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
Location
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
1,242 per 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.
The country aims to hold its first multiparty elections by the end of 2008.
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.
The country aims to hold its first multiparty elections by the end of 2008.
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.
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.
Going Out
Food and Drink
Malé, the capital, has a few simple restaurants which serve local and international food. On the other islands, there are a few restaurants in addition to those run by the resorts. Cuisine is international, with all food other than seafood imported. There are no bars, except in the resorts, where there is a good range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks available, reflecting the demands of the visitors.
Things to know: All bars are situated in tourist resorts (no alcohol is available on Malé). Locals do not drink at all. During the month of Ramadan, visitors are not allowed to drink alcohol in public except in the tourist resorts.
National specialities:
• Seafood such as tuna, grouper, octopus, jobfish and swordfish is widely available.
• Kavaabu (deep-fried snacks made from rice, tuna, coconut, lentils and spices).
• Curries, such as chicken or beef, are widely available. Curry leaves are added to a lot of Maldivian dishes.
National drinks:
• The Maldive Lady (a powerful and delicious cocktail, the composition of which varies from bar to bar and island to island).
Tipping: This is officially discouraged.
Things to know: All bars are situated in tourist resorts (no alcohol is available on Malé). Locals do not drink at all. During the month of Ramadan, visitors are not allowed to drink alcohol in public except in the tourist resorts.
National specialities:
• Seafood such as tuna, grouper, octopus, jobfish and swordfish is widely available.
• Kavaabu (deep-fried snacks made from rice, tuna, coconut, lentils and spices).
• Curries, such as chicken or beef, are widely available. Curry leaves are added to a lot of Maldivian dishes.
National drinks:
• The Maldive Lady (a powerful and delicious cocktail, the composition of which varies from bar to bar and island to island).
Tipping: This is officially discouraged.
Nightlife
There is little or no organised nightlife, although most resorts have informal discos around the barlive bands playing either traditional or Western music. Beach parties and barbecues are also popular. On some evenings, many resorts have cultural shows and some show films.
Many different types of traditional national dancing and singing may be enjoyed across the islands. areas, sometimes featuring
Many different types of traditional national dancing and singing may be enjoyed across the islands. areas, sometimes featuring
Shopping
Lacquered wooden boxes are the most distinctive Maldivian handicrafts, and are almost exclusively produced in Thulhaadhoo in Baa Atoll. The craft involves the process of shaping and hollowing out pieces of wood from endemic trees to form intricately crafted boxes, containers and ornamental objects. Beautiful reed mats are woven throughout the country, the most famous of which are those that are woven by the women of Gadhdhoo in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll. Ranging from placemats to full-size single mattress mats, they are hand-decorated with intricate abstract designs.
In Malé, most souvenir shops line the northern end of Chaandanee Magu, earlier known as the Singapore Bazaar for its many imports from Singapore. The local market offers stalls with a variety of local produce, mainly from the atolls, such as different kinds of local vegetables, fruits and yams, packets of sweetmeat, nuts and breadfruit chips, bottles of homemade sweets and pickles, and bunches of bananas hanging on coir ropes from ceiling beams. Vacuum-packed smoked fish and chipped dried fish are available in many supermarkets and make a different souvenir.
Note: There are strict prohibitions against the export of coral and turtle- or tortoiseshell.
Shopping hours: Sat-Thurs 0830-2300, Fri 1330-2300. Shops officially shut for 15 minutes five times a day in deference to Muslim prayer times; however, this rule is not always strictly adhered to in the tourist areas away from the capital.
In Malé, most souvenir shops line the northern end of Chaandanee Magu, earlier known as the Singapore Bazaar for its many imports from Singapore. The local market offers stalls with a variety of local produce, mainly from the atolls, such as different kinds of local vegetables, fruits and yams, packets of sweetmeat, nuts and breadfruit chips, bottles of homemade sweets and pickles, and bunches of bananas hanging on coir ropes from ceiling beams. Vacuum-packed smoked fish and chipped dried fish are available in many supermarkets and make a different souvenir.
Note: There are strict prohibitions against the export of coral and turtle- or tortoiseshell.
Shopping hours: Sat-Thurs 0830-2300, Fri 1330-2300. Shops officially shut for 15 minutes five times a day in deference to Muslim prayer times; however, this rule is not always strictly adhered to in the tourist areas away from the capital.
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.
• 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.
Top Things To Do
• Shop for local arts and crafts; Baa Atoll is one of the few places where traditional techniques are still practised. Malé, the capital, also has several markets of fresh and wholesome food produce for those wanting to sample local fare.
• Dive or snorkel to appreciate the exceptional and easily accessible underwater life; some of the best sites in the world are found in the Maldives. All of the resorts have professional, fully-equipped dive schools offering a range of courses. Most of the resorts also offer reef sightseeing trips on glass-bottomed boats.
• Go on a fishing trip on modern speedboats equipped for big game fishing. Go at night to catch groupers, snappers, squirrelfish or barracuda. Round off the trip with a barbecue with the day's catch.
• Visit the island of Makunudhoo, renowned for the quality of its food. It is protected on all sides by a beautiful lagoon with coconut groves leading down to the beach. The catch? It is one of the most expensive island resorts in the Maldives.
• Get away from it all and spend a day and a night alone on an uninhabited island. You can usually do so as part of an island-hopping tour. Another option is to visit a fishing village with a trip to an uninhabited island (where often a beach barbecue is served).
• Hire a traditional boat (dhoni) or speedboat to island hop.
• Windsurf at Banana Reef, where strong currents also make for an exceptionally abundant marine life, with reef sharks, bannerfish and oriental sweetlips all present.
Accommodation
Hotels
There are several hotels and guesthouses in Malé, although most visitors stay on resort islands. There are no guest houses or self-catering facilities on any of the resort islands.
Resorts
There are numerous resorts, which vary from extravagantly luxurious to fairly simple. Accommodation almost invariably consists of thatch-roofed coral cabanas with en suite facilities. Most of the resorts have air-conditioned rooms with mini-bar, although some of the resorts still have fan-cooled rooms. Many resort groups have recently installed desalination plants to provide clean tap water.
The resorts are fully integral communities with sport and leisure facilities including scuba-diving and snorkelling, restaurants and bars and, in some cases, a shop and/or disco. There is a shop on every resort island. Different islands tend to attract different nationalities.
The resorts are fully integral communities with sport and leisure facilities including scuba-diving and snorkelling, restaurants and bars and, in some cases, a shop and/or disco. There is a shop on every resort island. Different islands tend to attract different nationalities.
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