The Maldives consists of 26 natural atolls scattered over an area of 90,000 sq. km, The Atolls are made up of 1,190 Islands and are in the equator between 7°6″ north and 0°42″ South and longitudes 72°32″ and 73°46″ east.
Maldives Geography
The Atolls which make up the Islands are formed by corals. The islands are love lying with 8 feet above sea level being the high point. Reef structures in ring shapes forms the atolls and the natural defense which stops the wind and wave actions on the delicate islands.
Maldives History
The history of the Maldives is filled with myth and legend which are told from generation to generation by the islands residents. According to Archeological records, the first time anyone stepped ashore on the Maldives was 5000 years ago and was first colonized between the 400 and 500 BC.
1st Century the Romans give the islands it’s name.
2nd Century AD famous geographer, Ptolemy refers to the Maldives.
362 AD Roman historian records say gifts were sent from the Maldives to Emperor Julian
662 AD Historical Chinese documents say that the Chinese Emperor Kao-Tsung of Tang Dynasty receives gifts from the King of Maldives.
1153 The Maldives officially convert to Islam
1558 Maldives invaded by the Portuguese
1573 Maldives liberated from the Portuguese by Mohamed Thakurufaanu
1752 The Maldives invaded by the Malabars who rule for 3 months
1887 Maldives and Great Britain make a Protectorate agreement
1953 Maldives form the first Republic
1954 The Maldives fails to be run as a Republic
1965 The Maldives get their Independence from the British
1968 Beginning of the second Republic as the monarchy ends,
1972 The first Island resort developed in which the first tourists arrive the very same year.
Maldives Air condition and weather
The Maldives is warm all year round, with a tropical climate. Due to the tropical climate the weather very rarely changes on the paradise islands. On average the warmest time of the year on the Islands is April where as the coldest time is December. The driest month of the year is February. Because the Maldives is situated on the Equatorial belt, it is very rear to experience storms.
Maldives Music
Brought to the island in the 19th century by African slaves, the island’s most popular dance and music is Bodu Beru Adadaki. Western pop and Indian music is also very popular on the island.
What to wear
The Maldives is warm throughout the year. Light cotton clothing is preferable. Tee shirts, skirts and shorts are always proffered.
Maldives Customs
It is forbidden for Firearms, drugs, pornography, alcohol, etc. to be taken into the country like in many international airports around the world. Dogs, pigs and pig products are also forbidden from being brought from outside the county. Hotels in the Maldives already provide a wide range of food and drinks including alcohol and pork. Food and drink products brought into the country will be taken by customs on arrival and will be given back on departure.
Maldives Health
All health treatments are present in the country. If you are traveling from a country with high risk of viruses, you will be examined in the airport before entering the country.
Maldives Information office
The Maldives tourism information office is situated in the airport where you can get all the information and brochures which interest you.
Maldives Sports Centres
The Maldivian people are sports enthusiasts and like to play and follow all sorts of games. Football is the country’s most popular sport and tournaments are organized all year round. Volleyball, swimming competitions, basketball, cricket, athletics, badminton and tennis are also very popular and tournaments are constantly organized for the games.
Maldives Facilities
Male has a wide variety of sports centres, Aerobic salons and fitness centres. Playing billiards is one of the most common activities Maldivians do in their spear time. There are also many SPA centres and diving centres on the Island. Surfing and windsurfing is the country’s most rising sports.
Maldives Bookshops
Mali has a wide range of bookshops where you can find almost any book you are looking for. You can also find famous international books from all over the world.
Maldives Banks
The HSBC, State Bank of India, Bank of Ceylon and Habib Bank all have branches in Male and other major Islands in the country. The country’s national bank is The Bank of Maldives and has several branches in Male and in Seenu Atol Hithadhoo, Haa Dhaalu Atoll Kulhudhufushi and Lhaviyani Atoll Naifaru which are popular destinations for tourists. You can also find a branch of the bank in the Male International Airport.
Maldives ATMs
Several Bank of Maldives and other banks ATM’s are located in key areas of the country with some ATM’s offering services for major credit cards also.
