Truly a natural wonder, the height of the islands rarely reach above two meters. The 1,190 islands, consisting of 26 atoll formations, are spread over an area of 90,000 square kilometers. The Maldivian atolls are a classic discovery in its own right: the word atoll has been derived from Dhivehi, the Maldivian language, from the word "Atholhu".

The islands are surrounded by crystal clear lagoons enclosed by coral reefs. The unique islands provide visitors with one of the most breathtaking views of underwater life in the world.

Formed above peaks emerging from the depths of the ocean, upon layers of both living and dead coral, and remnants of other marine life, the islands are generally covered with dense tropical vegetation. Coconut palms towering above dense shrubs and hardy plants protecting the shores from erosion are natural features in most of the islands. The smaller islands and sand banks under formation are also wonders in themselves. These islands together embody living entities in various stages of formation, as inter-dependant elements in ecology. In a food chain where birds, fish and other marine life co-exist, with humans at its apex as caretakers for centuries.

Measuring 820 kilometers north to south and 120 kilometers east to west at its greatest width, the closest neighbors are India and Sri Lanka. With a population of 244,544 (1995 official estimate), only 199 islands are inhabited. Another 84 islands are set aside exclusively for tourists resort development.

LOCATION
Group of atolls strech along the 73rd Meridian between latitudes 0 42' south and 8 10' north, for a distance of 468.3 miles with a width of 73.4 miles from east to west.

GEOGRAPHY
1,190 coral islands, forming an archipelago of 26 major atolls. Stretches 820 kilometers north to south and 120 kilometres east to west. 200 are inhabited, 87 are exclusive resort islands.

CLIMATE
Generally warm and humid. Sun shines all year through. Average temperature around 29 - 32 degrees Celsius.

LAND AREA
1,190 islands with a land area of 115 square miles (298 sq. km)

SEA AREA
Approx. 41,500 square miles (107,500 sq. km)
214,139 (1990)
244,644 (1995 estimated)
Population in the capital Male' is 58,000 in 1990.
Annual population increase is 3.8%

DRESS CODE
Dress is generally casual. T-shirts and cotton clothing are most suitable. In Male', the capital island and other inhabited islands it is recommended that women wear modest clothing without baring too much.

POPULATION
About 270,000 according to 1998 estimates. Origin of the Maldivians is lost in antiquity, but history reveals that the islands have been populated for over 3,000 years ago.

RELIGION
ISLAM - Maldives is one of the few countries with a 100% Muslim population.

LANGUAGE
Dhivehi is the language spoken in all parts of the Maldives. English is widely spoken by Maldivian 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.

HEALTH
Maldives is tropical country but the people are extremely clean. You will be safe here in Maldives, but please get advise from your doctor or health visitor regarding vaccinations.

ECONOMY… Principle Industries.
Fisheries and Tourism.

GDP GROWTH
6.1%. Inflation: 20.1% (2000 figures)

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.

CUSTOMS
As Maldives is a Muslim country, dogs, pigs/pork products, and pornography are forbidden. Alcohol cannot be imported without an official license, if imported without a license it should be declared at the customs and will be returned to you on departure. Wide ranges of alcoholic drinks are available in the resorts.
Narcotic Drugs are strictly prohibited; the penalty for importing drug for any purpose is life
Imprisonment.

VISA
No prior visas are required, a tourist visa of 30 days will be granted to all visitors with valid travel documents provided the embarkation/disembarkation cards are filled properly.

CURRENCY & PAYMENTS
The Maldivian Currency, Rufiyaa comes in notes of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 500. A Rufiyaa is divided into 100 Laarees. Coins in use are 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, 50 Laaree, one Rufiyaa and two Rufiyaa. All most all-foreign currencies and major credits cards are accepted, Amex, Visa, Master JCB Card.