The population of the Maldives. How many islands in the Maldives
The Maldives is a coral archipelago located in the Indian Ocean 640 kilometers southwest of Ceylon, almost at the equator, 99.669% of the Maldives is sea. The Maldives landmass (that is, 0.331% of the country's territory) consists of 19 coral atolls, uniting 1,196 islands. The population of 200 thousand people lives on 202 islands, the remaining 994 are uninhabited, on 88 islands there are tourist resorts.
The length of the Maldives archipelago from north to south is 820 km, from east to west - 120 km. The total area of the Maldives, together with land and sea, is about 90 thousand square kilometers.
The name "Maldives" comes from the Hindu words "mahal" (palace) and "diva" (island).
The Maldives consists of two rows of atolls. These atolls are the result of thousands of years of coral growth. Each year, coral colonies grow 1-4 cm and finally come to the surface of the body of water. The interior of the coral dies and after some (rather long) time the lagoon begins to form. This is always beneficial to the ocean because erosion turns the corals tender. White sand, for which the Maldivian beaches are so famous. After a few more years (perhaps several hundred), a new islet is formed.
The Maldives is considered one of the safest holiday destinations in the world. The tranquility and beauty of the islands is unique. White beaches and gorgeous lagoons with crystal clear waters. All over the world, according to experts, there are only two wonderful places for scuba diving: Red Sea and Maldives. That's why every resort here has diving schools that issue international certificates at the end of the course.
Maldives climate
Since the Maldives is located almost at the equator, the climate here is tropical. The temperature is around 28-30 ° C all year round.
Thus, there are no cold winters here, and you can enjoy such pleasant weather all year round. The weather here is determined by the southwest monsoon (April - September) and the northeast monsoon (December - April).
The northeastern monsoon brings a hot and dry period.
The southwest monsoon can bring intermittent rainfall, high humidity and rough seas. However, it is the least hot during this period.
The average daily maximum is 28-30.4oС.
The average night minimum is 25.4oС.
The water temperature is 24-27oС all year round.
Visa for Maldives
The Maldives is a visa-free country.
A tourist visa is stamped in the passport upon arrival free of charge and is valid for 30 days from the date of entry into the country. Israel passport holders are not allowed into the country.
When passing through customs control at the airport of Male, you must remember that in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Maldives
FORBIDDEN:
1. Import of any narcotic substances, including psychotropic
2. Importation of pornographic materials recorded for viewing video cassettes with films, etc. Only sealed cassettes are allowed.
3. Import of anti-Islamic literature.
4. Import of military paraphernalia.
5. Import of any pork products.
6. Import of alcohol
7. Import of animals
8. Import of gunpowder / explosives / firearms / piercing, cutting objects and weapons for spearfishing
In accordance with the laws of the Republic of Maldives and hotel policies
IT IS STRICTLY FORBIDDEN:
1. Break, tear live and dead corals in the ocean and near the shore, damage shells and raise them to the surface. All these actions are prohibited by law! Fines are charged for violation!
2. Catch fish near the islands. For this purpose, the hotels organize fishing for both common and large non-commercial fish.
3. Spearfishing is strictly prohibited.
4. Throw empty cans, tin, glass and plastic bottles and other rubbish on the islands - use the trash cans provided for this.
4. It is forbidden to visit the capital of Male and the islands where local residents live in beachwear. It is recommended to wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees.
5. Nudism and topless (Topless) is prohibited by law! Fines are charged for violation!
NUDISM AND TOPLESS ARE PROHIBITED BY LAW! PENALTIES ARE INCLUDED FOR VIOLATION!
Maldives currency
The Maldivian currency is the rufiyaa and laari.
1 Maldivian rufiyaa is equal to 100 laari.
1 US dollar is approximately equal to 12 rufiyaa.
In the Maldives, there are banknotes of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 500 rufiyaa and coins of 2 and 1 rufiyaa, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 laari.
However, almost universally accepted for payment are US dollars and basic credit cards(American Express, Visa, Master Card, Diners Club and Euro Card).
Therefore, it is not at all necessary to exchange dollars for local currency upon arrival.
Capital of the Maldives - Male
Male is the smallest capital in the world (2.5 km long, 1 km wide). Its main attraction is the Great Friday Mosque, decorated with a golden dome. The Islamic Center is located on its territory. This largest mosque in the Maldives can accommodate more than 5,000 people at the same time.
Nearby is the old "Great Friday" mosque with a unique minaret, the graves of national heroes and members of the ruling families.
Among other sights of the capital, the Presidential Palace deserves attention, National Museum, located in Sultan Park, and the burial place of legendary Maldivian saints. It is also interesting to visit the colorful local markets - fruit, vegetable and handicraft - places where residents of many people bring goods. Maldives.
There is practically no entertainment in the capital. No nightclubs for you, no concert halls, no theaters. The main entertainment is a walk along the picturesque streets of the town, along seaport, along the embankment or in the park.
Located nearby international Airport Hulule - a runway right in the ocean and a small terminal building. Before last moment you are sure the plane is landing directly into the water. After leaving the plane, you will find yourself right at the pier, where the famous Maldivian "dhonis" are already waiting for you, ready to take you to the capital or to any other island.
One cannot but agree that among all the diversity tourist routes one of the most idyllic holiday destinations geographically located in the Maldives.
About Maldives
The Maldives combines everything that a vacationer wants to get to the fullest from the rest - relaxation on a sandy beach, an even tan in the rays of the gentle sun, emotions from the opportunity to feel like a surfer or a diver, impressions from getting to know local culture... The Maldives is a place where the temperature is high all season, many coral islands connect in the ideal representation of paradise on Earth, and where the feeling of unity with the surrounding nature is very subtly felt. What is known about this unique country an ordinary tourist?
Maldives
Location of the republic
The Maldives, being an island state, is recognized democratic republic with its own local flavor and traditions.
Everyone has heard of the very the best location beach holiday, but few people know where the Maldives are. But it is precisely the location that allows the Maldivian resorts to remain in the top tourist sales both in 2018 and earlier. The questions of where the Maldives are located, in which country, on which mainland, are not so easy to find answers, since the islands are so small and so scattered that on geographic map they cannot be found immediately. But if you look at South Asia at the very equator, the eye of a tourist in the equatorial waters Indian Ocean a whole ridge of islands will open. They are united under the general name of the Maldives, where coral islands were originally formed by the foothills of the volcanic mountains-islands.
The volcanic past of the islands has given the whole world amazing beauty blue lagoons, endless beaches, unique vegetation and rich underwater world. The opportunity to feel a sense of unity with nature, to find out what sea is in the Maldives, as well as to look at the endless and majestic ocean, all this gives every tourist a trip to the Maldives.
National features of the Maldives
The Maldives is a land of strict rules, even with all its relaxing tourist atmosphere. Local population always ready to help, show attentiveness, provide the proper level of service, express peacefulness in the best traditions of island hospitality. But the peculiarities of religious traditions require guests to follow certain rules.
Muslim religion introduces mandatory ban on consumption alcoholic beverages especially in public places. In addition, before setting off on the road, you should carefully consider the fact that it is forbidden to import alcohol into the Maldives.
Important! Very serious attention should be paid to clothing issues - adhering to local rules, do not unnecessarily be naked, showing the body.
Respect is also required for their national symbols. The Maldivians are especially sensitive to the flag and coat of arms, as well as the national flower - the rose. They consider the coconut tree a national tree, and the national animal, tuna, is under the protection of the state.
Locals preserve unique national characteristics, speaking among themselves in a mixture of different languages, including Arabic. Divehi, which is close to the Indo-Aryan group, also belongs to the national language.
Note! Locals prefer to speak English with tourists.
The intricacies of tourism in the Maldives
The huge number of islands offers tourists the opportunity to have a quality rest. Hotels, villas, bungalows offer vacationers everything they need for comfort. Even such a frequent travel problem as the issue of sockets will not disturb the tourist here, because everything is thought out in advance.
Each resort region of the Maldives can show the tourist the ideal beach vacation, but hope for a variety of attractions is not worth it. In the Maldives, beaches are considered a national treasure, their cleanliness and beauty are unrivaled. Among the Maldivian cities that can somehow diversify a lazy vacation on white pristine beaches with walks along the promenade, excursion routes along iconic places, only the capital, Male, stands out. Often travel agencies initially include her visit in the itinerary.
Note! Among Russian tourists very popular is the island of Maafushi, which belongs to the budget direction.
It is also called the Russian Maldives. There is an opportunity to get good vacation, get to know local traditions and life in the Maldives from the inside, bring home memories of Maldivians' tastes and preferences. Feel the authenticity of the Maldivians by using local cuisine... Both large hotels and ordinary catering places will give you the opportunity to get acquainted with local delicacies, and even to the sound of their own music. A variety of fruits will help you to feel all the sweetness of your holiday: from the well-known coconuts and bananas to exotic papaya, mango and guava.
It is also important for every tourist to have the opportunity to bring something memorable from their vacation. The Maldives, which country is sunny, open and hospitable, is the same souvenirs filled with light and island flavor. Usually they bring brightly painted clothes, water equipment, jewelry, teas and delicacies for themselves or as a gift. The export of corals and any items made from them, as well as the shells of turtles, is strictly prohibited.
Important! Since the danger in the Maldives can only come from the depths of the sea, tourists need not worry about their safety.
Underwater world
The main rule here is compliance with basic rules. When diving, it is important to remember that you should not touch anything. This will help to avoid many problems. Common in the coastal waters of the Maldives, whale sharks are completely safe for holidaymakers. Being the largest fish on the planet, they do not pose a danger to people, because they feed only on plankton. You should be extremely careful when swimming on wild beaches... This is especially true for swimming among dangerous marine life. These include stone fish, whose poison poses a serious threat to human life, sea urchins and stingrays. Swimming on coral beaches should be done in special shoes that can protect your feet from injuries that can be easily obtained from coral debris.
Note! As an island nation, the Maldives is prone to tsunamis.
The worst tsunami happened in 2004. But on this moment this natural disaster does not disturb the Maldives. The state fully cares about the protection of its tourists and local residents, and creates programs to protect coral reefs that save the islands from the sea currents.
Additional Information! When going on a trip to the Maldives, especially on your own, it is important to know the time zone in which they are located, and how much time it will be in the Maldives upon arrival at the country's airport. Time in the Maldives is counted according to a single time zone, which refers to GMT +05: 00. In the Maldives, the time is not switched to summer and winter. The difference with Moscow is +2 hours.
Another important issue for a tourist is currency. The national currency in the Maldives is the rufiyaa. The modern exchange rate of the rufiyaa to the ruble is 4.35, and to the dollar 0.065 *.
It is interesting:
- It is important to remember that the Maldives is a Muslim country with a special relationship to wealth. It is considered bad form to show it off, so there is an opinion that the simpler a person is dressed, the richer he is.
- In the Maldives, there is something like a morality police that stands up for the protection of religious preferences, namely Sunni Islam. For other religious propaganda, there are penalties up to a real prison term.
- Pigs are not bred on the territory of the country, moreover, dogs are also referred to as "unclean animals". The exception is shepherd dogs who serve in the police. It is strictly forbidden to bring a pet to the Maldives. Anyone who violates this rule can face not only a serious fine, but also placement in the sanitary zone at the airport.
- Unlike our usual work week, Maldivian is different in that weekdays are from Sunday to Thursday. Maldivians have a rest on Friday and Saturday, these days are considered official days off.
- Since the supply of fresh water in the Maldives is insignificant, even wealthy residents collect it in any free container when it rains.
- Interestingly, the Maldivian airport is located in the middle of the Indian Ocean on an artificial island.
- On the territory of the islands, it is forbidden to swim naked not only for local residents, but also for guests. The only exception where this can be done is Kuramati Island.
Kuramachi island
By organizing independent travel in the Maldives, it is important to remember that there is no opportunity to rent a car, it is even problematic to use a bicycle. Local transport will also not help you get to your destination, as it is not particularly developed. Some islands are so small that you can get around them on foot. To help tourists, only speedboats and boats, which organize communication between the islands.
The most important issue when organizing a tour to the Maldives is, of course, air travel. If the trip is not organized through an agency, then the purchase of tickets should not be delayed for months. On services for organizing flights it is very rare, but still there are sales on popular destinations... The number of tickets is strictly limited, so you shouldn't hope for luck. It helps to save money by subscribing to the mailing list of services that offer discounts and early booking flights. The most expensive flight to the Maldives for two will be in the period from December to April - this is the most popular time when everyone goes to rest on the islands en masse. To reduce the price for this period, you can find a ticket that is suitable for the cost six months before departure. There are no direct flights, transfers are often carried out through the Turkish direction, but there are many other options. You can fly not only from Moscow, the flight takes an average of 11 hours.
Despite the long flight, the Maldives is a fairy tale that is worth plunging into from our reality, at least for a while.
* The prices indicated in the article are valid as of January 2018.
The official name of the chain of atolls and coral islands located south of India, in the equatorial waters of the Indian Ocean, is the Republic of Maldives. The population of this South Asian state is approximately 393 thousand people. The total area of the country is 90 thousand sq. Km. The climate is subequatorial monsoon.
The Maldives amaze with its endless ocean, amazing underwater caves and reefs. The island is inspired by the tranquility and comfort of the surrounding tropical virgin nature. The culture stopped at a primitive level, and the locals still respect their traditions.
The largest coral island in the Maldives is Kafu, on it stands the city of Male, which is considered the smallest capital and most populated city. Male is so small that it can be walked around in a couple of hours.
Attractions Maldives
Famous places in the Maldives are the National Museum and the Colonial-style Muliage Palace. Also worth visiting beautiful park Jumuri Maidan or visit one of the most revered shrines in the Maldives - Medu Ziyarat Chapel.
The city of Male is home to the Great Friday Mosque, famous for its golden dome. Next to it are the graves of both national heroes and members of the ruling families. It is worth paying attention to the Islamic Center, which is located nearby. It is considered the largest in the Maldives, because at the same time it can accommodate about 5,000 people.
Local markets are also not lagging behind in popularity, there are several types of them - vegetable, fruit and handicraft, where the inhabitants of the islands sell handicrafts.
Many tourists are attracted to the Maldives for unsurpassed diving. The underwater world of the peninsula amazes with a variety of inhabitants, at the same time, coral reefs scare away predators and swimming under water is not dangerous at all.
Honeymoon Paradise
For most tourists, the Maldives is one of the most romantic destinations on the planet. Therefore, newlyweds and lovers tend to the islands in the first place. Just what is the wedding ceremony on the white sand at sunset and decorated with palm leaves around. If you discuss the wedding with the hotel in advance, you can get a discount and move into the best bungalow. The Maldives is suitable not only for the wedding ceremony, but also for the honeymoon itself. After all, the rest here is unique and unusual. On the beach you can see both young people and families with children or even elderly people.
The Maldives is a small Asian island state. The territory of the republic consists of a chain of small coral islands, 80% of which are still not inhabited. Let's find out how many islands there are in the Maldives and find out the names of at least the largest among them.
Territorial structure of the Maldives: islands and their number
How many islands are there in the Maldives?
Among the 1192 islands, which are part of one of the 20 atolls, only 202 islands are inhabited, which is 1/6 of the entire land territory of the republic. Tourists and guests of the country are allowed in only half of them.
Islands of the Maldives and their names
We will not list and describe all the islands of the Maldives and their names, since their number exceeds 1000.
Let's take a closer look at the most significant and large islands Maldives. The name of these islands dates back to ancient times. They are part of the atolls.
So let's get to know the 9 largest and significant islands and the atolls of the Maldives:
North and South Male Atolls- these are atolls, consisting of more than 100 islands of various sizes (50 northern and 30 southern). The capital of the country, the beautiful city of Male, is located in North Male. Of the 80 islands of 2 atolls, only 11 are inhabited, 44 are excellent high-level resorts, and the remaining 25 are rented or uninhabited;
Gunn Is an island located in the southern atoll of Siena (Addu). This island was once one of the English colonies. Its streets still retain the stiffness of that time. In the clear coastal waters of the island, you can go diving, exploring the rich underwater world;
Ari atoll- includes more than 30 islands, of which 18 are inhabited, and 26 are luxurious exotic resorts... It is just perfect for diving enthusiasts. There are 4 marine reserves on the islands of the atoll: Maya Tila, Oramis Tila, Fish Head and Kudara Tila;
Baa Atoll- consists of 51 islands, of which only 10 are inhabited by people, and 5 are resorts;
Velawatu Is an island that is part of the Dhaalu (Daalu) atoll. Locals used to call it “Turtle Island”. This island is simply beautiful, because on a small land area, various types of green spaces, magnificent palm trees, the tops of which rest against the sky and magnificent untouched sandy beaches... This place is just a paradise for lovers;
Filitaeo (Filiheeo)- the only one of all the islands of the Fafu Atoll, which has become a resort. In addition to it, the atoll includes 15 inhabited and the same number of wild islands. The island has a very lush and rich vegetation, which is combined with white beach sand and warm ocean waters makes this place unforgettable;
Lhaviani Atoll- located north of North Male, truly heaven on earth. It consists of 63 islands, most of which make up the beach area. Within its limits are some of the most beautiful barrier reefs with the richest life of underwater inhabitants. This is a great place for scuba diving enthusiasts;
Kuramachi- this is one of the islands of the Maldives, known for the fact that three hotels are located on its territory at once, which is unusual for this republic. The combination of lush vegetation and unspoilt beaches makes this place unique.
- an island state in the south of Asia, in the northern part of the Indian Ocean. There are over 2000 small islands. Maritime boundaries lie in the Indian Ocean.
The name of the country comes from the Sanskrit dwipa - "island".
General information about the Maldives
Official name: Maldives
Capital: Male
The area of the land: 298 sq. km
Total population: 395 K people
Administrative division: The country is divided into 20 island groups.
Form of government: Republic.
Head of State: President elected for a term of 5 years.
Population composition: 99% are Maldivians (ethnogenesis is not completely clear), as well as Arabs and immigrants from the African continent.
Official language: Maldivian (Dhivehi). English widespread in the capital Male and in resorts.
Religion: Almost the entire population is Sunni Muslim.
Internet domain: .mv
Mains voltage: ~ 230 V, 50 Hz
Country dialing code: +960
Climate
Tropical marine. The temperature throughout the year on average does not drop below +25 C, even at night. The average temperature is about +28 C all year round (the daytime maximum is about +32 C, the night minimum is +25 C). The amount of precipitation is about 2500 mm. per year, and most often in the form of short rains in the evening and at night. The water temperature is also constant - about + 24-27 С all year round.
The best weather conditions are observed during the Iruvai period (November-December to March-April, the northeast monsoon season), when the sea is calm and the weather is sunny and dry. From May to October, during the "hulhangu" season (April to October), the weather is less predictable - the southwest monsoon can bring intermittent rains, high humidity and choppy seas (although it is the least hot during this period). Storms and waves are most likely in June and December.
Geography
The island state of the Maldives is 700 km away. southwest of Sri Lanka, in the equatorial waters of the Indian Ocean. Two almost parallel chains of islands, bordered by coral reefs, and lying at a relatively small distance from each other, stretch for 820 km. from North to South. There are 1196 islands in total, forming 26 atolls, of which only 199 are inhabited and about 100 are open to the public. The total area of the country is about 90 thousand square meters. km., land - only 298 sq. km.
Flora and fauna
Vegetable world
Forests cover no more than 3% of the islands' area. On many islands, coconut palms grow, which do not suffer from soil salinity, banana groves and a dense shrub cover, in some places mangroves, and in the depths of the islands there are banyan trees, pandanus and various thorny plants.
Coastal waters abound in fish. There are sea turtles, which have been intensively exterminated by the population for a long time. Their meat and fat were used for food, and their shells were used for various crafts. Currently, turtles are on the verge of extinction and are protected by law. Since 1996, the Million Trees environmental protection program has been in place. Within its framework, nurseries have been created in which seedlings are grown for further planting on the islands of the archipelago.
Traditional activities of the Maldivians - collecting cowrie shells and growing coconut tree giving copra, vegetable oil and palm leaf. Crops such as rice, taro, millet, corn, sweet potatoes, and cassava are also cultivated. Fish processing is developed from the industrial sectors.
sights
The Maldives are widely known for their resort atolls, each of which is its own unique world, surrounded by pristine coral beaches and an indescribable blue sea. This is a "place at the end of the world", where there is no noise of cities and annoying signs of civilization, where only exotic nature and endless expanses of the ocean.
Numerous underwater coral reefs and caves stretch across the Maldives archipelago, lush tropical vegetation emphasizes the pristine and unique beauty of the islands, and the ancient culture of the local people creates a unique environment for a secluded getaway.
Banks and currency
Maldives rupees (rufiyaa). One rupee is equal to 100 lari. In circulation there are banknotes in denominations of 500, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 2 rupees. And also coins of 50, 25, 10, 5, 2 and 1 lari. USD and major credit cards are widely accepted, so it is not necessary to exchange dollars for local currency upon arrival.
In Male, banks and exchange offices are concentrated on Marine Drive. They are open from 8.00 to 13.30, Sunday through Thursday (like in many other Muslim countries, Friday and Saturday are weekends in the Maldives). On departure, the remaining rupees are allowed to be exchanged back for dollars. Currency exchange can be carried out not only at the bank, but also in a number of large stores, which have a special sign next to the signs of international tourist cards.
Useful information for tourists
It is forbidden to drink alcohol in public places (outside resort area). It is recommended to drink bottled water and soft drinks. Local water, although it is purified quite thoroughly (often it is desalinated sea water), but due to the high temperature it quickly becomes unusable.
Traditional Islamic norms of behavior are strong in the country, but without the slightest sign of bigotry. The restrictions are the same as in Oman. Taking pictures in mosques is prohibited. The guards of the mosque usually insist on accompanying the tourist, hoping to take a fee, but in fact, you can inspect the mosque on your own. Swimming in the nude is prohibited on all islands in the archipelago, with the exception of Kuramati Island. You can bargain in markets and private shops, but the amount of the "discount" is usually small.
Spearfishing and unauthorized fishing are prohibited (all types of sea fishing are freely organized in hotels), it is strictly not allowed to lift corals (both living and dead), shells and other marine life from the bottom of the sea. Heavy fines are charged for violation. The country has one of the largest markets in the region selling shells, corals and various exotic marine animals, so you can always buy these souvenirs without breaking local laws.
Officially, tips are not accepted, but unofficially, if the service really deserves it, it is customary to leave a small amount to the personally serving employee ($ 10 per week to the hotel employee or 5% to the waiter). Some resorts include payment for services in the bill (usually 10%), in which case a tip is not necessary. In the case of renting a boat or motorboat, the amount should be negotiated in advance.