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Location: South West of Sri Lanka, on the equator. Geography: 1,190 coral reef islands, forming an archipelago of 26 major atolls. Stretches 820 km north to south and 120 km east to west. 200 islands are inhabited, 74 are exclusive resort islands. Climate: Generally warm and humid. Sun shines all year through. Average temperature around 29 - 32 degrees Celsius. What to wear: Dress is generally casual. T-shirts and cotton clothing are most suitable. In Male', the capital island, it is recommended that women wear modest clothing without baring too much. Population: 263,189 people according to the 1997 estimate. Origins of the Maldivians are lost in antiquity, but history reveals that the islands have been populated since 3,000 years ago. Early settlers were travellers on the Silk Route, and from the Indus Valley civilization. Inherently warm, friendly and hospitable by nature, it is to feel comfortable and relaxed with the Maldivians. Culture: A proud history and rich culture evolved from the time of the first settlers who were from various parts of the world travelling the sea in ancient times. Language: Dhivehi is the language spoken in all parts of the Maldives. English is widely spoken by the Maldivians, and every visitor can make himself understood when getting around the capital island. In the resorts, a variety of languages are spoken by the staff including English, German, Italian, French and Japanese. Economy: The Maldives economy is growing at an average of over 10 percent since the past two decades. Tourism is the main industry, contributing close to 20 percent to 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 Rufiyas and Laaris. The exchange rate for US Dollars is Rufiya 11.72 for one US Dollar (1998). A Rufiya is equal to 100 laarees (coins). The Rufiyaa comes in denominations of 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 500. The American Dollar is the most common foreign currency. Payments in the resorts can be made in most hard currencies in cash, traveller's cheques or credit cards. The most commonly used credit cards are American Express, Visa, Master Card, Diners Club, JCB and Euro Card. Education: The functional literacy rate is 98 percent. Educational standards are among the highest in the region, and schools follow the British education system. Health: Health care facilities are improving on a daily basis. The Indhira Gandhi Memorial Hospital 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. Experienced European doctors work at the AMDC Clinic, and some resorts have an in-house doctor. Decompression chambers are within 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 17:00 in the private sector. 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 phone facilities are available on all islands. Dhiraagu, the Maldives telecommunications company, an affiliate of the British Cable and Wireless Company, provides mobile telephones for rental on a daily basis. Dhiraagu is also the Internet service provider. |
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Air Transport : Apart from international flights operated by South Africa, Malaysia, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Singapore, the U.A.E., and a number of European countries to and from Malé International Airport (Tel : 322073), there are also regular domestic flights operated by Air Maldives to Hanimaadhoo, Kadhdhoo, Kaadhedhdhoo, and Gan. Inter-island services are operated by Hummingbird Helicopters and the Maldivian Air Taxi, the latter having the largest air fleet. Sight-seeing trips, photo-shooting trips, and medevac operations are also carried out by them. Road Transport : Travel on most of the islands takes no more than half-an-hour on foot. Bicycles and motorbikes are popular modes of transport. Taxis are unmetered, charging Rf 15, if hailed on the road or Rf 10, if called on phone from the taxi services, (325656, 323132, etc.). Water Transport : Local boats, or dhoanis (average speed 7 knots), are the most common means of water transport. One can make use of the regular ferry service operating between Malé and the International Airport, two kilometers to the east on the Hulule Island. Modern speedboats are also available for hire. |
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