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| SPOTLIGHT | | Tropical
beaches and jungle, Wildlife, natural heritage and sun-kissed islands. |
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About Maldives
Republic
of Maldives is located in the Indian Ocean and is about 500 Kms from the southern
tips of Sri Lanka and India. It has its own history, language, culture and traditions
but influenced by British, Arab, Indian and Sri Lankan cultures.
Location
Southwest of Sri Lanka, on the equator.
Geography
1,190
coral islands, forming an archipelago of 26 major atolls. Stretches 820 kilometres
north to south and 120 kilometres east to west. 202 are inhabited, 87 are exclusive
resort islands.
Climate Generally warm and humid. Sun shines
all year through. Average temperature around 29 - 32 degrees Celsius.
What to wear
Dress is generally casual. T-shirts and cotton clothing
are most suitable. In Male', the capital island and other inhabited islands it
is recommended that women wear modest clothing without baring too much.
Population
About 270,000 according to 1998 estimates. Origin of the
Maldivians are lost in antiquity, but history reveals that the islands have been
populated for over 3,000 years ago. Early settlers were travellers on the Silk
Route and from the Indus Valley Civilisation. Inherently warm, friendly and hospitable
by nature, it is easy to feel comfortable and relaxed with a Maldivian.
Culture
A proud history and rich culture evolved from the first settlers
who were from various parts of the world 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 resemble African influences, with handbeating 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 a 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 Sub Continent's 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 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 language spoken in all
parts of the Maldives. English is widely spoken by Maldivians and visitors can
easily make themselves understood getting around the capital island. In the resorts,
a variety of languages are spoken by the staff including English, German, French,
Italian and Japanese.
Economy The Maldives economy has been growing
at an annual average of 10% for the past two decades. Tourism is the main industry,
contributing close to 20% of the GDP. Fisheries and trade follow close behind.
The Maldivian economy is regarded as exemplary in the region and welcomes foreign
investment.
Currency
The Maldivian currency is the Rufiyaa
and Laaree. The exchange rate for US Dollar at the time of writing is MRf.11.82
for the dollar. One Rufiyaa is equivalent to 100 laarees. Rufiyaa bank notes come
in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 500. Coins are in the denominations
of MRf.2.00, MRf.1.00, 50 laarees, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 laaree. The US Dollar is
the most commonly used foreign currency. Payments in the resorts and hotels can
be made in most hard currency in cash, travellers' cheques or credit cards. Commonly
used credit cards are American Express, Visa, Master Card, Diners Club, JCB and
Euro Card.
Education
The functional literacy rate is 98%.
Educational standards are among the highest in the region and schools follow the
British system of education.
Health
Health care facilities
are improving almost on a daily basis. The Indhira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH)
in Male' is the biggest hospital in the country providing sophisticated medical
care. ADK Hospital is the biggest private health care facility and follows high
medical standards. Some resorts have in-house doctors. A decompression chamber
is within easy reach of most resorts in case of a diving emergency.
Local Time
GMT + 5 hours
Business Hours
From Sunday
to Thursday 7.30 - 14.30 in the government sector and generally from 9.00 to 5.00
in the private sector, although most offices in the private sector open for a
half day on Saturday. Weekend falls on Friday and Saturday.
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 phones are available on all inhabited islands. Dhiraagu,
the Maldives Telecommunications Company also provides mobile telephones for daily
rental. It is also the Internet service provider.
Electricity
The
electric system is 230-240 Volts -AC | |
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