Like a bird defying gravity, the plane gently descends towards the international airport of “Malé”. The view outside the window increases the beating of your heart. The splendor of nature unfolds slowly before your eyes. The sunrise embraces the small green patches with pure white sand surrounded by transparent lakes, and if you look down from above, you will be truly amazed. How wonderful is this unique view that you cannot tire of seeing. However, you may wonder if this is real? Only nature can paint such a perfect picture of beauty. Only nature, in its fast movement, can create something of such grandeur like the Maldives islands.

Beauty does not diminish with the descent of the plane. The small green patches turn into tall palm trees that gently sway in the cold breeze, endless white beaches with very soft sand that tickles your feet, and crystal clear waters where you can see fish swimming in the depths of the lakes. The Maldives, a tropical paradise, is home to around 290,000 citizens and 1,350 different species of coral and fish.

Geographic Location and Area

 A series of 1,190 scattered coral islands across the Indian Ocean make up the Maldives archipelago, spanning an area between 80km and 120km in width and stretching 860km between latitudes 6°7’N and 41°0’S and longitudes 32°72′ and 45°73’E. Out of the 1,190 islands, only 210 are inhabited, making the Maldives the only country in the world where the sea covers nearly 99% of its total area.

History and Culture

 Archaeological and historical discoveries indicate that the Maldives was inhabited for about three thousand years, as the islands were located on an important trade route. People from all over the world, including Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, visited them. These visitors left a strong impact on the Maldivian people, their beliefs, and their culture.

People and Language

In 2000, the population of Maldives was 270,000. The Maldivian people have consistent features, being a mix of Arab, African, and Asian elements. They live a simple life, laid back and content. They have a ready smile and are always willing to lend a helping hand. Maldivians are of a friendly stock and make visitors feel happy.

Access

Despite its geographic isolation, the Maldives is easy to reach. Many airlines offer regular schedules and rent planes from Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and South Africa. The international airport “Malé” is located on a separate island, only a kilometer long. This island is dedicated for airport use only, and is just ten minutes away by boat from the capital.

Customs

There are strict laws prohibiting the import of pornography, weapons, and drugs into the country, and severe penalties for those who violate them. There is no allowance for importing alcohol without a license, which must be declared at customs and will be returned to you upon departure. The export of coral, shells, and any other marine life is prohibited in the Maldives. Please help us keep our environment pristine by taking only pictures and memories, and leaving nothing behind but your footprints.

Visa and Entry

A tourist visa for 30 days will be granted upon arrival to all visitors with valid travel documents. It is recommended to have a prior hotel reservation when approaching the immigration and visa section. Visitors who have not made hotel reservations can seek assistance from the tourist information desk outside the arrival hall at the airport.

Climate

 In the Maldives, it’s endless summer. Despite a warm season throughout the year, there are slight temperature variations during specific time periods determined by seasonal winds. From November to April, it is mostly dry with very little wind, while the southwest monsoon winds from May to October bring some rain and temperature variation is minimal. The average daily temperature ranges from 30.4 – 25.4 degrees Celsius throughout the year. The average annual rainfall is below 2 millimeters.

Health

Visitors to the Maldives do not require any vaccinations or medications against malaria unless they are coming from a yellow fever-infected area.

The most common health issue among tourists in the Maldives is sunburn and dehydration. The tropical sun is very harsh in the country. The breeze during a boat ride around the islands can be deceptive. It is essential to protect yourself from the sun, even for travelers with dark skin. Different types of sunscreens are available in the Maldives and most tourist resorts. It is also recommended to wear a rash guard while swimming. To avoid dehydration, it is essential to drink plenty of fluids.

There are two hospitals in Male, as well as several clinics and pharmacies, and a number of highly competent doctors in these private clinics and hospitals. Additionally, there is at least one doctor available and easily accessible on each tourist island to provide medical care.

Clothing:

 It is recommended to wear lightweight cotton clothing to avoid heat and humidity. Public nudity is illegal in the country, and visitors are asked to respect local traditions and religion by wearing clothes that cover their thighs and shoulders when visiting inhabited islands.

Currency

The local currency is called “Rufiyaa” and approximately one US dollar equals 12.75 Rufiyaa. Major currencies are widely accepted in most stores throughout the country. The most commonly used credit cards are American Express, Visa, Mastercard, Diners Club, JCB, and Eurocard. Foreign currencies can be exchanged at any bank or currency exchange in Malé. Currency exchange is also available at the airport upon arrival or at tourist resorts.