Maldives facts and figures

Location: South West of Sri Lanka, on the equator.

Geography: Formed above peaks emerging from the depths of the ocean, upon layers of both living and dead coral, and remnants of other marine life, most of the islands are covered with dense tropical vegetation. Coconut palms towering above dense shrubs and hardy plants protecting the shores from erosion are natural features on most islands. The smaller islands and sandbanks under formation are also wonders in themselves. They embody living entities in various stages of formation, interdependent elements in a food chain in which birds, fish, and other marine life co-exist. Humans form the apex, as caretakers.

Out of a total of 1190 islands, 200 are inhabited, and 88 are set aside for exclusive tourist resort development. Measuring 820 kilometres north to south and 120 kilometres east to west at its greatest width, the closest neighbours are India and Sri Lanka.

Climate: Generally warm and humid, the sun shines all year through. Average temperature is around 29 - 32 degrees Celsius.

What to wear: Dress is generally casual, and T-shirts and cotton clothing are most suitable. In Male', the capital island, and in other inhabited islands, it is recommended that you wear modest, non-revealing clothes.

Population: This is about 0.3 million, according to the 1997 estimate. The origin of the Maldivians is lost in antiquity, but history reveals that the islands have been populated for more than 5,000 years. According to some observers, travellers who explored the world in reed ships discovered the islands.

Culture: A proud history and rich culture evolved from the time of the first settlers, who were from various parts of the world and came here while travelling the seas in ancient times. The Maldives has been a melting pot of different cultures as people from different parts of the world came here and settled down. Some of the local music and dance, for instance, show African influences, with the beating of drums, and songs in a language that is not known to any, but certainly represents that of East African countries. As one would expect, there is great South Asian influence in some of the music and dancing and especially in the traditional food of the Maldivians. However, many of the South Asian customs, especially with regard to women - for instance the Indian tradition of secluding women from public view - are not tenets of life here. In fact, women play a major role in society - not surprising considering the fact that men spend the whole day out at sea, fishing. Many of the traditions are strongly related to the seas and the fact that life is dependent on the seas around us.

Language: ‘Dhivehi’ is the native language of the Maldives. However, English is widely spoken throughout the country, and in the resorts, a variety of languages including English, German, Italian, French and Japanese are spoken by the staff.

Economy: The Maldivian economy has been growing at an annual average of over 10 percent during the past two decades. Tourism, the main industry, contributes close to 20 percent of the GDP, and traditional fisheries and trade follow close behind. The Maldivian economy is regarded as exemplary in the region, and welcomes foreign investment. Per capita income for 1997 was recorded at US$ 900.00.

Currency: The Maldivian currency is the ‘Rufiyaa’, with an exchange rate of 11.72 to the US Dollar (1999). The Rufiyaa comes in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 500. The smaller denomination of the currency is called the Laaree and one Rufiyaa is equivalent to 100 Laarees. The US Dollar is the most commonly used foreign currency; however, payments in the resorts can be made in most hard currency, Travellers’ Cheques, or credit cards. Commonly used credit cards are American Express, Visa, Master Card, Diners Club, and JCB.

Education: The functional literacy rate is 98 per cent. Educational standards are among the highest in the region, and schools follow the British education system.

Health: Health care facilities are continually improving. The Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital in Male' is the biggest hospital in the country, providing sophisticated medical care. Additionally, ADK Hospital is the biggest private health care provider, and follows high medical standards; experienced European doctors work at the AMDC Clinic; and some resorts have an in-house doctor. Decompression chambers are within reach of most resorts in case of a diving emergency.

Local time: GMT +5 hours.

Business hours: These are from Sunday to Thursday 7:30 - 14:30 in the government sector, and generally from 9:00 - 5:00 in the private sector. Friday and Saturday constitute the weekend.

Communication: Up-to-date technology and international satellite links allow Maldives to have a sophisticated communications system. IDD facilities are available on all resorts, and card phone facilities are available on all islands. ‘Dhiraagu’, the Maldives telecommunications company, and an affiliate of Cable and Wireless, of Britain, provides mobile telephones for rental on a daily basis. Dhiraagu is also the Internet Service Provider.