Introduction
Millions of years ago, in a tumult of geological change, a great range of volcanoes rose from the floor of the Indian Ocean. Over the years the volcanoes sank back leaving only coral reefs in the expanse of the sea. They finally transformed into tiny islands, and adventurous sailors in search of wealth, drifted upon them.

Only an hour's flight away from India or Sri Lanka, the Maldives today is best known for its white sandy beaches, crystalline lagoons and azure blue skies - a holiday maker's dream.

The Maldives Islands comprises of roughly 1190 small coral islands, and covers a total area of 104,00.00 sq. Kilometers. These islands are no more than six feet above sea level and lie 73 degrees East Equator. The islands are grouped into nineteen administrative 'atolls', and vary in size and character. Some are sandbanks, while others are tropical islands, with lush vegetation, ringed with coral reefs, turquoise lagoons full of marine life, and white sandy beaches.


E C O N O M Y
The predominant industries in the Maldives are fishing and tourism. Maldives exports canned tuna, dried and frozen fish, tropical aquarium fish and also fresh frozen Shashimi - all caught from the uncontaminated and chemical free waters of the Maldives. The Tourist arrivals have maintained a growth of about 10% over the last many years. Maldives now receives over 300,000 tourists per year.

Several scheduled air services as well as charter flights serve the capital Male'. It is about 10 hours flying from London via Dubai, or 4 hours from Karachi, 1 hour from Colombo and 4 hours from Singapore.

Brief History
The country has a long and eventful history and has been an independent sovereign state except for a brief occupation by the Portuguese during the 16th century. Maldives became a British Protectorate in the mid-fifties and gained full independence in July 26, 1965. That same year it also became a member of the United Nations. The country has a Republican government with an elected president as the head of the state. It was converted to Islam in the 12th century AD. Maldives has been a100% Muslim State for more than 800 years.

Although official Maldivian History only begins in the twelfth century, literary works and archeological remains provide clues to earlier pre-Islamic eras. Maldives was a port of call for many great sea faring civilizations that roamed the high seas, long before European Maritime History began. A roman coin dated 90 BC has been discovered in the Maldives, and since it Was the Egyptians who taught the Romans how to cross the Indian Ocean, it may not be fanciful to imagine the great Egyptian papyrus boats with their colorful square sails sailing towards the Maldives. Perhaps the Maldivians modeled the elegant curved bows of their boats from the Egyptians, and the Women, the beautifully embroidered collar pieces of their dresses.

Early Visitors
The first reference to Maldives is in the second century writings of the Greek astronomer, mathematician and geographer, Ptolemy, who refers to it as "1378 little Islands west of Taprobane (Sri Lanka). Since then, many travelers have referred to it:

Pappus Alexandria who lived at the end of the 4th century mentions Taprobane and the 1370 adjacent islands.

Scholasticus, the Theban who visited the Malabar Coasts mentions "a thousand islands and their treacherous nature since they had loadstone rocks which attracted iron-bound vessels to their destruction".

The Persian Merchant Suleiman (9th Century) who crossed the Indian Ocean, wrote: " in the sea known as the sea of Herkend, there are nearly 1900 islands and the ruler is a woman, and that their wealth consisted of cowries".

Ma Huan who traveled with Cheng Ho's great expedition to east Africa in 1433, identifies some of the islands and tells how foreign ships travel from afar to purchase ropes, in his Overall Survey of the Ocean's Shores.

At the time of the Ming Dynasty, the Chinese were familiar with the islands and called it the submerged mountain chain (Liu Shan), and wrote aboute the climate, geography, and customs of these islands.


P E O P L E
Maldivians are a homogenous people - of one race, one culture, and one religion, Islam. Physically, Maldivians resemble Asian, Arab, Negroid and a Mongoloid mix.

The people are friendly and naturally "sunny and warm". The population of the Maldives is around 260,000. with a literacy rate of 98%. From the 1960's English medium Education has been introduced and is now universalized.

The Maldivian language, Dhivehi, is the national language. And is a derivation of a mix of Sinhalese, Tamil, Urdu, Persian and Arabic. The Maldivian script is known as 'Thaana" and it written from left to right.

Maldives is located in the Indian Ocean, to the South West of India. The islands form 26 natural atolls, each enclosed by a coral reef cut by several deep natural channels. Each island is also surrounded by a protective coral reef and shallow lagoon.
 

There are a total of 1190 islands and only 207 islands are inhabited.


Origin
The origin of the Maldivian people are shrouded in mystery. The faces of today's Maldivians reflect the influence of Arabs, Africans, and Indonesians who have contributed to the racial and cultural melting pot of Maldives.





A QUICK GUIDE TO THE MALDIVES
facts and figures

Things You Might Have Not Known Before About Maldives
Area
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)


Formation and Geographical Location
Coral islands, grouped into atolls, stretch along the 73rd meridian between latitudes 0 42' south and 8 10' north, for a distance of 468.3 miles (753.6 km), with a width of 73.4 (118.1 km) from east to west.
The Shortest distance from the mainland of India is 217 miles (350 km) and from Sri Lanka 460 miles (740 km). Indian Ocean, near India and Sri Lanka.

Latitude : 07° 06'30" N to 00° 41'48" S.

Longitude : 72° 32'30" E to 73° 45'54" E.


Political Status
Since 1965, an Independent republic with a democratically elected parliament. President is the head of the government, elected every 5 years.

President of Maldives
H. E. Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom from 1978 -



Population
214,139 (1990)
260,000 (1997 official estimate).
Population in the capital Male' was 58,000 in 1990.
Annual population increase is 3.8%

Capital : Malé
Male' the capital island has an area of 1.77 sq.km
Population in the capital Male' was 58,000 in 1990.

Maldives Standard Time
+5 hrs GMT ( 5 hours ahead of GMT )

Religion
100% Sunni Muslim.
Maldives is perhaps the only country with a 100% Muslim population. Islam was introduced around A.D.800, and the moderate form practiced in Maldives has remained virtually unchanged.


Languages
Dhivehi and English. Dhivehi, an indigenous language spoken only in the Maldives. The script is called "Thaana". English is the main taught language at schools. Most people in Male and tourist resorts speak English.



Literacy Rate
98.2% (Age group 10-45 yrs)

Health
Maldives is a tropical country but the people are extremely clean. You will be safe there but please get advice from your doctor or health visitor regarding vaccinations.

Weather
Temperature :30.4° C (Mean Max), 25.4° C (Mean Min).

Monsoons
South-West : May-October, North-East : November-April.

Average Annual Rainfall: 1948.2 mm.

Currency
Maldivian Rufiyaa Mrf and unit Laari (100 Laari's in 1 Rufiyaa)
Approx.. Exchange rates are US $ 1 = 12 Mrf and Sterling £ 1 = 18 Mrf. German Mark = 6.5 Mrf

Working Hours
Banks : 8 am - 1.30 PM (Sun to Thus)
Government Offices : 7.30 am -2.30 PM (Sun to Thus), Fri and Sat holidays.
Private Offices: Open between 8 am and 10 am and close between 6 PM and 8 PM, with a lunch break. Closed on Fridays only.

Credit Cards Accepted
American Express, Diners Club, EuroCard, JCB, MasterCard, Visa.


Major Industries

Tourism, fish canning, manufacture of garments, boat building, and handicrafts.
GDP growth 6.1%. Inflation : 20.1% (1994 figures) Read more on Maldives

National Tree
Coconut Palm (Cocos nucifera).

National Flower
Pink Rose (Rosa pdyantha).

Food and Drink
Fish and coconuts are about the only products which do not have to be imported and they find their way into most menu. The spiny backed lobster is a delicacy.

Clothing - Dress Code
Casual clothing is normal in Maldives. However, it is advisable to have your thighs and shoulders covered. Bikini's are not permitted in inhabited local islands since it is a Muslim country.
Light weight cottons and linens clothes are common.

Shopping
The capital Malé, being the centre of commercial activity is the ideal place to shop. Shops open between 7.30 and 9.30 am, closing at 11 PM. On Fridays they open at 1.30 PM, closing as usual.

Alcohol and Drugs
Maldivians, being a Muslims, are prohibited by law from consuming alcohol, hence there is a strict restriction on the alcohol available in inhabited islands. Foreigners
who reside in Maldives can have a private supply arranged by an authorized licensing procedure. All tourist resorts and hotels, as well cruise ships and yachts have
alcohol for consumption guests.
Maldives is amongst one of the toughest countries in dealing with drugs. Lengthy jail sentences are normal if found in possession or whilst using them, even with a
joint. Please do not try to import any form of drug into Maldives. Also, please do not use drugs even if offered whilst there, it is not worth the risk!

Visa Requirements
No prior visa arrangements are required. A tourist visa of 30 days will be given to visitors with valid travel documents, on arrival. Visitors should be in possession of at least US$25 per day of stay in the Maldives. For those coming from yellow fever infected regions, an international certificate of inoculation is required. A passenger service fee of US$10 is levied per person, on departure.

Air Transport
Apart from international flights operated by South Africa, Malaysia, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka,
Singapore, the U.A.E., and a number of European countries to and from Malé International Airport (Tel : 322073),
there are also regular domestic flights operated by Air Maldives to Hanimaadhoo, Kadhdhoo, Kaadhedhdhoo, and
Gan. Inter-island services are operated by Hummingbird Helicopters and the Maldivian Air Taxi, the latter having the largest air fleet. Sight-seeing trips, photo shooting trips, and medevac operations are also carried out by them.

Road Transport
Travel on most of the islands takes no more than half-an-hour on foot. Bicycles and motorbikes are
popular modes of transport. Taxis are un-metered, charging Mrf 15, if hailed on the road or Mrf 10, if called on phone from
the taxi services, (325656, 323132, etc.).

Sea Transport
Local boats, or dhoani's (average speed 7 knots), are the most common means of water transport.
kilometres to the east on the Hulule' Island. Modern speedboats are also available for hire.


Climate of Maldives
The climate of Maldives is warm year round, determined by the monsoons. However, being on the equator, the monsoons are mild and not as defined as in neighbouring countries. Of the two monsoons, the south most monsoons from May to October, brings more rain and wind. The northeast monsoon, from November to April, is the dry season with very little wind. The temperature varies little with an annual average daily maximum of 30.4 degrees Celsius and the minimum at 25.4 degrees Celsius. The annual rainfall stood at just over 1,600 millimetres in 1992. In the same year, the country, with the equator running thought it, had over 2,700 hours of sunshine.


Entry to Maldives
Almost all visitors to the Maldives arrive by air. Male' international Airport, situated in Hulhule island, is just over a kilometre or about ten minutes by boat from Male', the capital. All visitors must have a valid passport. For visitors coming from yellow fever infected areas, an international certificate of inoculation is required. No visa is required in advance. A tourist visa of 30 days will be granted to all visitors with valid travel documents.

During the period December to March when most of the resorts islands are full, it is advised that all visitors have confirmed hotel reservations before arrival. However, for the convenience of visitors without advance bookings, a Tourist information Counter is provided at the arrival hall through which a booking may be make. Hotel information is also required for immigration clearance. All visitors who enter the Maldives should be in possession of a return air-ticket and at least US $25 per intended day of stay in the Maldives.




Where to Stay
The Maldives has a wide variety of accommodation for the visitor. Choices vary from 69 resort islands, which will increase to 74 in the very near future, to hotels and guest houses in Male', to yachts and yacht-dhonis, a specially converted Maldivian vessel, which are licensed to accommodate visitors.

A resort island is a world by itself. Developed on uninhabited islands, each island is just one hotel, exclusively maintained in pristine form and serviced for only a limited number of guests. The untouched white beaches are perfect for relaxation and a healthy tan under the Maldivian sun. Crowned by majestic coconut palms which characterize the Maldives, the vegetation on all islands are quite similar; rings of tropical vegetation adapting to a variety of environments, salt resistant and hardy varieties closer to the beach-line giving way to shrubs and plants, and more delicate and dense greenery towards the centre.
Just inside the vegetation line, well dispersed for maximum privacy along the beach in a typical resort island are small bungalow style rooms where accommodation is provided. The rooms, though mostly shaded by tree, allow a clear view of the beach, the lagoon and the horizon beyond. They are generally equipped with modern conveniences, with en suite facilities. Most of the resort islands have at least two restaurants. Some of the larger resorts may offer as may as five different restaurants. Local and continental cuisine is available in addition to exotic buffets and barbecues. Normally the hotel rates quoted are for full board - bed, breakfast, lunch and dinner included. In club style resorts and in some smaller resort islands this is often preferred. Except in the evening, when wining and dining under the stars may be the choice for most, there is never enough time to exhaust the wonders of the sea.

Naturally, most of the activities centre around the sea. The reefs around the islands are excellent for diving and snorkeling. Activities such as water-skiing and windsurfing may seems strenuous but exciting. Water sports equipment and facilities are available for hire on all resort islands. There is either a fully equipped diving school or a more elaborate water spots centre.

There is sufficient activity on all resorts which are self contained worlds of their own. Equipment for sports such as lawn tennis, soccer, volleyball, and indoor games such as billiards, table tennis, chess or darts are usually available free of charge in many of the resort islands.

Those who wish to relax can spend time on the beach; sit under the sun or under the cool green shade; admire the surrounding natural beauty or perhaps simply gaze at the horizon lined with green islands springing out of the blue ocean. The beaches are peaceful and never crowded. Every island resort is Robinson Crusoe's island but equipped with modern amenities subtly hidden away. As depicted by local artists in stencil prints unique to the Maldives, relaxing on the beach is not only aesthetic but a sport and an art in itself. There are only a few places in the world where so much pleasure can be derived by doing nothing.

Cruising among the islands may be an exciting alternative to lazing on resort beaches. Yachts and yacht-dhonis with bunk beds or private cabins are available for hire. These boats can accommodate between eight to twenty passengers on cruises that sail for ten to fifteen days. Some of the larger vessels have scuba diving and windsurfing facilities with qualified instructors on board. Food prepared by the crew using the day's fresh catch of fish may be modest, but a tourist is never too far to stop for a sumptuous meal or a drink.

On a cruise, dining under a clear sky in the Maldives can be an experience in itself. With the equator running through the Maldives, it is an astronomer's dream too.

Besides safari boats and resorts there are a few hotels and guest houses in Male' as well. These facilities cater mainly for the business traveler. The larger establishments provide meals. Tourist accommodation is also available on Gan island in Addu; the southern-most atoll of the Maldives.



Transport in Maldives
The tourist resort islands have their own transfer boats to carry their clients. Visitors with confirmed reservations are normally met on arrival at the airport and transferred by boat, helicopter or sea-plane to the resort island of their choice. Transport and communication services provided for tourists are generally of a high standard. Minimum standards of service and safety also apply.

There is no regular inter-island transportation system between inhabited islands. The ad hoc transportation system is serviced mainly by local boats called Dhoni or Baththeli which average a speed of about 8 miles per hour. A lager number of dhonis plow the Male' International Airport and Male' route as ferries. Dhonis and even modern speed boats are also available for hire. Air Maldives, the national carrier, operates regular flights to the domestic airports at Hanimaadhoo, Kadhdhoo, Kaadedhdhoo and Gan.




Visit Male' - The Capital
Male', the capital of the Maldives, is the commercial centre, seat of government and the location of many important historical and religious landmarks. With an area of just over 1.77 square kilometres, it is home to over sixty thousand people, and is the busiest and most populous island in the archipelago. It has been known as the Sultan's Island in the past.

The Grand Friday Mosque, Masjid-al-Sultan Mohammed Thakurufaanu-al-A "z" zam is the biggest mosque in the Maldives. It also includes the Islamic Centre. This Grand Mosque with its dominant golden dome decorates the facade of Male'. It can accommodate over five thousand worshippers at a time. Nearly all visitors to Male' take time to visit this magnificent landmark.

The old Friday Mosque with its unique minaret and the tombs of national heroes and members of royalty resting in the quietness of its compound, gives the visitor a glimpse of the past. The art in the mosque and royal burial grounds are unique and invaluable.

Other important sites in Male' include the tombs of legendary saints, Mulee-aage - the Presidential Palace and the National Museum in the Sultan Park which shows the glories of a different era. All these are within a ten minute stroll.

The fruit and vegetable market and the firewood market are busy and colourful places where islanders from outer atolls trade their goods. The fish market nearby, is always immaculately clean, until the fish is landed in the busy hours of late afternoon when fisher-folk begin to arrive with the day's catch. The fishermen cutting and cleaning the fish have developed the process to an art. It is a clean and well maintained area that generates much interest from visitors and provides a glimpse into the life of typical Maldivian fisher-folk




Shopping in Maldives
Male' is the best place for shopping if you are interested in buying imported goods. Most of the shops that specialize in tourists do sell a lot of local handicrafts and souvenirs. It is always best to browse through some shops before making a choice. The shops that are recommended by guides or shop assistants volunteering to be guides are not necessarily the best places for shopping.

If you are looking for duty free shops, there are some located at the Male' International Airport. They offer a pretty good range of goods from cameras, cosmetics, electrical and electronic equipment, cigarettes and other merchandise.





MALDIVES .... a historical calendar
500 BC Possibly the first settles arrive on the islands.
1152 AD Conversion to Islam; start of the sultanate.
1558 The Maldivian nation enters a dark era under the Portuguese that lasts for approximately 15 years.
1573 Portuguese rule comes to an end after a successful Maldivian uprising.
1752
The Ali Rajas attack the archipelago, kidnap the sultan and take over the islands. Their victory is short-lived and after a few weeks the Maldivians gain their independence again.
1887 Maldives becomes a British protectorate.
1932 The first constitution is drawn but discarded in 1939.
1953 Maldives becomes a republic after abolishing the sultanate, but the country reverts back to the sultanate shortly afterwards.
1956 The British lease the island of Gan in the southern-most atoll of Seenu (Addu).
1957 Ibrahim Nasir is elected prime minister. He changes the conditions of the lease on Gan and demands that the British stop employing local labour.
1959 Objecting to Nasir’s changes, the inhabitants of the three southernmost atolls protest against the government. They form the United Suvadive Islands and elect a president, Abdulla Afif Didi.
1962 Nasir dispatches gunboats to end the rebellion in the southern atolls. Afif Didi other leaders are banished to different islands.
1965 The British relinquish protectorate status. Maldives becomes independent.
1968 The second republic is formed with Ibrahim Nasir as president.
1972 The country is opened to tourism.
1974 On 24th June a crowd gathers to protest against the rising food prices. Nasir orders the police to open fire.
1978 Fearing for his life, Nasir retires to Singapore. Abdul Gayyoom is elected the new president. He denounces Nasir’s regime and banishes its corrupt members.
1980 An attempted coup against coup Gayyoom fails and more people are banished including foreign mercenaries.
1988
Gayyoom is re-elected for his third term of office. A few months later local businessmen, aided by Sri Lankan mercenaries, try to overthrow the government. The National Security Service manages to apprehend the perpetrators.
1993 President Abdul Gayyoom is re-elected for the fourth term.
1998 President Abdul Gayyoom is re-elected for the fifth term.
 

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