The Maldives is an archipelago of more than a thousand coral island grouped in 26 atolls in the Indian Ocean. Located along major international shipping routes. The economy is mainly on tourism and the islands have been developed for the top end of the tourist market.
The National Flag
The national flag is a green rectangle with a white crescent in the centre surrounded by a red border. The green rectangle denotes life, progress and prosperity. The crescent represents the Islamic faith of the country and the red border, the sacrifices made by national heroes in their fight for independence and national sovereignty.
Full name
Republic of Maldives
Area
298 sq km (1,192 Islands)
Archipelago
Length: 823 km, Width: 130 km
No. of naturally formed atolls
26
No. of administrative atolls
20
Largest atoll
Huvadhu atoll (Gaafu Alifu and Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll)
Smallest atoll
Gnaviyani atoll
Capital
Male’ city (1.77 sq km)
Main cities
Male’, Addu, Fuvammulah and Kulhudhuffushi
Administrative provinces
National Emblem
The coconut palm on the national emblem represents the livelihood of the nation and the crescent and star supported by two national flags signify the Islamic faith and of the State and its authority. The traditional title of the State reads Ad-Dawlat Ul-Mahaldeebiyya meaning the State of the Maldives.
Population
436,330 (2017 estimate)
Religion
Islam
Language
Dhivehi is the national language. English is widely spoken in business sectors.
Literacy rate
98.2%
Life expectancy
76 years (men), 79 years (women)
Gross National Income (GNI) per capita
US $9,310 (2018 estimate)
Internet domain
.mv
International dialling code
+960
National flower
Finifenmaa or Pink rose (Rosa polyantha)
National tree
Dhivehi ruh or Coconut palm
Time difference
The Maldives is 5 hours ahead of GMT. Some resorts set clocks to their own time.
Weather
The Maldives has a tropical climate with warm temperatures and a great deal of sunshine throughout the year. The weather in the Maldives is largely determined by the monsoons; the south-west monsoon form May to November and the north-east monsoon from December to April. While the south-west monsoon brings rain, stronger winds and often cloudy skies, the north-east brings the driest periods and calm seas with clear blue skies.
Temperature
30.4 C (Mean Max)
25.4 C (Mean Min)
Airports
Main Airport, located in the centre of the Maldives, is the Velana International (Male') Airport on Hulhule island, two kilo meters from capital Male'. Other International Airports include, Gan International Airport at south end of the Maldives, Hanimaadhoo International Airport at Northern part of the Maldives and Maafaru International Airport at north of the Maldives. There are 10 more domestic airports in the country.
Currency
The currency of the Maldives is the Rufiya, which is equivalent to a 100 Laari. The Rufiya is presented in the following denominations;
Rufiyaa: 500, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and
coins 2, 1, Laari: 50, 25, 10, 5, 1. The Maldivian currency has gone through several changes over the centuries.
US$ is the main currency used in the resorts. However all major currencies are accepted.
Credit cards
All major credit cards are accepted at resorts, and in big shops and restaurants in Male’.
Maldivian Souvenirs
There is a wide variety of souvenirs available in the souvenir shops dotting in the main shopping area of Male’, the resort souvenir shops and the shops on inhabited islands that you may get the chance to visit on island hopping or other excursions.
By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and confirm you have read our Terms of Services