth division. When seen from the air, these atolls and islands create beautiful patterns against the clear blue seas of the Indian Ocean.

Stretching north to south for 823 km and 130 km from east to west, only 250 of the country's numerous islands are inhabited, with over 90 of them having been converted into exclusive resort islands. Of the country's total area, 99% is covered by the sea and only 298 kilometre squared (115 sq mi) or 0.331% is land.

Maldives has a unique reef structure known as ‘faru', which are a succession of circular reefs. Strong ocean currents along with monsoon winds form these reef structures. It is quite easy to navigate from one atoll to another. The islands are covered with a six-inch layer of dark humus that is composed of sand and organic material collected over centuries from animals and vegetation. There is a layer of sandstone about 2 ft deep below this, under which there is a layer of sand with freshwater below. Some islands have a high water table level and there are many freshwater lakes. The islands have a tropical look and feel with green vegetation, a profusion of coconut trees, dense shrubs and a variety of flowering plants.

Since the islands are rarely more than 6 feet above sea level, atoll reefs that surround them protect them from the ocean and wind. There has been a significant amount of erosion on islands that are close to the windward reefs. There was significant damage in 1812 and 1955 when gales destroyed many of the northern islands. Alifu Atoll or 'Hagngnaameedhoo' suffered tremendous losses in 1964 when it was flooded by high waves. The capital city of Malé was also flooded in 1987 after a severe storm. Scientists have predicted that as the sea level continues to rise due to global warming, all of Maldives could be swept away in the next fifty years. The government has started work on one its biggest projects ever along with the help of the Japanese - the construction of a precautionary breakwater on the southern reef of Malé. Thanks to these artificial measures, the coral reefs of Maldives have begun to flourish after being protected from natural calamities.

The Maldives have been ruled by a series of kings or Radun, sultans and even queens or Ranin, and sultanas. Since it is located on a strategic marine route of the Indian Ocean, the islands have played an important role over the centuries. The country has maintained close ties to its closest neighbours of Sri Lanka and India, both culturally and economically. The country was the main supplier of cowry shells that were used as currencies in all of Asia and on the East African coast.

European colonial powers took over the islands in the sixteenth century and took control over most of the trading in the Indian Ocean, with the Portuguese initially, then Dutch and the French intermittently, all of whom meddled in the local politics. All of these interferences came to an end in the nineteenth century, when the country became a British protectorate and Maldivian rulers were allowed a certain amount of self-governance.

The Maldives gained their independence in 1965, although the British maintained their air base on Gan island, the southernmost island in Maldives, till 1976. Since their departure took place at the height of the Cold War, there was a lot of international speculation on who would come to occupy the base. The Soviet Union apparently requested the use of the base but this was denied by the Maldives.

The biggest challenge that the country faced in the 1990s was with regard to economic development and modernising the country, which seemed a considerably hard task given that the country relied on fishing, agriculture and tourism for its income. There has also been a lot of concern about rising sea levels that would prove to be very dangerous to these coral islands.

The population of Maldives is approximately 300,000 (as at the 2006 census). Maldivians are spread across the islands, although a quarter of the total population lives in the capital city of Malé. People in villages are usually quite cautious about foreigners, preferring to observe them from a distance first. Once over their initial trepidation, the islanders are very welcoming and will usually have the island chief in the lead in offering a cool coconut drink and healthy seafood snacks.

Most Maldivians are quite athletic and are natural swimmers and divers; they have a flair for tennis, cricket and badminton too. All Maldivians are also either soccer fans or players themselves. Young people in the Maldives are encouraged to be good at mental and moral studies while also being physically fit. Old Muslim customs and traditions are still honoured, and you will find the people of these islands very friendly and honest - these are values highly cherished in the country.

The Maldivian government has shown a strong commitment to improve the life of its islanders and gives great encouragement to young people to go for higher education. The government also sponsors students to study abroad so that they can offer their services to the country when the return. Many young women are in key roles of the Maldivian government in an effort to serve their people and country.

The festivals are a great time to visit Maldives, when you will be able to see women dressed in their traditional clothes as they prepare for grand celebrations like their Independence Day. Prayers are held five times a day at all of the city's mosques and everyone joins in to rejoice.

Health care facilities are improving almost on a daily basis. The Indhira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) in Malé 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.

Dress is generally casual. T-shirts and cotton clothing are most suitable. In Malé, the capital island and other inhabited islands it is recommended that women wear modest clothing without baring too much.

Maldives has 26 natural atolls which have been divided into 20 administrative atolls and one city. The smallest atoll is Meemu Atoll with only one island (the largest island in Maldives). The largest atoll in both Maldives and the whole world is Gaafu Alif Atoll which is just south of the One and a Half Degree Channel.

Each atoll is administered by an Atoll Chief (Atholhu Veriyaa) appointed by the President (Maumoon Abdul Gayoom). Atoll chiefs administer as directed by the president. The Ministry of Atoll Administration and its Northern and Southern Regional Offices, Atoll Offices and Island Offices are collectively responsible to the President for Atolls Administration. The administrative head of each island is the Island Chief (Katheeb), appointed by the Ministry of Atolls Administration. The Island Chief's immediate superior is the Atoll Chief.

The origin of the Maldivians is 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. The population of Maldives has increased rapidly during the last few decades. However with a population of approximately 300,000 the country still remains one of the smallest independent nations in Asia. About a quarter of the population is resident in Malé the capital. Outside Malé the largest population are in Hithadhoo in Addu Atoll, Fuamulah and Kulhudhufushi in Haa Dhaalu Atoll with 9,640, 7243 and 6,354 respectively. The rest is dispersed sparsely in the rest of the 250 inhabited islands.