The Maldives is a small Asian island nation. The territory of the republic consists of a chain of small coral islands, 80% of which are still uninhabited. Let's find out how many islands there are in the Maldives and find out the names of at least the largest among them.

Territorial structure of the Maldives: islands and their number

How many islands are there in the Maldives?

Among the 1192 islands that are part of one of the 20 atolls, only 202 islands are inhabited, which is 1/6 of the entire land territory of the republic. Tourists and guests of the country are allowed only half of them.

Islands of the Maldives and their names

We will not list and describe all the islands of the Maldives and their names, since their number exceeds 1000.

Let's take a closer look at the most significant and largest islands of the Maldives. The name of these islands dates back to ancient times. They are part of the atolls.

So, let's get acquainted with the 9 largest and most significant islands and atolls of the Maldives:

North and South Male Atolls- these are atolls, consisting of more than 100 islands of various sizes (50 northern and 30 southern). North Male is the capital of the country - the beautiful city of Male. Of the 80 islands of 2 atolls, only 11 are inhabited, 44 are beautiful high-level resorts, and the remaining 25 are rented or uninhabited;

Gann- an island that is located on the southern atoll of Sienu (Addu). This island was once one of the English colonies. Its streets still retain the stiffness of that time. In the clear coastal waters of the island, you can go diving, exploring the rich underwater world;

Ari Atoll- includes more than 30 islands, of which 18 are inhabited, and 26 are luxurious exotic resorts. It's just perfect for lovers of underwater tourism. There are 4 marine reserves on the islands of the atoll: Maya Tila, Oramis Tila, Fish Head and Kudara Tila;

Baa Atoll- consists of 51 islands, of which only 10 are inhabited by people, and 5 are resorts;

Velavatu- This is an island that is part of the Dhaalu (Dhaalu) atoll. The locals used to call it "Turtle Island". This island is simply beautiful, because in a small area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe land managed to accommodate various types of green spaces, magnificent palm trees, the tops of which rest against the sky and magnificent pristine sandy beaches. This place is just a paradise for lovers;

Filitheo (Filiheeo)- the only one of all the islands of Fafu Atoll, which has become a resort. In addition to it, the atoll includes 15 inhabited and the same wild islands. The island has a very lush and rich vegetation, which, combined with white sand beach and warm ocean waters, makes this place unforgettable;

Laviani Atoll- located north of North Male, truly a paradise on earth. It consists of 63 islands, most of which make up the beach area. Within its limits are some of the most beautiful barrier reefs with the richest life of underwater inhabitants. This is a wonderful place for lovers of scuba diving;

Kuramachi- this is one of the islands of the Maldives, known for the fact that three hotels are located on its territory at once, which is unusual for this republic. The combination of lush vegetation and pristine beaches makes this place unique.

The Maldives is a scattering of picturesque atolls in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Everything here is conducive to bliss: kilometers of secluded beaches, high-class hotels and very beautiful nature. All about the Maldives: diving and surfing, photos, prices, weather and tours.

• Hot tours to the Maldives
• Tours for May Worldwide

The Maldives, the famous "residents" of the equatorial waters of the Indian Ocean, are rightfully considered one of the best exotic destinations. There are 1190 islands (or rather, atolls) here, and all of them are like a selection: with blue lagoons, sandy beaches and unique vegetation. There is everything for rest: peace and quiet, beautiful nature, rich underwater world. And also something without which any advantages of any resort immediately fade in the eyes of modern tourists - good hotels and a high level of service.

Prices, I must say, in the Maldives are also quite “at the level”: vacations here can be afforded mainly by travelers whose income level is defined by marketers as “above average”. Having paid a significant amount for the trip, the following categories of vacationers will be 100% satisfied with their vacation. Maniac divers who dive three times a day. This is the most trouble-free subtype of tourists: they will still be delighted, diving like ducklings from morning to night. Happy married (or out of it) couples who need no one but each other. They can pick up a hotel with the appropriate environment - there are plenty of those on the islands. And, of course, seekers of an absolutely relaxed holiday in the entourage of a tropical paradise.

Regions and resorts of the Maldives

Time difference with Moscow

2 hours

• with Kaliningrad

• with Samara

• with Yekaterinburg

• with Omsk

• with Krasnoyarsk

• with Irkutsk

• with Yakutsk

• with Vladivostok

• with Severo-Kurilsk

• with Kamchatka

History and legend

According to legend, once life in the Maldives was not at all as cloudless as glossy catalogs inspire us. The sea genie Rannamaari, to the misfortune of the local residents, settled in their territorial waters, demanded regular human sacrifices every full moon, and only in the form of virgins from the island of Male. The poor fellow was taken to a certain temple, and the next morning they were found dead.

But not everything is Shrove Tuesday for the cat: once a traveler from the distant Maghreb, Abdul-Barakat ul-Barbari, arrived on the atoll. The stranger took pity on the girls (whom his compatriots apparently did not care about) and on the full moon he himself sat down in the temple in the place of the sacrifice. All night he read the Koran, and in the morning it turned out that the genie had fled, unable to withstand the power of the holy book. So the women were saved, and the Maldivians converted to Islam to celebrate - so now there are mosques everywhere, a ban on the import of alcohol and no topless (presumably, they are afraid that the genie would not return). However, this did not affect the amazing nature of the archipelago - and hence its attractiveness for tourists.

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Climate

The climate of the Maldives is warm and humid. Air temperature during the day is about +30 °C, at night +26 °C, water +26 °C. Due to its proximity to the equator, seasonal changes associated with the monsoons are almost imperceptible. During the southwest monsoon (May to October) it rains more often and the weather is more windy. The northeast monsoon season (November to February) is considered less humid.

Maps of Maldives

Visa and customs

Police: 119, fire department: 118, ambulance: 102.

Beaches in the Maldives

In the Maldives, all roads lead to the beach: fine white sand, perfectly blue waves, tall palm trees - wherever you look, pictures from advertising posters come to life everywhere. The coast is almost everywhere wide, spacious, equipped with amenities and umbrellas that save from the scorching sun. Most of the beaches belong to hotels, and the areas accountable to the modest "three rubles" are not much inferior in terms of grooming and comfort to the fashionable five-star zones.

On the Maldivian beaches it is strictly forbidden to sunbathe topless and drink alcohol.

The list of the most famous beaches of the archipelago includes Naladu and Banyan Tree on Male Atoll, San and Nika on Ari Atoll. Turtles nest on the banks of the Laviani, and dolphins splash around the coast of Maafushi. A wealthy public relaxes on the islands of Hadahaa (Gaafu Alif Atoll), Kunfunadu (Baa Atoll) and Veligandu (Ari Atoll). There is an equipped beach even in the capital: of course, it is not as spectacular as the recreation areas in luxury resorts, but it is quite suitable for surfing and sunbathing. And the most vivid impressions will be given by night swimming on the “glowing” beach: underwater microorganisms and luminescent algae on the coast of Vaadu (South Male) shimmer in the dark with blue lights, creating the effect of a starry sky descending to earth.

Diving in the Maldives

The Maldives... how much this word has merged for the diver's heart: comfortable water temperature (+27 °C at a depth of up to 40 m), excellent visibility up to 30 m and, of course, professional dive centers. The disadvantages of the direction include strong currents outside the reefs. The best season for scuba diving in the archipelago is from January to April, when the weather is sunny and the water is clear. Giraavaru Island Resort, on the North Atoll, has over 20 sites known to divers from all over the world.

For beginners, diving on reefs is ideal: on their inner slopes or inside the atoll. Advanced divers will be interested in the outer surface of the reef (there are amazing ocean fish living in caves with ledges and terraces), but do not forget about strong currents and breaking waves. The underwater coral slides are very interesting - their tops are at a depth of 5 to 25 m, and the base is up to 40 m.

In addition, there are several interesting wrecks in the Maldives, for example, the Victoria cargo ship with the remains of goods brought to the islands or the Chaika steamer, which sank at the end of the 19th century - its hull is completely split in two. Some popular sites: national reserve Embudu with amazingly diverse underwater world, Feliwaru and Halaveli wrecks (here you can see giant rays), Maaya Reef, a cozy channel between the reefs of Fushi, teeming with many inhabitants, Rakido secluded dive site, Guraidhoo Marine Protected Area, Miyaru "shark" site .

Read more about local diving in the article by our permanent expert charming Veronica Birman "Diving without lyrics - 13. The soul of the Maldives".

Surfing

Board riding on the waves is a relatively recent entertainment in the Maldives: only in the late 80s. the first surfers came here. Today, the islands are considered one of the most popular surf spots in the world: they are never crowded (the number of people going out to sea is regulated by a special service), and the waves are just a feast for the eyes: high, stable, and ideally shaped. Lohifushi Island regularly hosts the prestigious O'Neill Deep Blue Open international tournament.

There are 7 popular surf spots in the Maldives, including Sultans, Pasta Point (with the exclusive right to “hire” waves by the Atoll Adventures club) and the so-called “Police Island”. The most wonderful surfing is from June to September, the height of local waves is from 1 to 2.5 m.

Surfing can also be practiced in the capital Male: there is a sandy bottom, and there is no risk of cutting yourself on corals at low tide. True, the landscapes are not as picturesque as in the atoll resorts.

Wedding in the Maldives

A wedding in the Maldives is already a classic, a legend, a standard: there is hardly a more beautiful place to unite two loving hearts. No boring photos from the registry office, no vulgar contests and unfamiliar second cousins ​​on the guest list: only the splash of gentle waves of the Indian Ocean, the rustle of palm leaves overhead, soft sand under bare feet and flower garlands around the neck.

The combination of bonds of Hymen in the Maldives is purely symbolic: the atmosphere of a tropical fairy tale is more important than a stamp in a passport.

Wedding ceremonies are held in most hotels according to a script worked out to the smallest detail: the newlyweds are preening in the spa, driven on “doni” or horse-drawn carriages to an impromptu altar, showered with flower petals and rice, and touched by the speech of the manager. Continuation - a romantic picnic or a cruise on a yacht and the first wedding night in a secluded bungalow with the obligatory champagne for breakfast. More intricate options are underwater weddings (even in a white dress, even in a wetsuit) under the guidance of dive instructors and ceremonies on board seaplanes swaying on the waves. Newly made spouses are awarded certificates, a standard set of services costs from 12,500 MVR, a diving wedding - from 16,500 MVR.

• Which of the atolls of the Maldives to choose for honeymoon
• Maldives or Seychelles: what to choose for a wedding ceremony

Shopping in the Maldives

From the Maldives they bring lacquered black boxes with yellow, green and red flowers, mats made from local natural palm fiber, miniature traditional fishing boats, scary shark jaws, tender coconut oil, colorful shells, sarongs, crafts made of wood and coconut “monkeys”.

Fans of exotic outfits will be interested in national dresses with embroidery around the neck. Fans of large-sized souvenirs should pay attention to traditional drums, including a rather big “bodu-beru”: it is 100% authentic and will give you many unforgettable minutes in the process of being transported to your homeland. From edible souvenirs, it is worth buying such an amazing thing as coconut sausage.

The best choice of souvenirs is in Male, where there are many shops and shops. By the way, you can also profitably buy high-quality foreign-made diving equipment there.

Prices for souvenirs in the Maldives bite, and bargaining is not accepted.

Maldives in the rays of the setting sun

Cuisine and restaurants of the Maldives

The cuisine of the Maldives has borrowed a lot from Indian and Sri Lankan gastronomy: spicy curry sauces, an abundance of spices, the use of a lot of fruits in cooking and an almost complete disregard for vegetables and herbs. Everything here revolves around two products: fish (especially tuna) and rice, served in different variations with all sorts of gravies and sauces. Among the ways of cooking marine life: grilling, in oil or breading, smoking, drying and boiling. Snack options: the same fish, only in the form of a filling for a variety of pies, butter balls and a fair size kulebyak. Often they are fried to impossibility. Any meal is completed with unleavened bread "roshi" or crispy flatbread "papadu".

It is also worth trying rice dishes with the addition of fish curry and coconut milk. At the Male fish market or in all kinds of supermarkets, you can buy canned fish (tuna is a favorite among the local public and visitors), dried and dried fish. The traditional drink is “raa” made from palm milk, the local population almost does not drink alcohol (mainly due to religious prohibitions).

Almost all fruits in the Maldives, except for bananas and coconuts, are imported.

It is better to try local gastronomic masterpieces in "tee-shops" - small budget cafes scattered along city streets. Most food is concentrated in Male, on the resort islands, 1-2 restaurants are most often open, where they offer a variety of dishes of the Maldivian, European and international cuisines. In the capital, breakfast costs 60-95 MVR, lunch - 105-160 MVR, dinner with wine - 500-800 MVR per person (alcohol is not served everywhere), prices are higher at the "resorts". The bill includes state tax and service charge (10%).

Cruise yachts in the Maldives

(excursion from 40 USD), a lot of uninhabited islands similar to each other, where they like to have picnics (from 35 USD), as well as a kind of "action" - a fishing excursion. Perhaps the only notable surface excursion is the Photo Flight, a seaplane flight over the islands. It costs a lot: for 15-20 minutes in the air you will have to pay about 150-250 USD. Other popular excursions are a yacht cruise (from 80-90 USD) or a submarine dive (from 45-50 USD).

Do you know how an atoll differs from "just an island"? Just in case, we give a certificate: an atoll is a coral island in the form of a continuous or discontinuous ring surrounding the lagoon. If you look from under the water, the atoll will most likely turn out to be a long-extinct volcano, on the slopes of which a coral reef once began to grow - and grew so much that it gradually appeared on the surface. But the top of the volcano, on the contrary, over the long centuries collapsed and sank under water. You know the rest: people came from somewhere to the formed ring, built hotels with restaurants and spas, and opened diving centers.

If the soul still requires a cultural program, we recommend visiting the National Museum on the territory of the picturesque Sultan Park, the Islamic Center under the golden dome and the Presidential Palace in Male. The country's oldest Old Friday Mosque with a unique minaret (1656) and the tomb of Mohammed Takurufanu, legends of national resistance, are also located here. There are ruins of a Buddhist temple from 90 BC on Ari Atoll. e., on the island of Matirah (Haa Alif atoll) - a mausoleum with a sacred tomb, a place of pilgrimage for Muslims.

Holidays and events

The main holidays in the Maldives are patriotic and religious in nature. The most magnificent celebrations take place on Independence Day, July 26: the islanders have fun in honor of the long-awaited exit from the protectorate of Britain and the declaration of sovereignty. On the first day of the month of Rabi al-awwal, the Day of the Nation is celebrated in honor of the liberation from the Portuguese invaders by the troops of Mohammed Takurufanu. On the 12th day of the same month, the birth of the Prophet Muhammad is celebrated.

The end of the holy Ramadan marks Eid al-Fitr: three days of plentiful meals, visits and other amusements. After 70 days, Eid al-Adha arrives with traditional worship and sacrifices. November 3 - Victory Day in honor of the coup d'état prevented in 1988. In the first month of the Muslim calendar, Muharram, religious celebrations are held to celebrate the Islamic New Year.

December 10 is one of the most colorful local holidays: Fisherman's Day with folk festivals and noisy fairs. Adored by foreign tourists New Year(January 1) and Christmas (December 25) arrange bright celebrations in hotels and on city streets: the degree of fun depends only on the thickness of the wallet.

Republic of Maldives.

The name of the country comes from the Sanskrit dwipa - "island".

Capital of the Maldives. Male.

Maldives area. 298 km2.

Population of the Maldives. 311 thousand people

Location of Maldives. The Maldives is an island state in the south, in the northern part. There are more than 2000 small islands. Maritime borders lie in the Indian Ocean.

Administrative divisions of the Maldives. The country is divided into 20 groups.

Form of government of the Maldives. Republic.

Head of State of the Maldives. President elected for a term of 5 years.

Supreme Legislature of the Maldives. Unicameral parliament (mejlis), whose term of office is 5 years.

Supreme executive body of the Maldives. Cabinet of Ministers.

Major cities of the Maldives. No.

Official language of the Maldives. Maldivian (divehi).

Religion Maldives. Almost the entire population is Sunni.

Ethnic composition of the Maldives. Indians, Sinalese, Arabs.

Currency of the Maldives. Rufiya = 100 laari.

Maldives. nautical. The temperature all year round on average does not fall below + 25 ° C even at night. The average temperature is about + 28 ° C all year round (daytime maximum - about + 32 ° C, night minimum - + 25 ° C). Precipitation is about 2500 mm per year, most often in the form of short rains in the evening and at night. also constant - about + 24-27 ° С all year round. The best weather are observed during the "iruvai" period (from November-December to March-April) - the season of the northeast monsoon, when the sea is calm, but sunny and dry. From May to October, during the "hulhangu" season (April to October), the weather is less predictable - the southwest monsoon can bring intermittent rains, high and turbulent seas (however, this period is the least hot). Storms and are most likely in June and December.

flora of the maldives. Coconut palms, bananas are widespread, breadfruit is found.

Fauna of the Maldives. Animal world states are poor. Giant bats live on trees - they are called flying foxes. The coastal waters are home to various types of fish, including poisonous toad fish, turtles and a variety of molluscs.

Rivers and lakes of the Maldives. There are no permanent lakes, which is why there is a lack of fresh water.

Attractions Maldives. Na-Bandos - National. Nearby are small but very colorful marine reserves Banana Reef, Kami Corner, Kuda Ha, Lions Head, Makunudu Kandu, Ras Fari, Okobe Tila, H P Reef and Hans Hass Place, each of which guards one underwater attraction of Male Atoll.

Useful information for tourists

It is forbidden to drink alcohol in public places (outside the resort area). It is recommended to drink bottled water and soft drinks. Although the local water is cleaned quite thoroughly (often it is desalinated sea water), it quickly becomes unusable due to the high level. Traditional Islamic norms of behavior are strong in the country, but without the slightest sign of fanaticism. The restrictions are the same as in . Photography is prohibited in mosques. Mosque guards usually insist on accompanying a tourist, expecting to take a fee, but in fact the mosque can be explored on your own. Nude swimming is prohibited on all islands of the archipelago, with the exception of Kuramati Island. You can bargain in the markets and in private shops, but the size of the "discount" is usually small. Spearfishing and unauthorized fishing are prohibited (all types of sea fishing are freely organized in hotels), it is strictly forbidden to raise corals (both living and dead), shells and other marine life from the bottom of the sea. Large fines are levied for violations. The country has one of the largest markets in the region selling shells, corals and various exotic marine animals, so you can always buy these souvenirs without violating local laws. Tipping is not officially accepted, but unofficially, if the service really deserves it, it is customary to leave a small amount for the personal service worker (10 dollars a week for a hotel worker or 5% for a waiter) Some resorts include a payment for services on the bill (usually 10%), in this case there is no need for a tip. In the case of renting a boat or boat, the amount should be discussed in advance.

The Republic of Maldives is located in South Asia, on the islands of the Maldives archipelago, which is a chain of 20 atolls (about 2000 coral islands) in the equatorial waters of the Indian Ocean, southwest of the island of Sri Lanka.

State

State structure

Democratic Republic, part of the Commonwealth. The head of state and government is the president. The legislature is a unicameral parliament (54 deputies).

Language

State language: dikhevi

English is spoken in tourist centers.

Religion

The majority of the population professes Sunni Islam.

Currency

International name: MVR

One rufiyaa is equal to 100 lari. The circulation has banknotes in denominations of 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 500 rufiyaas, as well as coins in 1, 2, 5, 10, 25 and 50 lari. US dollars and major credit cards. Upon departure, the remaining rufiyaa is allowed to be exchanged back for dollars.

History of the Maldives

The beginning of the history of the Maldives is unknown, but we know that people lived on the islands already 3000 years ago. About 800 years ago, the rulers of the Maldives - Buddhist kings - accepted Islam from Arab merchants. The Maldives was a British colony at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries and gained independence in 1965. In 1968, the Republic of the Maldives was proclaimed.

Maldives Map

Popular Attractions

Maldives Tourism

Where to stay

Maldivian hotel complexes are quite different, but they are all united by the hospitality of local residents and excellent service. There is a very interesting hotel building system in the Maldives - one island = one hotel.

There is no official classification of hotels in the Maldives. The local hotels are classified according to a special system for assessing hotel service: Deluxe, Superior and Standard. Most of the country's hotels are four- and five-star level, bungalow type. There are very few three-star hotels here.

All Maldivian hotels are of a high level, with a huge territory (the whole island) and a unique design. Even the most budget hotels provide their guests with good rooms with mini-bars, air conditioners, safes and other necessary accessories. On the territory of most hotels there are diving and spa centers, golf courses, volleyball and tennis courts, round-the-clock bars and restaurants. Swimming pools are not in all hotels.

In the hotels of the country, vacationers are available both half and full board in the "buffet" format. A separate table is attached to each room in the hotel restaurant.

Most Maldivian hotels are complexes that consist of dozens of one- or two-story bungalows and cottages, each of which houses one or more rooms. These rooms are equipped with a kettle and daily replenished coffee and tea, air conditioning and a TV. Bed linen is changed every other day and cleaning is done twice a day.

Many hotels offer tourists accommodation in "water bungalows" - spacious wooden houses on stilts, standing right on the beach above the water. Available - bathroom with ocean view and terrace.

In addition, accommodation in boutique hotels is possible in the Maldives - these are 10-12 detached villas. Each has an outdoor shower and a private terrace.

Another, not the most traditional option for living in this country, are yachts, the cost of living on which is very high.

Popular hotels

Tips

Tips are usually 10% of the bill.

Visa

Office Hours

Banks are usually open from 9 am to 1 pm from Saturday to Thursday. Day off - Friday.

Store hours are variable. Most, especially on the larger islands, are open from 7-8 a.m. to 9 p.m., but during the summer many shops are open from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Souvenirs

You can bring shark jaws, coconut oil, shells, sarongs, wood crafts (red and black figurines), coconut monkeys.

Medicine

Vaccination against hepatitis A and B is recommended. If necessary, it is better to bring medicines with you, since there are practically no pharmacies on the islands, and medicines sold in hotels are extremely expensive. It is recommended to drink bottled water.

Republic of Maldives.

Country Summary

Capital Male. Founded 5 centuries BC. Political system Full name - Republic of Maldives. The state system is a presidential republic, divided into 19 administrative regions (alotts) and 1 district (Male). The independence of the Maldives was proclaimed on July 26, 1965 (formerly a protectorate of Great Britain), in 1968 the Maldives was declared a republic by referendum. The unicameral parliament is the main legislative body headed by the speaker. The head of state, head of government and executive power is the president. Maumoon Abdul Gayoum has been the President of the Republic of Maldives since 1978, very popular and revered among the local population. All citizens over the age of 21 have the opportunity to elect the president and other members of the government. Parliament appoints the president, but for this choice to be valid, he must be supported in a national referendum. The administration of the atolls is appointed by the government itself. There is not a single political party in the country, although this is not prohibited at all. Also there are no armed forces. The office of prime minister has not existed since 1975. Republic of Maldives is a peaceful country that devotes a lot of energy to cooperation with world countries. She has close relations with Great Britain and Japan, with Russian Federation- diplomatic relations. Location The Maldives is located in the Indian Ocean, southwest of India and Sri Lanka on both sides of the Equator. In total, there are 1190 islands of coral origin, forming 26 atolls, stretching in a double chain perpendicular to the equator. The local population lives on 201 islands, 88 islands are used as tourist resorts. They have a variety of sizes and are designed to receive a different number of tourists. The length of the Maldivian archipelago from north to south is 820 kilometers, from east to west - 120. The Maldives are washed by the Indian Ocean. Largest cities Male is the capital of the Maldives, as well as the commercial and administrative center. It's the only one locality which can be called a city. Time zone UTC+5. Flight time from Moscow Flight time to the Maldives from Moscow (direct flight Moscow - Male) is 8 hours 30 minutes. Territory The total area of ​​the Maldives is 298 sq. km. Population There are only 339.3 thousand people in the Maldives: Maldivians (Singhalese, Indians) - 90%, Arabs - 9%. Language The official language is Maldivian (Dhivehi). It originated about 1500 years ago, belongs to the Indo-Aryan languages, has its own script called tana, read from right to left. English is widely used in Male and in the resorts. Major Religions The state religion is Sunni Islam. In 1153 AD e. The Buddhist king Kalaminia, who ruled the Maldives at that time, converted to Islam, which remains the main religion to this day. Any other sects and religions are prohibited on the islands. Islam in the Maldives is liberal in nature, similar to that practiced in India and Indonesia.

There are unusually beautiful mosques on the islands, and if you stay a little on the islands, you can immediately feel how important religion is here. On all the islands, residents pray several times a day.

When visiting the mosque, you can see what interesting ancient paintings cover their walls. They depict scenes from history and are designed to strengthen the spirit of the inhabitants of the archipelago, to control their upbringing and thoughts. Mosques also host important official meetings and events.

But religion peacefully coexists with modernity. For example, the minaret of the famous Islamic Center, built more than twenty years ago, peacefully coexists with the post office building. The Islamic center is included in the list of the most beautiful Asian mosques. The authorities took special care of its erection in order to strengthen the nation in this way.

Official currency Rufiyaa (Maldive rupee) = 100 lari, 1 USD = 12 rufiyaa. In circulation there are banknotes of 500, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 2 rufiyaas and coins of 50, 25, 10, 5, 2 and 1 lari. Mains voltage Mains voltage - 220 V. Climate The climate is tropical, warm, even due to the proximity of the equator, without significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year. The best weather conditions are from November to the end of April (northeast monsoon): the sea is calm, the weather is sunny, hot and dry. Sometimes in June-July there are short rains, but they are not so long - 20-25 minutes, and the sun shines again. From May to October - the monsoon season: heavy rains, high humidity, storms. The average daily maximum is +30.4°С. The average night minimum is +25.4°С. The water temperature is +24–27°C all year round.

During the monsoon cycle (spring and autumn), intense tropical storms and thunderstorms have recently become more frequent.

Finance

What money to take with you Dollars. Dollars are accepted everywhere, there is no need to change them for rufiyaa, because even in souvenir shops on local islands, purchases can be paid in dollars. Euros are accepted only in resorts, as well as in some souvenir shops.

Where to change US dollars are accepted almost everywhere. Therefore, it is not at all necessary to exchange dollars for local currency upon arrival.

The American dollar is preferred especially by banks, where only dollars are exchanged for you. Exchange offices sometimes accept other world currencies, but this is not the rule.

In resort areas, you can find exchange offices on almost every corner. Money can be exchanged in large hotels. The exchange rate is almost the same everywhere, a little more profitable in Male than in hotels.

Credit cards Most hotels, shops, gas stations, car rentals, large shopping centers and restaurants accept payment cards, especially American Express, VISA, MasterCard and EuroCard. There is only one ATM in the Maldives from which you can draw from the account of foreign banks. You will find it in Male in front of the HSBC bank building. Shopping Souvenir products can be purchased in special shops in the resorts, which are open until late evening hours, souvenir shops in fishing villages and Male (Chandani Magu Street).

The diverse craft hobbies of the locals will give you a rich selection of all kinds of knick-knacks and really beautiful rare items.

Typical souvenirs are usually beautiful sea shells, shark jaws (a favorite souvenir of tourists), coconut oil, original silk clothes, sculptures carved from coconut wood, beautiful wooden utensils, painted souvenir plates, colorful fish figurines, paintings by local artists, coral jewelry, sarongs, wood crafts (hand-sawn red and black figurines), coconut monkeys.

On one of the islands, lovely painted boxes and jewelry are produced. They are made from a tree called funa.

On another island, you will find another original souvenir - wicker rugs, which are very light and pretty, they are made, like hand-made cane boxes.

Tourists very often buy wooden miniatures of Dhoni ships or sailboats. Usually Sri Lanka or Indian teas, smoking pipes, fans or sets are brought from the Maldives. You can also buy a CD with local traditional or contemporary music.

Things made from various stones will please you. This is not surprising, since the carving tradition here is very old, carefully passed on to the younger generations.

In Male, you can profitably buy high-quality foreign-made diving equipment and equipment.

Export from the country of black corals, products from a tortoise shell is prohibited.

Tipping Tipping is not officially accepted in the Maldives. But if the service was worth it, then unofficially, no one forbids to thank the attendants with a small amount: a hotel employee - $ 10, a waiter - 5%.

Some resorts add a service charge to the bill (usually 10%), in which case tipping is not necessary.
Taxi Services Classic auto taxis are available only in the capital Male, Gan and Addu atolls. The trip is paid at the rate of 15Rf plus 5Rf for luggage during the day and 20Rf after 24:00. Any stop, even for a minute, automatically ends the trip, which must be paid immediately. If you want to continue the trip, you will have to pay all over again.

There are several taxi services (work around the clock), all cars are equipped with air conditioning. Taxis can be stopped on the street or called by phone (in this case, the trip will cost 10Rf).

Public transport public transport as such does not exist. Because most of the islands are so small that transportation is simply not needed there. There is no spectacle familiar to us - a large accumulation of cars, the most common types of land transport are bicycles and motorcycles.

Basically, they use the services water transport- a local taxi can be called a wooden boat with a flat roof - dhoni. This is a traditional multi-purpose vessel, now upgraded with diesel engines. On this modest boat, you can swim to the island you need. As a rule, as a sign of greeting, tourists are immediately put on a wreath of pink or white flowers around their necks, offered refreshing, fragrant napkins and coconut milk. Large boats are called Vedis and are used for long journeys to distant atolls.

You can safely bargain with private carriers. There is no timetable, ships sail as they fill with passengers.

Car rental in Male and other major islands you can rent a car.

Road traffic is practically not regulated, there are no markings and road signs, or they have long been destroyed, there are also no traffic lights. The traffic speed is low, but drivers never give way to pedestrians, so you should be extremely careful on the few Maldivian roads.

customs control

To pass customs control at the airport in Male, you must present all things for inspection, including hand luggage. It must be remembered that:

Import prohibited:

Any narcotic substances, including psychotropic
- pornographic materials recorded for viewing video cassettes with films, etc. Only sealed cassettes are allowed
- anti-Islamic literature
- military paraphernalia
- any pork products
- alcohol
- animals
- gunpowder / explosives / firearms / piercing, cutting objects and - - weapons for spearfishing.

As for "objects of religious worship", this can mean anything that can harm the official religion of the Maldives - Islam. A small decorative cross around the neck is unlikely to be considered dangerous, but a large cross with a conspicuous figure of the crucified Christ may be banned from importation. The same applies to images of the Buddha: a small table figurine may not cause objections from customs officers, unlike a large and noticeable one. Surely they will seize the Bible, although they do not specifically search for this item. In any case, it is better to respect the feelings of Muslims

If the above items are present in your baggage, when passing through customs control, they will be confiscated from you and placed in a special compartment at Male airport in exchange for a receipt describing the confiscated item. Upon departure from the country, you can get the seized back by presenting this receipt.

Allowed to import into the country:
- goods for personal consumption within reason (no more than one item per person);
- goods 200 cigarettes;
- 125 ml of perfumes.

It is forbidden to export from the country:

Black coral and products from it (except for souvenirs made by officially certified by the government manufacturers);
- objects and things found at the bottom of the sea.

Allowed to export from the country:

Gifts and souvenirs (shells; shark jaws; postcards, posters, shorts, T-shirts with local symbols, etc.);
- household items: thin-woven reed mats; wooden boxes; baskets woven from palm leaves;
- Coconut oil;
- jewelry.

Transport

The Maldives is a network of islands, both inhabited and uninhabited, completely surrounded by water. There are no regular transport links on the islands.

Transport in the Maldives is a boat. The only human invention capable of moving tourists, and even local residents, to a certain island. Tourists upon arrival in the Maldives can rent boats for independent movement, but before you rent a boat, do not forget to agree on a price in advance so as not to get into a conflict situation. The islands are scattered very close to each other, so the trip will not be tiring.

Almost all tourists visiting the islands come here by plane. international Airport Male is located on the island of Hulule, at a distance of 1 km (10 minutes by national boat "dhoni") from the capital of the Maldives - Male.

Due to the geography of the archipelago, most of the transportation is carried out by seaplanes, helicopters and boats. The seaplane is possible only during daylight hours according to the schedule (from 07:00 to 16:00). It should be remembered that hydroaviation does not fly to all atolls. The deHavilland Twin Otter seaplane, notable for its robust construction and high maneuverability, also known as the DHC-6, is capable of descending smoothly and carrying up to 20 passengers. The plane sits on the water, and a boat delivers you to the pier (jet).

There are 2 air carriers in the country - Maldivian Air Taxi and Hummingbird Island Airways. The prices are quite high, it is somewhat cheaper to order a plane through the hotel administration or a travel agency. In addition, the companies offer sightseeing flights and day trips with picnics to uninhabited islands for 250 USD. (approximately). You can take up to 20 kg of luggage with you free of charge plus 5 kg of hand luggage.

Any Maldivian island can be crossed in 1.5 - 2 hours. However, tourism in the Maldives is regulated and independent movement within the islands is not encouraged, as this may have a negative impact on traditional island communities.

If you decide to have a full vacation, and are not constrained by money, then a rather expensive helicopter is at your service, but you will not only quickly arrive at the required place, but also admire the Maldives from above.

You can make a trip to the outer islands, but it is impossible to see everything at once. A travel permit between the atolls is required to visit islands located outside the tourist area; permits are issued by the Ministry of Atoll Management only to people who are invited by the inhabitants of those islands and atolls.

Telecommunications

Telephone communication The entire territory of the Maldives is divided into several telephone zones. The cost of a call within one zone is approximately 0.25 rufiyaa per minute, between different zones - from 0.55 to 3 rufiyaa per minute.

For local and international calls, it is recommended to buy Dhiraagu calling cards (cost 30, 50, 100, 200 and 500 rufiyaas). You can buy cards in a special store "Dhiiraagu Teleshop" in Male, as well as from card sellers on any of the major islands.

There are no public telephones on a number of islands, and communication is carried out from call centers (they usually work from Sunday to Thursday from 7.30 to 20.00, on Fridays - from 14.00 to 18.00, on Saturdays - from 9.00 to 18.00), serviced by telephone operators. The cost of a call depends on the distance and is somewhat higher than from a pay phone. From 24.00 to 06.00 the cost of a call is 20% cheaper.

The Maldives also has a mobile connection of the GSM-900 standard. Mobile phones of most standards do not work in the Maldives, but you can rent a phone at the office of the local operator "Dhiraagu". More detailed advice can be obtained from the office of your mobile operator.

Calls to Russia To call to Russia: +7 - area code - subscriber's number. Calls from Russia To call the Maldives, dial: 8 - 10 - 960 - subscriber's number. City codes Telephone code Maldives - 960. Useful Phones Useful Phones

Reference phones:
Reference telephone network - 110.
International telephone operator - 190.
The operator of communication between the atolls is 188.
Meteorological Service - 317-171.
Male Airport Information - 332-211.
Maldives Tourism Development Bureau - 323-228.
Customs Department - 322-001, 310-045.

Emergency services:
Police (rescue service) - 119.
National Security Service - 313-281.
Fire department - 118.
Ambulance - 102.

National cuisine

The cuisine is based on two fundamental ones: Arabic and Indian. Local cuisine usually includes rice, fish curry cooked with coconut milk. Limes, chili and small onions add piquancy to dishes. No dish is unthinkable without spices. An important place in cooking is occupied by sauces, their preparation is akin to the sacrament of a cook in the Maldives.

Rice is used in cooking in all variations - boiled in coconut milk, with various vegetables, peppers, the same fish or marine arthropods, as well as with bananas, papaya, mangoes, pumpkins, sweet potatoes or breadfruit.

The local roshi bread is very popular and is usually eaten with mashuni, a fish cocktail flavored with coconut, onion, chili and lime.

The main and favorite dish for the islands - tuna with rice - may not be the same, because this time it can be seasoned with a completely different sauce.

Dishes in which fish appears as the main ingredient are very diverse, from simple boiled fish, meatballs and soups, to fish cocktails and fish pies.

Popular hikimas - dried and smoked fish. Also good is a pie with fish, coconut and onion bajiya, the most delicate fish pie coolie borkihaa (kulhi borkihaa). Also traditional fish soup and garudia rice, tuna patties with gulu coconut, baked fish with chili paste fihunu mas (fihunu mas), fried keemia fish rolls, rihaukuru fish pate, fried fish with pepper and garlic teluli mae and others

You can finish your lunch with suji, a very tasty local drink. The locals brew raa, a sweet and delicious palm juice extracted from the top of a palm tree trunk. In the heat, juices are very good, local sweet milk kiru sarbat, sweet palm juice raa, suji drink and low-alcohol drink gaa from fermented palm milk. Alcoholic drinks can only be bought in hotels, and it is advisable to drink them only indoors, otherwise you risk getting into trouble.

Dessert dish, most likely, will be coconut in any form. Areca nut (an oval nut with betel leaves, cloves and lime) is eaten in the afternoon. If you want to taste local sweets, try bondi (bondi) - white coconut sticks - very tasty! Coconut milk, various puddings, vegetable and fruit salads and pastries are widely used.

A popular drink in the Maldives is tea, which is served with milk. Another drink that you can see more often than others is coffee brewed in Arabic.

In addition to coconuts and bananas, few vegetables and fruits grow on the islands, so most of the products offered on tourist resorts, Maldives imports.

Institutional work

Store hours are variable. Most, especially on the larger islands, are open from 07.00-08.00 to 21.00-23.00, but in the summer many shops are open from 13.00-15.00 to 18.00-20.00.

In Male, banks and exchange offices are concentrated on Marine Drive. They are open from 8.00 to 13.30, from Sunday to Thursday (as in many other Muslim countries, Friday and Saturday are days off in the Maldives).

Holidays and non-working days

Holidays in the Maldives are based on the Islamic lunar calendar. This means that every year the holidays are on different days. You will feel the festive atmosphere mainly in the capital, as on this day most shops will be closed. In other cities or regions, you will hardly feel the full grandeur of the holiday.

Usually families gather on holidays, everyone cooks food for the festive table together, decorates and organizes fun. Traditional music is playing, people are dancing, you can hear the wooden instruments and modern jazz and pop music.

Holidays:

January 1 - New Year.
January 8-10 - Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan).
March 15-18 - Eid al Kebir (Day of Sacrifice).
April 6 - Islamic New Year.
June 4-5 - National holiday.
June 15 - Mulud (Birthday of the Prophet).
July 26-27 - Independence Day.
November 11-12 - Republic Day.
September 1 - Huravi Day.
October 28 - Martyrs' Day.
November 3 - Victory Day.

customs and practices

Despite the fact that the Maldives, as an Islamic state, is relatively liberal, visitors to the country must carefully abide by the laws.

Rightfully considered one of the oldest states in the world, the Maldives today can tell you a lot and surprise you a lot. Here you need to constantly remember that the main religion is Islam. And so you need to adhere to the established etiquette.

The usual form of greeting for the Maldivians is a handshake, they officially greet "salaam alaikum", the word "kihenen" greet each other in an informal setting. A carefree and simple existence in harmony with nature is the Maldivian way of life.

In the Maldives, musical traditions that arose in the old days are alive. This applies to music, crafts, dances. Musically, the Maldives are unique and inimitable. You will learn that three styles of song performance have been preserved here, each of which is individual and has its own name.

You will no doubt hear about Bodu Beru. This is both a song and a dance that is performed during the holidays. Once upon a time it was brought from the African continent. Dances are also performed according to tradition, there are several different popular national dances that you will be recommended to watch. For example, Bodu Beru, a costumed dance, is danced by fifteen people, in addition, there is a singer and three drummers play.

There are dances both for women and purely for men - this is what tradition prescribes. The male-only dance, Dhandi Jehun, lasts about an hour and is performed without regard to any event. But the female dance - Boaymalaafas Neshun, reflecting a tradition that has long disappeared, but existed - bringing gifts to the Sultan. This dance is considered one of the most important and interesting dances in the Maldives.

Artistic Maldivians complement the natural beauty of exotic coral islands. Fishing for them is both leisure and profession at the same time. Especially striking is the local hospitality. This trait is passed down from generation to generation among the Maldivians. The Maldives is a place where a tourist is always a welcome guest.

Precautionary measures

Precautionary measures:

Buy water in plastic bottles.
- The Maldives is a Muslim country, therefore the laws, therefore, are appropriate, therefore, for those who like to drink, the road here is either simply closed or they must refrain from this unprofitable pleasure.
- collecting corals and, moreover, taking them out of the country is a criminal offense
- it is forbidden to break, tear live and dead corals in the ocean and near the coast, damage the shells and raise them to the surface, fish near the islands, throw any garbage on the islands, for this it is necessary to use dustbins to avoid problems
- you can not visit the capital Male and the islands where they live locals and are in beachwear
- it is also forbidden to wear things that do not cover the body from the shoulder to the knee
If you are going to the beach, regular beachwear will do. But if you suddenly want to visit the fishing villages and the capital Male, then you should respect local laws and wear modest clothes.
- while diving and swimming, you should pay attention to the sharp edges of coral reefs, and also do not touch marine life, they can be poisonous

Penalties apply for violations!