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The Republic
of the Maldives is a sprinkle of coral atolls and tiny islands in
the Indian Ocean, just south-west of Sri Lanka.
Tourists from around the world come to holiday in the postcard-perfect
tropical islands, for the amazing underwater environment and the excitement
of diving, surfing and sailing in crystal clear, warm blue water.
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Geography
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The Maldives is a chain of 26
coral atolls that extends over 750 km of the Indian Ocean, to just
south of the equator. Of the 1192 islands only about 290 are inhabited,
including about 90 with tourist resorts.
The atolls are roughly circular coral formations
with a central lagoon, fringing reef, and just a few small islands
around the edges and in the middle. Natural channels serve as entry
points to the atoll, and deeper channels separate the atolls from
each other. |
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The larger islands grow coconut
palms and other tropical vegetation, while the crystal clear lagoon
waters have an abundance of marine life, from microscopic coral
polyps to giant whale sharks.
The capital is Male' (pronounced
mar-lay), a densely populated island of only 2 sq km. |
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History & Culture
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The Maldives is an Islamic nation of some 330,000 people.
Its fascinating history is linked to the ancient trade routes of the
Indian Ocean, and goes back as far as 2000 BC. For most of that time
it has maintained its independence, except for a 15 year occupation
by the Portuguese which came to a bloody end in the mid 16th century.
It had a protection treaty with Britain from 1887 to 1965, but maintained
its own internal government.
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Maldivians are an independent people with a very strong
sense of their own identity and culture. They speak Divehi, a language
that is related to Sinhala, an ancient Sri Lankan dialect, and also
contains influences from Arabic, Hindi and English.
The economy was traditionally based on fishing and trading, but over
the past 30 years the country has developed a highly successful, resort-based
tourism industry. |
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Tourism is carefully planned and regulated to
protect both the environment and the culture. Independent travel is
discouraged. Nearly all visitors are on holiday packages, staying
at one of the resorts or cruising in a licensed safari boat. Diving
is a main attraction for tourists as the Maldives is recognised as
one of the world's premier diving locations. |
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Visitor Information
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Health:
Maldives is generally a healthy destination
with no malaria and little risk of tropical diseases. Tetanus, Typhoid
and Hepatitis A and B vaccinations are advised, especially if time
is spent away from a resort island.
Over-exposure to the sun and infection from coral cuts are the two
main hazards for surfers - booties and helmets are recommended. In
an emergency an injured surfer may require a speedboat or seaplane
to get to Male, the only place with modern medical facilities. For
very serious injuries, evacuation to Colombo or Singapore may be necessary.
It is essential to have adequate travel insurance
to cover these possibilities. |
Visas:
A 30-day tourist holiday visa is granted on arrival.
Import Restrictions:
No alcohol, pornography (which may cover a wide range of publications),
pork, drugs, dogs, firearms, spear guns or "idols of worship" may
be brought into the country. All baggage is X-rayed.
Dress & Etiquette: In Male' and on other inhabited
islands men should always wear a shirt and women should wear skirts
or shorts that cover the thighs, and avoid wearing low-cut tops. |
More Information:
* Lonely Planet guide to the Maldives
* Maldives Tourist Promotion Board
* Australian Government travel advisories - Maldives
* Dive Maldives, Atoll Editions
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