History of the Maldives. Maldives Maldives official name

Republic of Maldives.

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

Capital of the Maldives. Male.

Area of ​​the Maldives. 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 boundaries lie in the Indian Ocean.

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

Form of government of Maldives. Republic.

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

Highest legislative body of the Maldives. A unicameral parliament (Majlis), whose term of office is 5 years.

Highest executive body of the Maldives. Cabinet of Ministers.

Major cities of the Maldives. No.

Official language of the Maldives. Maldivian (Dhivehi).

Religion of Maldives. Almost the entire population is Sunni.

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

Currency of the Maldives. Rufiyaa = 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 is about + 32 °C, nighttime minimum is + 25 °C). Precipitation falls about 2500 mm per year, most often in the form of short rains in the evening and at night. also constant - about + 24-27 ° C all year round. The best weather conditions are observed during the “Iruvai” period (from November-December to March-April) - the northeast monsoon season, when the sea is calm, and it is sunny and dry. From May to October, during the hulhangu season (April to October), the weather is less predictable - the southwest monsoon can bring short periods of rain, high and choppy seas (however, this period is the least hot). Storms are most likely in June and December.

Flora of the Maldives. Coconut palms, bananas, and breadfruit are common.

Fauna of the Maldives. Animal world the state is poor. Giant bats live in the trees - they are called flying foxes. Found in coastal waters different kinds fish, including poisonous toadfish, turtles and various shellfish.

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

Sights of the Maldives. Na-Bandos - National. Nearby are the small but very colorful marine reserves of Banana Reef, Kami Corner, Kuda Ha, Lions Head, Makunudu Kandu, Ras Fari, Okobe Thila, HP Reef and Hans Hass Place, each of which it protects one underwater attraction of Male Atoll.

Useful information for tourists

Consumption of alcohol is prohibited in in public places(outside the resort area). It is recommended to drink bottled water and soft drinks. Although local water is purified quite thoroughly (often it is desalinated sea water), it quickly becomes unusable due to its high temperature. 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 tourists, hoping to charge a fee, but in fact, you can explore the mosque on your own. Nude swimming is prohibited on all islands of the archipelago, with the exception of Kuramati Island. You can bargain at markets and in private stores, but the size of the “discount” is usually small. Underwater hunting and unauthorized fishing are prohibited (all types of sea fishing are freely organized at the hotels); it is strictly forbidden to lift corals (both living and dead), shells and other marine life from the bottom of the sea. Violations result in heavy fines. The country has one of the largest markets in the region selling shells, corals and various exotic marine animals, so you can always purchase these souvenirs without breaking local laws. Officially, tipping is not accepted, but unofficially, if the service really deserves it, it is customary to leave a small amount for the service employee personally ($10 per week for a hotel employee or 5% for a waiter). Some resorts include a service fee in the bill (usually 10%), in which case no need to tip. In the case of renting a boat or speedboat, the amount should be discussed in advance.

Basic moments

The Maldives offers generous sunshine, glamorous sand-sifted beaches, bounty-style turquoise lagoons and fantastic diving 365 days a year. And this is a delightful atmosphere of complete relaxation, respectable laziness and detachment from everyday problems. No matter what economic cataclysms shake the planet, this Asian resort continues to live in its relaxed and independent big land rhythm. The classical Islamic state, with its traditional taboo on everything that contradicts religious canons, managed to adapt to the free morals of the tourist elite, without compromising its own traditions at all. The Maldives is the very place where the roads of visitors and indigenous inhabitants (unless they are hotel employees) almost never cross, and a bank account, no matter how solid it may be, can be reset to zero in a matter of days. It is in the Maldives that you can have the most romantic wedding, improve your diving skills, and, finally, just feel like the last person on the planet by renting a secluded bungalow with a private beach and stunning views of the ocean.

History of the Maldives

According to rough estimates, the history of the Maldives began more than 2000 years ago, when the atolls lost in the Indian Ocean were inhabited by people from neighboring India and Sri Lanka. It was the first settlers who brought Buddhism to the islands, which in the 12th century supplanted Islam, which was actively propagated by the Arabs who arrived here.

Starting from the mid-16th century, the Portuguese and Dutch began to lay claim to the territory of the Maldives. But the local inhabitants were in no hurry to turn their country into a raw material appendage of insatiable Europe, actively resisting the attacks of foreigners.

In 1887, England still managed to establish a protectorate over the Maldives. But in 1967, the islanders rebelled, demanding complete independence from Britain, which was granted to them a year later. The country was immediately declared a republic and a new president was elected.

Weather and climate

You can go to the Maldives at any time of the year: thanks to the subequatorial monsoon climate, it is always warm here. Even in the coldest months (January - February), the thermometer never drops below +17 °C, but average temperature air often fluctuates between +24...+33 °C. The main climatic differences depend on the two monsoon seasons. The winter northeast monsoon, which blows from January to March, is the peak season, bringing dry weather and coinciding with the European winter. The southwest monsoon from May to December causes wet weather, but the rain rarely lasts very long. The rainiest months in the Maldives are May and November, while the sunniest months are March and before and after it.

Geography

The Republic of Maldives is an Asian country in the equatorial Indian Ocean. Sri Lanka is 700 km from here, and India is only 430. By the way, the Maldives are considered the lowest state on the planet: almost all of the land here is only a meter or two above sea level, so in the distant future the fashionable resort risks repeating the fate of Atlantis.

The Maldives islands are mostly small, and the area of ​​some of them is absolutely tiny. Almost each of these pieces of land has its own coral “shield,” so the main feature of the local beaches is that they are almost never stormy, and the water off the coast remains amazingly clear.

The main resort area of ​​the country is formed by the northern atolls, which guarantee their guests the highest level of service and complete privacy. The southern atolls are a little behind in terms of tourism business development, but it is easy to predict that in the foreseeable future they will also catch up, given that their lagoons are full of suitable diving spots.

But tour operators reached the far southern atolls relatively recently, so for now these islands continue to be inhabited by the Maldivians themselves. This, of course, does not mean that the ubiquitous backpacker has never set foot here - quite the opposite, given the fact that the distant atolls are perhaps the only place in the country where a tourist thirsting for national flavor can freely contact the local inhabitants. In other parts of the resort you won’t be able to walk so freely through the village streets.

Flora and fauna

The natural world of the equatorial paradise is surprisingly poor. The main inhabitants of the land are hermit crabs, giant Achatina (snails), flying foxes (relatives of our bats) and gray herons. The situation with vegetation in the Maldives is even worse. Basically, the tourist will have to admire coconut palms and bananas, which are cultivated in huge quantities on the islands. True, once you leave the shore and plunge into the azure ocean waves, a completely different Maldives will appear before you - quaint, full of life and the most incredible colors. The reefs surrounding the resort are home to more than 1,100 species of fish, 400 species of shellfish, 187 species of coral, 21 species of mammals (whales, dolphins) and 145 species of crabs.

Capital

The classic rule: “The capital is the face of the state” does not work in the Maldives. Male - small, but incredibly dense populated city on south coast atoll of the same name. Its area is 5.8 km². It is in Male that ¼ of the total population of the republic lives.

It’s a paradox, but the capital of an elite world resort is not much different from the provincial cities of India. Cramped streets, high-rise buildings right next to each other, a littered port and the unchanging symbol of any Islamic country - the mosque. There are almost no significant attractions in the city, so tourists arriving in the Maldives do not stay in Male. Unless on local market They’ll stop by to look at the abundance of fish rows, or, if urgently needed, they’ll take a walk to the hospital.

Local residents and national traditions

As in any Islamic state, religious traditions are strong in the Maldives. The indigenous people do not drink alcohol and never sell it, or rather, they try to pretend that they are disgusted by it, and also hide their women under shapeless robes. This way of life, of course, is not imposed on visitors. Moreover, many Maldivians work as bartenders in hotels, masterfully mixing cocktails and filling guests' glasses with drinks that they would never try themselves.

The bulk of the country's population is employed in the tourism business, but those for whom the stars shine a little less brightly have to earn a living by fishing, repairing boats and other not the most highly paid activities.

Since not all islands have regular transport links with other parts of the land, the majority of Maldivians live extremely isolated. Ordinary islanders have a monotonous and measured life: going to sea in the morning, lazy swinging in a hammock chair and idle contemplation of the surrounding reality in the afternoon, and at sunset, fishing again.

Etiquette standards and rules of behavior at the resort

The Maldives has a lot of restrictions, non-compliance with which can lead to serious problems. For example, on the most beautiful beaches on the planet it is forbidden to sunbathe topless, much less be completely naked. Walking around cities and towns in ultra-short tops and shorts is also not recommended, nor is it recommended to break off branches of local coral as a souvenir of your trip. Fans of coastal fishing and spearfishing are better off not talking about their passion at all: such types of fishing in the Maldives are equated to poaching. And for throwing garbage and drinking alcohol outside the hotel premises, substantial fines are imposed.

Video: Maldives from above

Beaches of the Maldives

Listing the beaches of a resort consisting of almost 2,000 islands is a thankless task, so it’s easier to name the most popular and well-groomed of them. On North Male Atoll, these are Banyan Tree and Naladu. Nikak and San, which belong to the Ari Atoll, do not suffer from a lack of swimmers. You can swim in the company of Maldivian turtles on the beaches of Lhaviani Atoll, and the shores of Maafushi are better suited for observing the habits of dolphins. The islands of Kunfadhoo and Hadahaa are occupied by those with deep pockets, while incorrigible romantics flock to the coast of Vaadu, dreaming of watching the sunrise on a luminescent beach. Surfers and other wave-chasers hang out around Kunuhura Island, where their unofficial headquarters is Pasta Point Resort.

Attractions and entertainment in the Maldives

Once you have explored the amazing beaches of the Maldives and discovered all the delights of the all inclusive system, you are unlikely to want to go anywhere else. Well, if such a desire nevertheless arises, then take a ride to the Sultan Park on the island of Male, where it is also located National Museum. In the capital, you can also gaze at the Presidential Palace, a rather modest building by modern standards, where all official receptions are held, and at the Good Friday Mosque, built from coral blocks. If possible, book a table at Ithaa underwater restaurant, one of the top ten unusual restaurants planets. The queue for this pretentious establishment is endless, and for the exclusive surroundings they demand an inadequate amount from visitors, but according to the lucky ones who managed to appreciate the local service, it is worth it.

Of course, it is difficult to find a more comfortable place than tropical island With upscale hotels, great food and impeccable, friendly staff. But if you come to the Maldives for at least a couple of weeks, then most likely you will want to see what is hidden behind the borders of a cozy hotel. Traveling around the Maldives is not easy, especially if you try to do it on your own, but it is possible to join an organized excursion. This could be an aimless boat ride looking for a suitable angle for a selfie against the sunset, or a visit to a Maldivian village and getting to know the life of the islanders. You can relieve yourself of worries (and extra money) by booking an aerial cruise on a seaplane, or renting a real submarine with a crew to explore the ocean floor. Well, lovers of picturesque ruins should go to Ari Atoll, where the ruins of an ancient Buddhist temple are still preserved.

Traveling around the area

Of course, what places you can visit and what trips you can take are entirely determined by the location of the resort you're at. True, you will find little variety here, because one island is not much different from another. Perhaps only a trip to Male will give you new impressions. Most resorts located near the capital can organize a one-day excursion for their guests. And while all of Male's attractions are gathered in one place and can be explored in just a couple of hours, it's worth staying overnight to get a taste of the capital and see how its inhabitants entertain themselves after the sun dips below the horizon and the heat subsides. This can be done by taking a day boat flight to the capital, having previously booked a hotel room, and returning the next day also on a day flight. You can also take the boat or seaplane that hotels send to pick up tourists from the airport.

Boat trips

Another popular way to explore the Maldives is boat excursions. These could be short sunset trips around the island where your hotel is located, or long journeys, when you charter a boat or go on a liveaboard (passengers live on their own boat on the open ocean). Travel conditions depend entirely on the size of your wallet. On most boats, passengers are provided not with private cabins, but with bunks separated by curtains, and the tourists are expected to do the routine daily work themselves.

A higher degree of comfort is offered by ships such as the Atoll Explorer, which features air-conditioned cabins and a swimming pool on the upper deck. Private yachts are intended for the very rich, famous and influential people, as well as oligarchs who avoid staying in resort rooms.

If these prices are a little out of your budget, the resort can charter a speedboat and crew for the day. It will cost no more than $200. Ordering from the pier in Male will cost less due to competition. To reduce the price even further, you can charter a traditional Maldivian dhoni boat, but then you won't be able to travel long distances.

If you want to get a taste of the sweet life and ride luxury yacht, in Kuredu on Lhaviani Atoll they offer day cruises on yachts, and night cruises can be booked privately. The yacht is also available at W Retreat & Spa on Ari Atoll.

Desert Islands

Paradoxically, uninhabited islands may be the busiest after Male. Often they are “adopted” by certain resorts, which build various communal amenities, cafes there and send their guests there on a day excursion to have a picnic, snorkel and just swim. And since several groups of tourists come ashore at once, calling these islands “uninhabited” would be somewhat incorrect.

There are tourists who want to visit the uninhabited islands of the Maldives not in such large numbers. Some resorts offer private dinners on the sand for two or more guests and even offer the opportunity to stay overnight. Visitors are given a flag to raise in case of danger.

If money isn't an issue for you, you can rent an entire resort; many small islands can provide safe havens for rich people. For example, the boat-only portion of the Soneva Gili resort can be rented in its entirety.

Village Islands

In the Maldives, excursions to nearby villages are very popular among tourists. Some resorts have close relationships with the islands on which the villages are located and regularly shuttle guests back and forth. If there is no such island near the resort, then, as a rule, a visit to the village is included in the program of a one-day excursion, which involves visiting an uninhabited island.

Maldivian villages that you will visit during organized tour, will not give a complete picture of the life of the local population. There you will see crowds of tourists milling around and a market that has arisen with the express purpose of satisfying their needs, not their wants local residents. But the schools, mosques and houses will be real, and the natural spontaneous development of these villages will allow your eye to take a break from the strict regularity of the resorts.

To visit a “real village” in the Maldives, somewhere off the beaten path, you will have to make a considerable effort. First, it won't be cheap (you have to rent a separate boat because the transport to the inland atolls doesn't take foreigners on board). Secondly, you will have to overcome many bureaucratic obstacles, such as obtaining permission to visit the inland atolls from the administration of the ministry located in Male. And in order to receive it, you need confirmation from a person living on the island you are going to visit. All this, of course, deprives the acquaintance with the real life of the archipelago of spontaneity. If your determination is unshakable, a travel agent in Male will help you overcome bureaucratic obstacles.

Diving

Masters of scuba gear and action cameras in the Maldives will find perfectly warm water (on average +27 °C), excellent visibility even at a depth of 40 m and incredibly rich undersea world. The only danger is the currents that gain strength just outside the reefs, so it is better for beginners to flounder inside the atolls.

It is better to go in search of bottom riches from September to May: the sea during this period is calm, it does not have the abundance of plankton that occurs with the arrival of the monsoons. Coral slides, sunken ships (wrecks), inter-island straits - all these are traditional routes for heroes in wetsuits.

One type of diving or another can be practiced at almost all resorts, but the conditions vary significantly. On some islands, scuba diving is not high on the list of sports offered. This means that both the diving sites and scuba training courses will be quite limited, which is more suitable for beginners or casual scuba diving enthusiasts.

However, true fans of diving in the Maldives can claim something more. The resorts, which are the most popular among the scuba diving fraternity, offer a wide range of courses such as VIT, CMAS, SSI, PADI, NAUI, ANDI and RAB where one can improve their skills. They also provide additional equipment that guarantees safety, such as underwater video cameras. The choice may also be influenced by the availability of nitrox and a decompression chamber, as well as the proximity of suitable diving sites to the resort.

Most local diving centers are located at hotels (Sun Diving School PADI Golden Palm 5, Ocean Dive Center, TGI Maldives, Euro Divers, etc.). Well, for the most restless, there is the possibility of a diving safari, for which a group of divers with the same experience is recruited. The advantages of such a cruise are obvious: you can get acquainted with almost all the atolls and look at uninhabited islands, it is much cheaper than diving with hotel accommodation and, finally, traveling on a yacht is an almost guaranteed opportunity to meet local sharks, which are precisely what those who come to the island are chasing Maldives scuba divers.

Video: Diving in the Maldives

Rating of the best diving spots in the Maldives

Male Atoll

• Banana Reef;
• Lions Head;
• Manta Point;
• Old Shark Point;
• wreck of the ship "Victoria";
• Poodle Place;
• Rainbow Reef;
• Hans Place.

South Male Atoll

• Vadu Cave;
• Guraidhoo Strait.

• the sunken ship "Fesdu";
• Maaafushi-Tila;
• Fish head reef.

Northern atolls

The Northern Atolls are one of the main areas of the Maldives for tourism. Now the number of resorts has barely exceeded double digits, but this figure will steadily increase. There are plans to develop pristine atolls that will provide visitors with even more peace and solitude. Since there are much fewer cruising ships here than on the more populated atolls close to the capital, the air is northern resorts cleaner and the water clearer than anywhere else in the archipelago.

New tour operators are forced to compete with hundreds of competitors, so they try to stand out by offering better conditions and interesting entertainment. One such idea is embodied on an island called Hideaway. It's relative new resort, which boasts the first marina in the Maldives. It is designed to attract as many customers as possible. People accustomed to vacationing on yachts, such as Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, already regularly spend time on the Northern Atolls. They may be trying to avoid the busier islands near the capital. In high-class hotels, guests will receive appropriate service: butler assistance and massage.

Guests who do not have their own yachts can be transported to hotels located on northern islands, on high-speed boats. The journey will take just over two hours. A seaplane flight is much more likely, and the more remote resorts sometimes operate their own commercial flights.

Beaches

In this part of the country you can see the same fantastic beaches covered with white sand, illuminated by golden rays of the sun and washed by azure waves, as on other Maldivian atolls. But their privacy guarantees you even greater purity and pristineness than in central regions archipelago.

Diving

The relatively recent development of tourism in the Maldives, which began in the 1990s, and the small number of boats and ships plying around the atolls, keep the area pristine and thus provide excellent diving conditions. Both kailu (straits, channels between reefs) and thila (seamount, reef bank, the top of which is not visible from the surface) offer many opportunities for snorkeling. Diving at Raa and Baa atolls, west of the group southern islands, includes the protected water area of ​​Horubadu Thila, inhabited by oceanic fish, gray reef sharks and eagle rays can sometimes swim there. Other thilas in the area include the busiest Daravandu, as well as Beriyan Faru, Kottefaru Kuda and Vaadu, each of which promises a lot for true scuba diving enthusiasts. The southwest monsoon, which blows from May to June, brings manta rays and whale sharks to the shores. The strong currents in these areas mean that they are more suitable for experienced divers, with few areas suitable for beginners.

To the east of Raa and Baa, near Lhaviani Atoll, divers will encounter the remains of the fishing boats Skipjack II and Gaafaru, which after two decades spent on the ocean floor became part of underwater life. Their sinking location is easy to find: the Skipjack II's bow rises above the surface of the water. There are also two excellent giri (coral clusters a few meters below the ocean's surface) diving sites: Narkola, south of Hurawali, rich in ledges and faults, and Maa, southwest of Kanuhuraa, where underwater currents create fantastic marine diversity flora and fauna. Another protected ocean area called Kuredu Express offers enjoyable scuba diving, while the 250m long Fushifaru Thila with strong currents is a great spot for advanced divers.

Southern atolls

Given its proximity to Male, parts of the Southern Atolls remain relatively undeveloped in terms of resorts, perhaps because the atolls here are not as close to each other as in the north of the Maldives. The slow pace of development has made the area popular for liveaboard boats, which ply the archipelago in search of privacy and tranquility for their passengers.

If not for tourism, this zone could not be called active at all, especially on the islands where fishing and agriculture. As in the Northern Atolls, the number of resorts here has barely exceeded double digits, including those that developers are still working on. You can fly from Male to your resort by seaplane in 35 or 45 minutes.

Beaches

The lack of busy boat traffic guarantees crystal clear waters, and some even claim that local beaches- some of the best in the Maldives. And although to rank countless coastlines almost impossible, walking along the sands of Filitheyo or Vilu Reef Resort, I really want to agree with them.

Diving

Just below South Male Atoll, at Vaavu, lies the country's longest ridge of pristine reefs, stretching 55 km. It stretches from Hurahu Kandu to the southernmost point of the atoll. Main view The best scuba diving in this area is drift diving in the kaila, for which there are many excellent sites, including Wattara Kanda, a protected area and reef. Also popular are thila (underwater coral reefs), in particular Fotteyo, which many include among best places for diving in the Maldives. An amazing life of various underwater inhabitants takes place here, and some of the corals are simply dazzling.

Water sports

All common species available in the Southern Atolls water sports, and among the centers that focus on this type of recreation are Alimatha Aquatic, Medhufushi and Vilu Reef.

Far southern atolls

The Maldives' southern atolls, some of which are located on the other side of the equator, are rare islands where tourists mingle freely with the local population. The equatorial village is located on the island of Gan, which belongs to the southernmost Sin Atoll, where traces of the British presence remain. Previously, there were two Royal bases here. air force, which were liquidated in 1976, but the English lawns and reconstructed barracks still remind of them.

Another unique feature of this part of the country is that you can walk 17 km in a straight line without ever reaching water. This was made possible thanks to a causeway that the British built, connecting Gan with three islands - Feydhoo, Maradu and the main atoll of Hithadhoo - to the northeast of it. No special permit is required to visit these islands inhabited by locals, so independent tourists who are curious to see the real life of the Maldivians love to come here. A relatively inexpensive (by Maldivian standards, of course) stay at the resort attracts a whole crowd of backpackers.

Until recently, Gan was a rather sleepy little island, but that's all set to change in the near future. The fact is that the local airport has been brought into line with international standards, and now it can accommodate more tourists seeking to visit resorts, the number of which is steadily increasing. Ghana's geographic isolation means its culture and language, as well as flora and fauna, are different, so travelers may have a very different experience on the island than the rest of the Maldives. For many years, Gan was the only island in a group of distant southern atolls on which a resort was built, but it is now beginning to experience competition from its neighbors.

Beaches

If you prefer immaculately maintained beaches, then it is better to stay somewhere else in the archipelago. The beauty of Gan Island is that you can wander freely along its beaches, which are not monitored by strict resort management, and mingle with the locals. You can swim at Koattey Beach, at the northern tip of Hithadhoo.

Diving

Thanks to the almost complete absence of tourist infrastructure, ocean life in these places flourishes. Sinu Atoll is especially attractive in this sense, where divers will not find a crowd of like-minded people. This atoll escaped the siege most archipelago of bleaching corals, which gives it a special appeal. Perhaps the most famous place for divers, this is the multi-ton tanker British Loyalty, torpedoed by the Japanese during the Second World War. Experienced divers are allowed to swim into the remains of the hull itself, where a dazzling variety of underwater life awaits them. Another attraction for the scuba diving community is Shark Point, or Shark Point, located northeast of Hulumidhoo, so named because of the abundance of white and gray reef sharks.

Getting to know local life

This rare chance to experience a real Maldivian village is not to be missed. Explore the islands by motorbike, bicycle or on foot (there are tours to the Equatorial Village). There you will see mosques, schools and remnants of the British stay. At the far end of the causeway is the most beautiful part of the atoll, the capital city of Hithadhoo. In the center there are many tea houses and a stadium where you can even watch competitions. And on the lake with fresh water Eidigali-Kili is a great place to admire the birds.

A wedding in the Maldives is no longer a fashion trend, but rather a pathetic tradition that stubbornly does not give up its position, demonstrating the level of wealth of the couple. You can book a ceremony in the best traditions of soap operas, including a visit to the spa, a romantic walk, a wedding ceremony and a wedding picnic, smoothly turning into a wedding night in a secluded bungalow, right at the hotel. For a spectacular theatrical performance and a wedding certificate, you will have to pay 2,833 rufiyaa (11,000 rubles). Fans of extreme sports and non-trivial experiences in the Maldives are offered an underwater version of the special event. Prices for a wedding at the bottom of the sea in the company of experienced dive instructors are already more serious - around 3,993 rufiyaa (15,500 rubles).

The other side of Maldivian paradise

Actually fashionable resort There are practically no natural sources of fresh water in the world. Life-giving moisture is either collected here during the rainy season or pumped from wells. The water extracted from the atoll depths contains a large amount of salts, so it is subjected to demineralization. However, it is still of little use for drinking, as it has a short shelf life, which is why most tourists, and even indigenous residents, prefer to buy bottled water.

Own power plants in the Maldives are a luxury item, so on a number of islands they are replaced by fuel generators. And if on relatively populated atolls electricity is supplied around the clock, then where there are fewer people, light is supplied only in the evenings and then for a couple of hours.

Garbage problem island state They decided ingeniously and simply - they set aside a separate island for household waste. But since official landfills cannot accommodate the volume of waste that accumulates, some parts of the Maldives are approaching this issue with a great deal of creativity. For example, on some atolls they use sewage water to fertilize green spaces and enrich the soil with fertilizer from fish offal; in other parts of the resort, tourists are provided with special bags for waste, which the guest must take with them after their vacation. However, despite all efforts, it has not yet been possible to completely get rid of garbage, so plastic thrown out by passengers of yachts and boats washes up on the shores of the Maldives from time to time.

Food and drink

In search of national Maldivian dishes, it is better to go to Male, since the hotel kitchens are staffed mainly by Sri Lankan staff, who adapt the food to their own culinary traditions. In the capital's eateries, mostly islanders work, so the food there is the most authentic.

Oddly enough, in a tropical paradise, culinary preferences cannot be more modest. True, such unpretentiousness is a necessary measure: little grows in the Maldives except bananas and coconuts. The products here are imported and, therefore, expensive, so local chefs always have 1,000 and one ways to prepare rice with fish.

A regular on the Maldivian table is tuna: fried, boiled, dried, smoked, boiled into a soufflé (mas huni), canned... They also love curry on the islands, which is much less spicy here than in neighboring India. Maldivians prepare fish broth (garudiya) as their first course. This tropical soup is cooked for several hours, flavored with lime and chili and served with the same rice. Meat is a rare guest on local tables, since pork is prohibited in an Islamic country, and there is simply nothing to feed cattle on the atolls.

The average Maldivian can season his “daily rice” with coconut or lime juice, onion and chili pepper. The islanders' bread is replaced by unleavened flatbread Roshi (a local variation on the theme of Armenian lavash), and the main drink here is green tea with milk (masala). Maldivians do not drink alcohol, but they get their portion of alcoholic euphoria from raa - fermented palm sap. As for desserts, almost all of them are coconut-based. The most prominent representative of sweet dishes is considered to be a bondi stick - a compressed and somewhat sugary delicacy made from coconut flakes, wrapped like a Havana cigar.

Most all inclusive hotels offer international cuisine. Of course, they also host weeks of local delicacies, but on other days there are French croissants and every Maldivian's nightmare - juicy pork steaks.

Money

The official currency of the country is the Maldivian rufiyaa ($0.06). The rufiyaa exchange rate is artificially maintained against the dollar, and its exchange rate with other currencies is based on this, so there is no point in looking for a place where you can make a more profitable exchange. Banknotes in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 rufiyaa and coins of 1 and 2 rufiyaa are in circulation. Foreign currency can be exchanged at the airport or at any of the banks, just keep in mind that the latter are closed on Friday and Saturday. In all places where tourists visit, American dollars and euros are accepted, and they are in circulation at all resorts. If you wish, you can avoid handling cash at all and ask for all expenses to be included in your hotel bill and pay at the end of your stay with a credit card.

Fun fact: The Maldives prints its rufiyaa on the same paper that America prints its dollars.

Tips

Tipping, while quite common in nearby territories such as India, does not have such a strong tradition in the Maldives. But low wages and foreign guests with a habit of tipping began to change the situation. At most resorts, the guest is immediately assigned a specific table, so that he will be served by the same waiter throughout the entire vacation. If you don't want to deal with cash, then you can thank the service staff on the last day. Some tour operators set the amount at $10 per week. There is no need to tip taxi drivers or cafes. If you want to thank a local resident for taking a photo with you, he may be offended.

Shopping

Shopping in a country where practically nothing is produced is like a kind of quest. Although for the unpretentious tourist in the Maldives, of course, there is something authentic or skillfully imitating this very authenticity. It is worth noting that most of the trinkets with supposedly Maldivian flavor that are sold in the capital’s shops are not actually such. All these, as a rule, are Sri Lankan variations on the theme of “a truly Maldivian souvenir.”

For authentic creations of Maldivian artisans, it is better to go to the islands of Mahibadhoo, Maafushi, Khuura, Rasdhu, where for a not very modest sum, local craftsmen will happily provide you with wooden boxes, miniature “dhoni”, palm fiber rugs, colorful shells and funny coconut monkeys. Those who are looking for “something like that” will definitely be persuaded to buy a Maldivian hookah, Gudu-Guda, which local grandmothers love to blow before bedtime. If the hookah doesn’t work out, magnets and T-shirts won’t surprise you, but you still want to bring a material reminder of your vacation with you, take a closer look at the badu-beru ritual drums.

By the way, about T-shirts and magnets - you don’t have to go far to buy them: all the souvenir shops in Male are filled with this stuff. In them you can also get the notorious shark teeth, which have long become the main resort trophy.

Opening hours

Business life in the Maldives comes to a standstill on Friday, as well as five times a day for 15 minutes during prayer. Shops may open at 6:00, but most often open at 8:00 or 9:00. They usually close at 20.00, but some can be open until 23.00. Government agencies and banks open at 7.30 or 8.00 and remain open until 1.30 from Sunday to Thursday.

Difference in time

The time difference with Moscow in the Maldives is +1 hour in the summer (when it is 11.00 in Moscow, in the Maldives it is already 12.00) and +2 hours in the winter.

• Birthdays are not celebrated in the Maldives. Moreover, they don’t even try to remember this date.
• Only a Muslim who has lived in the country for several years can obtain citizenship of a country.
• The Maldives is among the top 10 countries for divorce rates (about 50%). At the same time, citizens bear criminal liability for adultery. Those who walk to the left are publicly treated to a whip here.
• The working week in the country begins on Sunday and ends on Thursday.
• Entering the Maldives with a dog is strictly prohibited: according to the Koran, this animal is considered unclean.
• The resort's motto is No news, no shoes! (No news, no shoes!).
• The Maldives does not have a tax free system.
• Male International Airport is located on an artificially created island.
• In the Maldives, not only the celebration of Halloween, but also the mention of it out loud is officially prohibited.
• The largest fish in the world, the whale shark, is found in the Maldives. Its size varies from 5.5 to 10 meters, and people can admire how this hulk cuts through the crystal clear waters Maldives.

Where to stay

The Maldives is not a place where you can go with a hundred dollars clutched in your fist, party all weekend and still bring “change.” On the one hand, the country has several hostels and guest houses, but even in such places the tourist will be asked to pay far from a modest amount. You can, of course, try to negotiate with the locals and stay with them, but this is rather an extreme option for backpackers and experienced adventurers. On the other hand, people don’t come to a tropical paradise to count every bill and cut themselves off in everything, so why not relax on a grand scale.

A classic of local housing is water bungalows (wooden houses on stilts standing directly in the sea). For the waves splashing right under your feet and the exclusive opportunity to snorkel on your own porch, you will have to pay an average of 5,153 to 20,6611 rufiyaa (20,000-80,000 rubles). An excellent chance to combine comfortable living conditions and acquaintance with the most picturesque Maldivian atolls - yachts, the rental of a cabin on which is equivalent in price to an excellent hotel room.

There are relatively few budget three-room hotels in the Maldives, and even those are mostly occupied by divers. Booking.com recommends Gunbaru Inn, Rihiveli by Castaway and Sun Tan Beach most often. There is a wide range of prices here: you can find a room for 902 rufiyaa (about 3,500 rubles), or for 3,865 (15,000 rubles).

Safety

In the Maldives, they are incredibly afraid of yellow fever, so they scrupulously check that all travelers arriving from South America and Africa. For some reason, all other infectious agents are of no interest to local doctors, but, just in case, it is better to first get vaccinated against rubella, measles, diphtheria, tetanus, polio, hepatitis A and B and typhoid fever. If you are not coming from an infected area, then vaccinations are not necessary.

You shouldn’t leave without a strategic supply of essential medications - normal pharmacies at the resort can only be found in Male, while on most other islands the choice of medicines is extremely poor, and hospitalization in this country costs a lot of money. Without good sunscreen, repellent and bottles of water on Maldivian beaches It’s also better not to show up. Due to the high concentration of solar radiation, earn sunburn At the equator you can not just lie under a palm tree, but also sit up to your neck in water.

Despite the fact that local beaches give the impression of calm and “lazy” places, do not rush to demonstrate your prowess and swim beyond the line of red flags that mark safe swimming areas. Of course, in most hotels on the shore there is security on duty, but underwater ocean currents, which are impossible to cope with, have not yet been canceled.

Crime in the republic is kept to a minimum, so the Maldives can safely be called one of the safest resorts. In force majeure situations, when you cannot do without the help of law enforcement agencies, it is better to contact the hotel security, who will themselves establish contact with the police station.

Connection

Cellular services at the resort are provided by Dhiraagu and Ooredoo, whose SIM cards can be purchased at the airport or in specialized stores in Male. The connection quality is quite good, unless you go too far out to sea. It is customary to top up your phone balance using special cards, which are usually sold in hotels. A call to Russia from a Dhiraagu operator SIM card will cost around 4.9 rufiyaa/minute (about 19 rubles). For calls within the country, it is better to use local payphones, the services of which are also paid for by card (easy to find in hotels and from street vendors). For wealthy tourists, there is such an exclusive option as calling a landline phone from a hotel room. So, if you are the lucky owner of a pair oil wells, – you can calmly resolve business issues without leaving your bed.

Free Wi-Fi in the Maldives is a rare “beast” and lives exclusively in hotels. Those who are unlucky with a hotel can go to an Internet cafe in the capital, spending from 45 to 150 rufiyaa (175-582 rubles) for an hour of online surfing, or connect required service from one of the local mobile operators, thereby robbing himself of at least 290 rufiyaa (1,125 rubles).

How to call the Maldives

To call from Russia to the Maldives, dial:

• from a landline phone: 8-10-960 (Maldives code) - code of the desired city - subscriber number;
• With mobile phone: 8-10-960 - mobile operator code - subscriber's mobile phone number.

There are no area codes in the Maldives. All numbers are now seven digits.

How to call abroad

To call from the Maldives to Russia, dial:

• from a landline phone: 00 - 7 - code of the desired city - subscriber number in Russia (00 - international line access code; 7 - telephone code Russia);
• from a mobile phone: +7 - subscriber number. International operator - 190; information desk - 11.

Transport

There is no ground transportation as such in the Maldives; fortunately, the vast majority of the islands here can be explored on foot. And only in Male can a tourist afford the luxury of a ride for 27 rufiyaa (97 rubles) by taxi or for 4.70 (18 rubles) by bus.

For those planning to travel from island to island, there are three main modes of transport:

• hydroplane;
• boat/boat;
• ferry.

The first option is ideal for travelers with an unlimited budget - the pleasure costs from 2,400 to 3,000 rufiyaa (9,316-11,645 rubles), but it provides a unique opportunity to look at the atoll chain from a bird's eye view. A trip on a speedboat or national boat “doni”, depending on the remoteness of the destination, will cost 470-860 rufiyaa (1824-3380 rubles). Well, a ferry ride will be affordable even for a budget tourist, since the final cost of the crossing will be from 31 to 46 rufiyaa (approximately 120-179 rubles). Main airport Republic of Maldives is located next to the capital, on the small island of Hulhule. This is where all international flights arrive.

Insurance

We strongly recommend that you take out insurance, especially if you plan to spend time on the island; transport to hospital in case of emergency can cost a pretty penny. Purchasing insurance will in no case ruin you: a two-week trip will cost about one euro per day. If you travel frequently, it is more profitable to buy an annual policy. The package of services may not include risk during classes active species recreation, such as scuba diving. When choosing a policy, be sure to take this into account.

Visa information

Upon entering the Maldives tourist visa Russian citizens are stamped in their passports free of charge for a period of 30 days. A foreign guest will be required to have a passport with a validity of at least six months, return tickets, a receipt confirming tourist services, and the availability of cash at a rate of at least $30 for each day of stay.

customs control

There are no restrictions on the import and export of foreign currency in the Maldives. In addition, you can bring duty-free cigarettes (no more than 200 pieces) and perfumes in quantities not exceeding 125 ml. But goods worth more than $200 (about 12,000 rubles) will have to be declared.

Save money and nerves by once and for all giving up trying to bring alcohol to the Maldives (even purchased in stores Duty free). Your alcohol will still be taken away and disposed of. Pork delicacies and pornographic magazines will suffer the same fate. You should also be more careful with local souvenirs: pearl oysters, corals and turtle shell products (unless they are certified products) will not let anyone out of the equatorial paradise. It is allowed to transport a certain amount of gifts and tobacco. The most serious offense is the transportation of weapons or drugs. The punishment could be life imprisonment.

Airports

For those who travel a lot in the countries of the Indian subcontinent, international Airport in Male will seem like a breath of fresh air. Here, unlike other airports in the region, civilized calm reigns; passengers are not overwhelmed by crowds of barkers, porters and taxi drivers. The airport is located on a separate island called Hulhule, which is not far from the capital. As soon as you reach the terminal, you will immediately see two rows of counters that belong to different resorts and tour operators. Find the one you need and a representative will tell you about the transfer in every detail. If your resort is nearby, a high-speed boat will be enough; if it’s far away, then you may have to get there by seaplane. In any case, you will receive precise instructions and leave the airport unhindered and as planned. When you return to the hotel reception, all the details will be explained to you in detail.

If you're one of those rare breeds of independent travellers, you should probably head to Male. Ferries operate 24 hours a day between the capital and the island on which the airport is located. They depart from the main pier in Hulhule and moor at breakwaters 9 and 10 in Male. Boats leave every 15 minutes or when they are full of people, the trip costs 10 rufiyaa or 1 dollar. For about $10 you can rent a traditional Maldivian dhoni boat, which is now equipped with a motor.

For flight information, call Male International Airport: 333-8800.

In the Maldives you have the opportunity to visit another, very unusual airport. Seaplanes that transport passengers from Male to resorts land on the water and only then taxi onto a small floating platform just a few meters long and about the same width. From here you will be taken by boat to desired island. The miniature size of these “airports” is the butt of jokes among resort companies. On one of the floating platforms there is a sign that reads: “Welcome to Soneva Fushi International Airport.”

How to get there

The following airlines operate regular flights to the Maldives from Moscow:

• Aeroflot – direct flights from Sheremetyevo twice a week.
• Turkish Airlines – flights from Vnukovo with a transfer in Istanbul.
• Qatar Airways – flights from Domodedovo with a connection in Doha.
• Emirates - with a connection in Dubai.

You can go to the most expensive resort on the planet from St. Petersburg with Turkish Airlines, Aeroflot, Rossiya and Emirates. All flights are connecting. Another option is charters that fly in the direction of the Maldives both from St. Petersburg and from other Russian cities. Delivery to the hotel usually falls on the shoulders of tour operators, whose representatives meet their clients as they exit the plane.

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 legislative body is a unicameral parliament (54 deputies).

Language

Official 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. Banknotes in denominations of 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 500 rufiyaa, as well as coins of 1, 2, 5, 10, 25 and 50 lari are in circulation. US dollars and major credit cards are accepted everywhere. Upon departure, the remaining rufiyaa can be exchanged back to 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 - converted to 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

Tourism in the Maldives

Where to stay

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

There is no official classification of hotels in the Maldives. The hotels here are classified according to a special rating system for hotel service: Deluxe, Superior and Standard. Most hotels in the country 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 good rooms with minibars, air conditioning, safes and other necessary accessories. Most hotels have diving and spa centers, golf courses, volleyball and tennis courts, 24-hour bars and restaurants. Swimming pools are not found in all hotels.

In hotels in the country, vacationers have access to both half and full board in a buffet format. Each room in the hotel restaurant has a separate table.

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 supplies, 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 directly 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 room has an outdoor shower and a separate terrace.

Another, not the most traditional option for living in this country is 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. Closed on Friday.

Store opening hours are variable. The majority, especially on big islands, work from 7-8 hours to 21-23 hours, but in summer time many shops are open from 13-15 hours to 18-20 hours.

Souvenirs

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

Medicine

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

The local population lives and works, tourists relax. We invite you to find out what islands are in the Maldives and why they are interesting.

How many islands are there in the Maldives?

There are 1,192 Maldives islands on the world map, and not all of them are inhabited. Each of the islands belongs to one of 21 island groups - these are the so-called atolls. They are the main administrative-territorial unit of the state. Let's look at each atoll separately.

List of islands in the Maldives

So, it's time to go to the most heavenly place on the planet:

1. - the name of the main island of the Maldives. It has the highest population density (as many as 103,693 people per 4.39 sq. km!). The capital of the Maldives itself bears the name “Male” - the largest locality on the archipelago. In addition to residential areas, it is located here (on Hulule Island). It is in Male that there are most tourists, entertainment complexes, souvenir and other shops. The Male Atoll in the Maldives includes artificial island Hulumale, settled relatively recently, in 2004.


2. (or Haa-Alifa) wears official name Northern Thiladunmati, or Thiladunmati Uthuruburi. It ranks 3rd in the list of Maldivian atolls in terms of population and area. It consists of 43 islands (14 are inhabited), which are located in the very north of the archipelago. The resorts of Haa Alif Atoll opened for tourists only in 2005. The most popular islands for relaxation - these are Donakuli, Alidu, Utim. On the atoll you can visit an 18th-century mosque and the ancient mausoleum of the Maldivian kings.


3. – about 16 thousand people live on the 16 inhabited islands of the atoll. There is a small regional airport on Hanimadhoo Island, and ancient Buddhist ruins on Faridhoo.


4. (or Shaviyani) has pristine beaches and a rich underwater world. The atoll includes 51 islands with the capital at Funadhu. Most of the islands are small in size. Among unusual places The mangrove swamps of Maroshi Island stand out. Today, Shaviyani Atoll in the Maldives offers only 3 hotels (Vagaru, Doliyadhoo and Komandu islands), however tourism infrastructure is actively expanding.


5. (or Noonu) with its capital on the island of Manadu has 13 residential islands out of a total of 70. This atoll is famous not only for its luxurious hotels, but also for its excellent romantic getaway: Those who wish can rent a dhoni boat and get to any of uninhabited islands this atoll of the Maldives to feel what a vacation away from civilization is like. All the attractions of Nunu Atoll are underwater - these are a variety of dive sites. It is also convenient that each local resort has its own dive center.


6. (aka North Maalosmadulu) is one of the most frequently visited foreign tourists. The atoll's 88 islands, of which 15 are inhabited, are located 140 km from the capital of the country. The capital of Raa, the island of Ungofaru, is famous as a center for the production of traditional dhoni boats. The most popular islands of Raa Atoll in the Maldives are Midhupparu, Rasgethimu, Kandoludhu, Rasmaadu.


7. (Goydhu Atoll or South Malosmadulu). The islands of this atoll are considered the most beautiful in the Maldives. Its virgin forests, coupled with snow-white beaches remind vacationers of a tropical paradise. Moreover, Baa Atoll in the Maldives has been considered a biosphere reserve since 2001. Of its 75 islands, only 13 are inhabited, and luxury hotels and resorts are concentrated on them. On the islands of Eidafushi and Tuladhoo you can buy excellent souvenirs - people even come here from Male to buy them. Vacationers stop on the islands of Khorubadhu, Fonimagudhu, Dhunikolu, Kihaduffaru.


8. (Laviyani or Faadhippolu) is famous for its popular dive sites. It has only 5 inhabited islands, among which it is the leader in terms of attendance - it is the most famous resort in the Maldives - and no less popular, the best budget island in the country. In general, Lhaviyani Atoll is romantic place with many options water activities. Its islands are the best in the Maldives for beach holiday. In addition to this, this includes snorkeling, wind surfing, fishing, yachting and sea canoeing, and walking along the sand spit at dusk.


9. - the center of the Maldives Republic. Its resorts are convenient because they are closest to the country's only airport. The capital of Kaafu in the Maldives is. The atoll has many hotels with house reefs, hotels for honeymoon, “family” hotels and, of course, all-inclusive establishments. Thilafushi is also located here - the only trash island in the Maldives, created as a landfill, and the popular tourist islands of Huraa, and Bandos.


10. , or Ari - 8 islands of the atoll have a permanent population. This place in the Maldives is more than popular among tourists: Paradise islands, are the most popular among those who want to relax by the warm sea.


11. Alif-Dhaal welcomes guests with historical sights - you can visit a beautiful wooden mosque and a Buddhist stupa. In addition, guests of the island will find several hotels, mini-hotels and a unique underwater restaurant located at a depth of 5 m - it was the first of its kind in the world.


12. (aka Felidhu) is an atoll with a population of only 2,300 people living on 5 islands. They are considered the best diving in the Maldives, and the most interesting of the dive sites is.


13. (Meemu) began accepting foreign holidaymakers not so long ago. There are only 2 hotels here, but they truly represent luxury resorts. Among guests, trips to the beaches of the uninhabited part of the atoll are popular for a romantic holiday in the lap of pristine nature. Among the attractions, noteworthy is the mosque on the island of Kolufushi, where an ancient artifact is kept - the sword of Sultan Muhammad Takurufaan.


14. (Nilande Atoll). Of the 23 islands, there is only one resort island - Filitheyo. Its villas are designed in an eco-style with a slight touch of luxury, and at the same time equipped to the highest standards. On the island you can see an ancient cemetery, where you will be shown the grave of a local wizard. Faafu once conducted research on the atoll famous traveler Thor Heyerdahl: it was here that he found the oldest evidence that Buddhism was practiced in the Maldives in pre-Islamic times.


15. (or Daalu) gives tourists a romantic atmosphere, privacy and communication with wildlife. It was even nicknamed “turtle island” - these animals lay their eggs here, and tourists enjoy admiring the newborn turtles. Of the 56 picturesque islands, only 7 are inhabited, and 2 are given over to tourism businesses. The capital of the atoll is the city of Kudahuvadhu. Tourists go to the islands of Rinbudu and Hulundeli to buy magnificent jewelry from local craftsmen.


16. (Kolumadulu), with its capital Weimandu, consists of 66 islands. People inhabit 13 of them. All the attractions of Thaa Atoll are pristine nature: most of the islands are in the condition in which they were created by nature, and this is their main value.


17. has as many as 82 islands, but only 12 are inhabited. They have conditions not only for diving, but also for surfing. Those who like snorkeling will also like the islands of Laamu Atoll - there are shallow lagoons. Interesting in this area and archaeological sites– ruins of ancient monasteries and stupas.


18. (Gaafu-Alifa) will delight you with only a few hotels, but only the most luxurious ones. But there are many excellent diving spots where you can find octopuses, manta rays and huge glowing jellyfish. The atoll is considered one of the natural reserves of the Maldives. Travelers are drawn here by the seclusion of these places and especially the heart-shaped island, the only one in the Maldives.


19. has a permanent population located on 9 islands. The first resort here was built in 2006 on the island of Vatavarrehaa - it was a luxurious hotel designed for 150 people. It appealed to lovers of secluded relaxation. And today, numerous surfers come to Fiyoari Island.


20. - a special atoll. There is no lagoon inside - it is completely filled with corals, forming one big Island. Mangoes, bananas, and papaya are grown on its fertile soil. Notable features on Fuvahmulah Island are Reading Hill and the Kedera Mosque.


21. - the southernmost atoll of the Maldives archipelago, it is also the highest (2.4 m above sea level). Here is Gan, the second most important airport in the country, built on the island of the same name in the Maldives, the largest in the country. The archipelago has 6 inhabited islands out of a total of 24. The capital of the atoll is Hithadhoo, and is in greatest demand among tourists in the Maldives. Natural beauties include luxurious lush gardens, banana and coconut plantations and the only freshwater lake in the Maldives.

The Republic of Maldives is located in equatorial waters south of India. The state is a chain of atolls that consist of 1,192 islands of coral origin. The capital of the state is Male, the only city in the entire archipelago.

The Maldives were inhabited more than 2 thousand years ago. Twice the Portuguese and the Dutch tried to establish power over the islands, but the local population did not allow this to be done. In 1887, a British protectorate was established over the Maldives. The Maldives was under British rule for more than half a century and finally gained independence in 1965. In 1968, a referendum was held in the country, as a result of which the state became a republic.

Capital	Male
Population	395,000 people
Population density	1328 people/km 2
Religion
Form of government	presidential republic
Timezone
International dialing code
Internet domain zone
Electricity

Climate and weather

The climate in the Maldives is equatorial, with a predominance of monsoon winds. The northeast monsoon from November to April creates favorable conditions for recreation on the islands. Due to the proximity of the equator, the air temperature is approximately the same throughout the year and does not fall below +25 °C. In April, the southwest monsoon brings wet weather to the islands. air masses. During this period, the Maldives experiences a slight drop in temperature, precipitation and storms.

Nature

The flora in the Maldives is represented by typical tropical vegetation. There are mangroves and fruit trees here. The abundance of vegetation depends on the soil. On some small islands covered with sand, only shrubs and grasses are found. Large islands are rich in vegetation. There is also a real jungle with tropical plants, mangroves, and various types of exotic flowers. But there is one plant in the Maldives that grows everywhere, regardless of the type of soil - the coconut palm.

The fauna of the Maldives is not very diverse. Some species of reptiles live here: snakes, which are not dangerous to humans, lizards. Mosquitoes are found only on wild islands archipelago. Among the insects in the Maldives, butterflies and rhinoceros beetles also live.

The underwater world of the Maldives is much more interesting. On the ocean floor you can find different types of corals and marine life, ranging from sea ​​urchins and ending with whale sharks.

Attractions

There are not many historical or cultural attractions in the Maldives. The most interesting places located in Male. Here you can visit Sultan Park. Until 1968, the Sultan's palace was located here. Subsequently, the palace was destroyed, and the gardens surrounding the palace were turned into a park.

The Islamic Center is also of interest. This is a large mosque next to the pier. Its interior is decorated with symbols of Arabic calligraphy and wood carvings. It is better to visit the mosque accompanied by one of the local residents: after all, this is a religious building in which special rules of behavior must be observed.

Another attraction of the Maldives is the National Museum, which displays items of clothing and jewelry of the sultans. Also here are the manuscript of the Koran and pre-Islamic statues that were found during archaeological excavations.

Nutrition

The local cuisine is based on Indian and arab traditions. Many dishes consist of ingredients such as rice, seafood and spices. The most common sauce is coconut curry; it is added to almost all dishes. There are a variety of fish dishes, for the preparation of which there are hundreds of recipes. Fish is even added to pies. The main side dish is rice, which is cooked with coconut milk, vegetables and even some fruits, such as papaya, bananas, mangoes, and pumpkin. The meat they eat is mostly chicken, but extremely rarely. Coconut is most often served for dessert. Baked goods and fruit salads are also widespread. The drinks here are mainly tea, coffee and various juices.

Accommodation

There are practically no high-rise buildings in the Maldives, with the exception of buildings in Male. Hotels are represented by all kinds of villas, bungalows, chalets, and cottages. All of them are one- and two-story, located separately from each other and have an entrance from the street. In the main building hotel complexes, as a rule, there is a reception, a bar and a restaurant. The tourist houses themselves are located either in the depths of the island, or on the shore, or right on the water. In the latter case, the houses are connected to the land by a wooden bridge, and in some cases the rooms can only be reached by boat. Whatever type of accommodation is chosen, they are all distinguished by a high level of service.

Entertainment and relaxation

Most people go to the Maldives for a beach holiday. However, there are many options here. active rest. For example, lovers of diving and snorkeling can have a great time on the islands. Divers from all over the world come to the Maldives, because the reefs near the islands are home to an incredible variety of marine life of unimaginable colors and shapes. But not only fish and corals attract diving enthusiasts. In the waters surrounding the atolls, there are many sunken ships that are also of interest to divers.

Due to the fact that the Maldives is a Muslim state, many holidays here are of a religious nature. In addition, in the Muslim calendar, almost all holidays “move”, i.e. fall on different dates from year to year. Unchangeable are New Year(January 1), Independence Day (July 26-27), Catholic Christmas (December 25).

Purchases

Most of the shops are located in Male and they specialize in souvenirs. Usually these are products made from coral, shells, and wood. Straw mats are especially popular. Local artisans make and sell beautiful coral jewelry - bracelets, earrings, necklaces. You can also purchase high-quality diving equipment in the Maldives.

Closed days in the Maldives are Friday and Saturday, respectively, shops are open from Sunday to Thursday from 7:30 to 21:00 or from 9:00 to 22:00. During prayers, which are performed 5 times a day, shops are closed, but if you are there at this time, it is not necessary to leave the trading floor.

Transport

The international airport is located in Male. In general, air transport is widespread on the islands, which is due to the peculiar geography of the archipelago. Air transport is represented by seaplanes and helicopters. In addition, transportation is carried out on sailing, motor boats and cutters. Public transport in the Maldives does not exist in principle. Although there are taxis in Male. Its peculiarity is that if the car stops for more than a minute, then the trip is considered over and must be paid. On the islands it is possible to rent a boat or speedboat. This will cost an average of $140.

Connection

Mobile communications in the Maldives are well developed. You can use your operator for calls if you activate roaming, but it is cheaper to purchase a SIM card from a local mobile operator. The cost per minute of connection is on average $0.5. The Maldives is divided into several telephone zones, and the cost of calls from one zone to another is higher than within one zone.

Safety

After the country allowed political parties, rallies and demonstrations often began to take place on the streets of Male. It is not safe for tourists, although street crimes are extremely rare in the Maldives. To increase security, the law obliges all hotels to provide guests with a safe for storing documents, money and jewelry. If you discover that you have something missing, you should inform the manager, who must record your request in writing. The manager will then conduct his own investigation and, if necessary, contact the police.

When traveling to the Maldives, you must be vaccinated against diphtheria, tetanus, and yellow fever. In addition, it is necessary to take out medical insurance, because any treatment in the country is paid.

Business climate

If you wish, you can open your own small business in the Maldives. The most popular destinations are the hotel and restaurant business. You can also organize a diving center or yacht club. However, the country's government is reluctant to hand over business to foreigners, preferring to do it on its own. This is due to the fact that when the Maldives was just discovered as new tourist destination, attempts by foreigners to create a tourism business here, as a rule, ended in failure.

The tax system in the Maldives is considered one of the simplest in the world. There is no VAT or income tax here.

Real estate

Due to the very small area of ​​the state, real estate prices in the Maldives are very high. In addition, there is a moratorium on the purchase of real estate by foreigners. Instead, the state proposes to take out real estate for a long-term lease. The minimum term of such an agreement is 35 years, the maximum is 50 years. Mostly villas are rented; it is extremely difficult to rent an apartment on the islands. If you manage to find a suitable apartment, then you will have to pay at least $300,000 for it. Most of the villas for rent are luxury housing. The cost of such housing starts from $350,0000.

Since the Maldives is a Muslim state, this imposes some obligations on tourists. You should not appear in public places in revealing outfits. Topless swimming on the wrecks is strictly prohibited and will result in a fine. Drinking alcoholic beverages is prohibited in public places. The state has a ban on catching and exporting corals unless they were purchased in a souvenir shop. In restaurants it is customary to leave a tip, the amount of which is 10% of the order value.

Visa information

Citizens Russian Federation no visa required. The Russian consulate closest to the Maldives is located on the island of Sri Lanka.