Maldives

The Maldives are situated South West of Sri Lanka, on the equator. The numerous coral reef islands, 1,190 in total, form an archipelago of 26 natural atolls (groups of neighbouring coral islands). These 26 atolls are organised into 19 administrative atolls with the capital island of Male’ established as an entity of its own forming the twentieth division. Seen from air, the atolls and the islands form breathtakingly beautiful patterns against the blue depths of the Indian Ocean.

The country stretches 823 km north to south and 130 km east to west. Out of the incredibly large number of islands only 200 islands are inhabited, with several islands adapted as exclusive resort islands. Most of the islands can be walked across in ten minutes; only a few are longer than two kilometres. Although most other islands are smaller, one feels no sense of brevity as the merging of beaches, crystal waters and crisp blue skies create an infinite vastness - a natural openness that is rare and a peacefulness that is always welcome.

Fact File

CapitalMale

LanguageDhivehi, English

ClimateThe climate is tropical with warm temperatures year round and a great deal of sunshine. The weather is determined largely by the monsoons; the southwest monsoon from May to November and the northeast monsoon from December to April. The hottest month on average is April and the coolest, December. February is the driest with December to April being relatively dry. The Maldives are in the equatorial belt and therefore severe storms are rare

CurrencyMaldivian Rufiya (MVR)

VisaA visa is required, but tourist visas are issued on arrival for a stay of up to 30 days (extensions are possible)

HealthAdvised immunisation against Tetanus, Typhoid, Hepatitis A

PassportsPassports should be valid for up to six months from date of departure from the Maldives

Time ZoneGMT +5