Maldives Holiday Travel Guide
Quick Facts
Location
Southwest of Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean, on the
equator.
Geography
1,190 coral islands, forming an archipelago of 26
natural atolls. Stretches 820 kilometres north to
south and 120 kilometres east to west. 202 are inhabited,
87 are exclusive resort islands.
Climate
Generally warm and humid. Sun shines all year through.
Average temperature around 29 - 32 degrees Celsius.
Population
About 298,000 according to 2006 estimates. Origin
of the Maldivians are lost in antiquity, but history
reveals that the islands have been populated for over
5,000 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.
Culture
The Maldivian culture is rich with flavours from most
of the seafarers who set foot on its soil. Traditional
dances and music may not be an everyday event but
there are occasions where traditional music and dances
are performed. Though traditional dresses are not
used by present day generation there are many types
of traditional dresses made for both sexes.
Like the unique geographical formation, the cultural
events and ceremonials are unique according to the
event that is celebrated or performed. Naming a newborn
child, Bodumaloodhu (a prayer accompanied with festive
meal), Eid festival and circumcision of male child
are few events that take place where the taste of
rich cultural 'cocktail' can be experienced. Bodu
beru (big drum) performanceis the best-known form
of performance of traditional music and dance where
females and males participate. Bandiyaa (a dance performed
by woman), Thaara (dance performed by male) is among
the top traditional music and dances practiced in
the Maldive Islands.
Traditional food basically fish used as the main
component has been influenced from the Indian subcontinent.
Garudhya (tuna soup), spicy curry and rice are the
stable food of most of the population. Most other
dishes such as western meals like pasta are normally
modified with a flavour of tuna in it when prepared
for local consumption. Other meats and chicken are
normally eaten in special occasions.
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.
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 30% of the
GDP. Fisheries and trade follow close behind. The
Maldivian economy is regarded as exemplary in the
region and welcomes foreign investment.
Currency
The Maldivian currency is the Rufiyaa and Laaree.
The exchange rate for US Dollar at currently (2006)
is MRf.12.75 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.
Education
The functional literacy rate is 98%. Educational standards
are among the highest in the region and schools follow
the British system of education.
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.
Local Time
GMT + 5 hours
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.
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.
Electricity
The electric system is 230-240 Volts -AC
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