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Sun, sand and sea, a thousand ‘Robinson
Crusoe’ islands, massive lagoons with
different depths and infinite shades of blue
and turquoise, dazzling underwater coral
gardens; a perfect natural combination for
the ideal tropical holiday destination.
However there is more to the Maldives than
just that.
Airport
Hulule International (MLE) (Malé) on Hulule
Island is 2km (1.2 miles) from Malé (travel
time by boat - 15 minutes). Boats from the
various island resorts meet each arriving
plane to take visitors to their
accommodation. There is no scheduled
transfer from Hulule Island to the other
islands. If an advance booking has been
made, representatives of the resorts will
receive tourists at the airport and will
take care of all onward transport
arrangements. Airport facilities include
left luggage, first aid, bank, duty-free
shops, snack bar, post office and
restaurant.
Visas
Tourist visas for 30 days will be issued on
arrival only and free of charge to all
visitors in possession of valid travel
documents. Visas can be extended for 3
months for a fee of Rf750 (£45). Note:
Foreign visitors who enter the Maldives must
be in possession of return or onward tickets
and sufficient funds to cover duration of
stay.
Currency
Maldivian Rufiya (Rf) = 100 laaris. Notes
are in denominations of Rf500, 100, 50, 20,
10, 5 and 2. Coins are in denominations of
Rf2 and 1, and 50, 25, 10, 5, 2 and 1 laari.
Credit Cards
Most major island resorts will accept
American Express, Visa, MasterCard, Eurocard
and Diners Club. Arrangements vary from
island to island, and it is advisable to
check with your credit or debit card company
for details of merchant acceptability and
other facilities which may be available.
Tipping
This is officially discouraged
Electricity
220 volts AC, 50Hz. Round-pin plugs are
used, although square-pin plugs are now
becoming more common.
Health Risks
1: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is
required from travellers arriving from
infected areas. 2: Following WHO guidelines
issued in 1973, a cholera vaccination
certificate is not a condition of entry to
the Maldives. However, cholera is a risk in
this country and precautions are essential.
Up-to-date advice should be sought before
deciding whether these precautions should
include vaccination as medical opinion is
divided over its effectiveness. See the
Health appendix. 3: Malaria is present,
though disappearing. 4: The water provided
in the resort areas is generally safe to
drink. In other areas water of uncertain
origin used for drinking, brushing teeth or
making ice should have first been boiled or
otherwise sterilised. Food in hotels and
resorts is usually risk free, although
visitors should be cautious elsewhere. Other
risks: Hepatitis A, B, and E and
poliomyelitis can occur. Tuberculosis and
diptheria vaccines are sometimes advised.
Rabies may be present although there have
been no reported incidences in animals or
humans since 1996. For those at high risk,
vaccination before arrival should be
considered. If you are bitten, seek medical
advice without delay. For more information,
consult the Health appendix.
Time Zone
GMT + 5.
Business Hours
Sun-Thurs 07:30-14:30. Friday and Saturday
are official rest days
Holidays
2007
Jan 1 - New Year's Day.
Jan 20 - Hajj Day.
Feb 10 - Islamic New Year.
Mar 31 - Mawlid al-Nabi (Birth of the
Prophet).
Apr 21 - National Day.
Climate
The Maldives have a hot tropical climate.
There are two monsoons, the southwest from
May to October and the northeast from
November to April. Generally the southwest
brings more wind and rain in June and July.
The temperature rarely falls below 25°C
(77°F). The best time to visit is November
to Easter.
Clothing
Lightweight cottons and linens throughout
the year. Light waterproofs are advised
during the rainy season.
GDP Growth Rate
2.3% (2002 est.)
Inflation
1% (2002 est.)
Exports
Fish, Clothing
Imports
Consumer Goods, Intermediate and Capital
Goods, Petroleum Products
Trading Partners
Thailand, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Malaysia,
UAE
Industries
fishing, desalination plants, refurbished
accommodation, generators and air
conditioning. there is some light industrial
activity, including fish-canning, textiles
and boat building.
Government
Republic since 1965. Gained independence
from the UK in 1965. Head of State and
Government: President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom
since 1978.
Geography
The Maldives Republic is located 500km (300
miles) southwest of the southern tip of
India and consists of about 1190 low-lying
coral islands, of which only 200 are
inhabited. Most of the inhabited islands are
covered by lush tropical vegetation and palm
trees, while the numerous uninhabited
islands, some of which are mere sand spits
or coral tips, are covered in shrubs. Each
island is surrounded by a reef enclosing a
shallow lagoon. Hundreds of these islands
together with other coral growth form an
atoll, surrounding a lagoon. All the islands
are low-lying, none more than 2m (7ft) above
sea level. The majority of the indigenous
population do not mix with the tourist
visitors, with the exception of those
involved with tourism in the resorts and
Malé.
Population
269,010 (2000).
Ethnic Groups
South Indians, Sinhalese, Arabs
Languages
The national language is Dhivehi. English is
widely used as a business language in
government offices and the commercial
sector. Other languages are widely used
within tourist areas.
Literacy
Definition: age 15 and over can read and
write total population: 97.2% male: 97.1%
female: 97.3% (2003 est.)
Religion
The indigenous population is almost entirely
Sunni Muslim.
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