Maldives on the world map: where are the Maldives. What kind of country is the Maldives? What form of government was adopted in the Maldives

The Maldives is considered one of the most beautiful And fascinating places on the planet, a special piece of paradise.

The snow-white sand on the beaches of the Maldives, the piercing blue sky above them and the water as clear as a baby’s tear attract thousands of tourists.

In this article you will learn what charms the Maldives has, where it is located on the world map and why it is definitely worth visiting.

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Where are the Maldives?

Their location is almost at the very equator, which means that the islands are always warm and the temperature ranges from twenty-eight to thirty degrees.

The islands have an elongated shape and, according to Wikipedia, extend 820 kilometers from north to south and 120 kilometers from west to east.

The Maldives are ordinary coral formations without mountains or volcanoes. The level of the world's oceans is rising every year, and this factor threatens to completely destroy this beautiful and tranquil place where luxurious and rich hotels are located. Scientists agree that in the next thirty to forty years the Maldives will disappear from the face of the earth and be completely immersed in Indian Ocean.

The Maldives is quite small and the archipelago is not so easy to find on the map. They are located in the Indian Ocean, near Sri Lanka and India. In total, the islands cover about ninety thousand square kilometers, but most of this is sea. The archipelago consists of thousands of small islands, but not all of them are inhabited, and only eighty-eight are considered intended for recreation. The rest are inhabited by the indigenous people of the Maldives and tourists prefer not to visit their area.

The route from Moscow to the Maldives is eight and a half hours.

Weather

The island is exposed to different monsoons, which have different directions. In this regard, from November to March the weather in the Maldives is dry, and at the end of summer it is rainier. You can swim here regardless of the time of year, because the water temperature never drops below twenty-four to twenty-seven degrees.

Flora and fauna

You will not find a single poisonous reptile in the country, so there is nothing to fear. Interestingly, the law prohibits keeping dogs, so you won’t face another problem in the form of a dog bite. Some tourists get scared when they learn that whale sharks live very close to the islands. But despite this, swimming remains completely safe, because this type of shark does not feed on anything other than plankton.

To preserve and conserve the flora and fauna of the Maldives, strict restrictions on scuba diving have been developed. Thus, it is forbidden to descend more than thirty meters, spend more than an hour under water, and each driver should have a special dive computer with him.

It will be an absolute paradise for lovers of a wide variety of fruits. There are a huge number of them there, which is favored by the climate. The flowers and vegetation on the islands are incredibly beautiful. Everything is fragrant, striking in its brightness and splendor. The most common species in the Maldives are breadfruit trees, banana palms and bamboo. Exotic flowers include Hernadia water lily and Erminalia catappa. It is easy to spot bats and flying foxes in the Maldives.

On paradise islands you can stay no more than thirty days. You should know that customs will certainly check whether you comply with the rules according to which you enter the country. The import of the following items is prohibited:

• pork
• animals
• alcohol
• pornographic products
• anti-Islamic literature

Moreover, women appearing in public places should remember that in order to avoid trouble, their clothing should be selected so that the knees and shoulders remain covered.

Despite many prohibitions that seem strange to us, but very important for local residents, this country remains a particularly attractive holiday destination due to its privacy, tranquility and beautiful landscapes.

Many tourists wonder: do they understand Russian in the Maldives and will life be difficult there without knowing English in the country? There's really nothing to be afraid of. At the airport you will be met by a Russian-speaking person representing the agency who will help you resolve any issues. Moreover, in good hotels Administrators are fluent in both Russian and English.

Most popular resorts

Methods of transportation Most of the Maldives are aquatic. Traditional transport is the wooden boat "dhoni", which is a local taxi.

To avoid health-related troubles, it is recommended to take out insurance, since medicine is paid in the country. And also get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B.

Rules of conduct on the islands the following:

• Spearfishing is strictly prohibited
• Unauthorized fishing is also prohibited
• corals and starfish cannot be taken out from under the water
• nude bathing

Capital- Male city
Square- 298 sq. km.
Population— 393 thousand people
Language— Maldivian
Form of government- presidential republic
Independence date (from Great Britain)— July 26, 1965
Largest cities— Male
Currency- rufiyaa
Timezone — +5
Telephone code — +960

From above they resemble a handful of opals scattered in the ocean blue; this is a divine work of art, and perhaps even diabolical, because they are very seductive. Located in the Indian Ocean 700 km southwest of, 26 atolls consisting of corals that have grown around extinct volcanoes is the Republic of Maldives. Each of the 26 atolls has natural resources- snow-white beaches, clear turquoise water and lush tropical vegetation. There are about 2 thousand islands in total, but only 200 of them are inhabited and 87 receive tourists. So there are hotels here for every taste.

Maldives- video

The Maldives are like pictures come to life, depicting a typical island paradise. Warm tropical sea and kilometers snow-white beaches, surrounded by palm trees. Just don’t look for mountains here - there are none here. The islands are completely flat, they are even considered the flattest territory in the world. Many of the islands rise above the water no more than 2 meters. The population of the Maldives speaks Dhivehi, but when entering school, at the age of three, children begin to learn Arabic. Most young people also speak English fluently. And the level of literacy will give a head start or more developed countries, it reaches 99%.

Over the past few years, the Maldives has experienced a boom in foreign tourism. And this is completely understandable - the country can offer tourists any conditions: from the simplest to those that meet the most demanding tastes. Accommodation from campsites to 5 star hotels. But all the proposals have something in common - sapphire waters, golden beaches and emerald forests.

Looking at this beauty you understand - the best place in the world for romantics. The weather here is beautiful, so it is a suitable place for rest and relaxation. The beaches here are rarely crowded, so it feels like you have your own beach.

In hotels full of oriental luxury you can enjoy all the amenities and live like in a fairy tale. In the infinity pools, the water from which pours directly into the Indian Ocean, it is very easy to imagine yourself as a mermaid or inhabitant ocean depths. You can't help but relax here. With the highest level of service, all you have to do is relax and enjoy yourself. And this proves how well the Maldives is adapted for tourists.

- capital of the Republic of Maldives. Of the 400 thousand people living in the Maldives, about a third live in this city. Male is a lively large city typical of tropical islands. With numerous shops, lively markets and even street traffic.

Islamic Center- one of the most famous buildings in the city of Male, the roof of which is crowned with a golden dome. This is the most great mosque in the Maldives - it can accommodate 5 thousand worshipers. Its beautiful wood carvings and examples of Arabic calligraphy attract many admiring tourists.

A 20-minute boat ride from Male (the capital of the Maldives) is Bandos Island. This is a small island with a perimeter of 600 meters. Each of his bungalows stands literally 3 meters from the beach.

Gan Island- most south island The Republic of Maldives is located beyond the equator. Its dimensions are 5 kilometers long and 3 kilometers wide.

If the Maldives manages to maintain its reputation as the main center of attraction for divers all over the planet, and manages to preserve everything that it has today, then it will remain such a center forever. Some will come here for relaxation, entertainment and romance, others to devote themselves to exploring the many wonders of the underwater world. And no one, neither nature lovers, nor fans of beaches and massages, nor those who need adrenaline, will be disappointed in the Maldives - wonderful islands at the very edge of the world.

Transport interchange of the Maldives

Transport interchange between the islands is represented by two types of communication - boats and seaplanes. Most of the islands are small enough that you can easily explore them by bicycle. The peculiarity of this type of travel here is that no matter which direction you go, you will always find yourself on the seashore.

1. First of all, you should know that in the Maldives (as in many other countries) it is prohibited to take all kinds of corals, shells, etc. from the sea. Also, it is not allowed to fish near the island, and spearfishing is completely prohibited.

2. One of the important advantages of the Maldives is that there are no mosquitoes or any other unpleasant insects or animals here.

3. When traveling to the Maldives, you should spend at least one night under open air looking at the stars. You can sleep right on the street, because the temperature at night does not drop below 24 degrees.

4. The main value of a holiday in the Maldives is the opportunity to step away from problems and stress.

5. If you decide to go on vacation to the island of Gan, be prepared for the fact that the island cuisine may greatly disappoint you. The thing is that almost no vegetables grow on the island and the hotel chefs have to cook from those products that are delivered here by plane. Often, these are products that are stored for a long time, and therefore lack exquisite taste.

6. Before traveling to the Maldives, it is recommended to get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B. To avoid unwanted situations, it is better to take out insurance.

The Maldives is a coral archipelago located in the Indian Ocean 640 kilometers southwest of Ceylon, almost on the equator; 99.669% of the Maldives' territory is sea. The Maldives landmass (that is, 0.331% of the country's territory) consists of 19 coral atolls, uniting 1,196 islands. A population of 200 thousand people lives on 202 islands, the remaining 994 are uninhabited, and tourist resorts are located on 88 islands.

The length of the Maldivian archipelago from north to south is 820 km, from east to west - 120 km. The total area of ​​the Maldives, including land and sea, is about 90 thousand sq. km.

The name "Maldives" comes from the Hindu words "mahal" (palace) and "diva" (island).

The Maldives consists of two rows of atolls. These atolls are the result of thousands of years of coral growth. Every year, coral colonies grow by 1-4 cm and finally reach the surface of the water. The interior of the coral dies and after some (quite a long) time a lagoon begins to form. This is always a win-win for the ocean because erosion turns corals into delicate White sand for which they are so famous Maldivian beaches. After another few years (perhaps several hundred), a new island forms.

The Maldives is considered one of the most safe places rest in peace. The tranquility and beauty of the islands is unique. White beaches and magnificent lagoons with crystal clean water. In the whole world, according to experts, there are only two wonderful places for scuba diving: Red Sea and Maldives. That is why here at each resort there are scuba diving schools that issue international certificates upon completion of the courses.

Climate of the Maldives

Since the Maldives is located almost on the equator, the climate here is tropical. The temperature stays around 28-30°C all year round.

Thus, there are no cold winters here and you can enjoy such pleasant weather throughout the year. The weather here is determined by the southwest monsoon (April - September) and northeast monsoon (December - April).

The northeast monsoon brings a hot and dry period.

The southwest monsoon can bring intermittent rain, high humidity and rough seas. However, this period is the least hot.

The average daily maximum is 28-30.4oC.
The average nightly minimum is 25.4oC.
Water temperature is 24-27oC all year round.

Visa to Maldives

The Maldives is a visa-free country.

A tourist visa is stamped into your passport upon arrival free of charge and is valid for 30 days from the date of entry into the country. Israeli passport holders are not allowed into the country. CUSTOMS FORMALITIES AND AIRPORT FEES

When passing customs control at Male airport, you must remember that in accordance with the laws Republic of Maldives

FORBIDDEN:
1. Import of any narcotic substances, including psychotropic drugs
2. Import of pornographic materials recorded for viewing videotapes of films, etc. Only sealed cassettes are allowed to be carried.
3. Import of anti-Islamic literature.
4. Import of military paraphernalia.
5. Import of any pork products.
6. Import of alcohol
7. Import of animals
8. Import of gunpowder/explosives/firearms/piercing, cutting objects and weapons for underwater hunting

In accordance with the laws of the Republic of Maldives and the rules established by the hotels

IT IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED:
1. Break, tear living and dead corals in the ocean and near the shore, damage shells and lift them to the surface. All these actions are prohibited by law! Fines will apply for violations!
2. Fish near the islands. For this purpose, hotels organize fishing trips for both regular and large non-commercial fish.
3. Spearfishing is strictly prohibited.
4. Throw empty cans, tin, glass and plastic bottles and other garbage on the islands - use trash cans designed for this.
4. Visiting the capital Male and the islands where they live is prohibited local residents, in beachwear. It is recommended to wear items that cover your shoulders and knees.
5. Nudism and Topless are prohibited by law! Fines will apply for violations!

NUDISM AND TOPLESS ARE PROHIBITED BY LAW! FINES ARE CHARGED FOR VIOLATIONS!

Currency of the Maldives

Maldivian monetary unit is rufiyaa and laari.

1 Maldivian rufiyaa is equal to 100 laari.

1 US dollar is approximately equal to 12 rufiyaa.

In the Maldives there are banknotes of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 500 rufiyaa and coins of 2 and 1 rufiyaa, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 laari.

However, US dollars and major credit cards (American Express, Visa, Master Card, Diners Club and Euro Card) are almost universally accepted.

Therefore, it is not at all necessary to exchange dollars for local currency upon arrival.

The capital of the Maldives is Male

Male is the smallest capital in the world (length 2.5 km, width 1 km). Its main attraction is the "Good Friday" mosque, decorated with a golden dome. The Islamic Center is located on its territory. This largest mosque in the Maldives can accommodate more than 5,000 people at a time.

Nearby is the old “Good Friday” mosque with a unique minaret, graves of national heroes and members of ruling families.

Among other attractions of the capital, the Presidential Palace, National Museum, located in Sultan Park, and the burial places of legendary Maldivian saints. It is also interesting to visit the colorful local markets- fruit, vegetable and handicraft - places where residents of many Maldivian islands bring goods.

There is practically no entertainment in the capital. No nightclubs for you, no concert halls, no theaters. The main entertainment is a walk through the colorful streets of the town, along seaport, along the embankment or in the park.

Located nearby international Airport Hulule - a runway right in the ocean and a small terminal building. Until the last moment you are sure that the plane lands directly in the water. After leaving the plane, you will find yourself right at the pier, where the famous Maldivian “dhoni” are already waiting for you, ready to take you to the capital or to any other island.

Where, in what country are these amazingly beautiful islands, the Maldives? How to find them on the world map, what country do they belong to? What form of government? What part of the world do they belong to? How many of these islands are there? On what ocean are the islands located? Maldives, giving unforgettable moments of paradise - these and other questions arise in many people who are planning their vacation.

This is where the beaches, enchanting landscapes and eternal summer are located. White, soft sand and tall palm trees, gentle surf - all this will make your vacation complete, your impressions bright and positive.

For vacationers, there is everything they need - magnificent nature, secluded bays where you can spend evenings, warm weather and bright sun over your head. The picturesque picture is complemented by bright coral shallows and lagoons with clear, clean water.

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Geographical location

Situated on a picturesque site. On the world map, look for the Indian Ocean, and among its waters there are islands stretching thousands of kilometers north of the equator.

They occupy the territory between the continents of Asia and Africa, 700 km southwest of Sri Lanka and the Hindustan Peninsula. The exact coordinates are 3°28′36″ N. w. and 72°50′12″ E. etc., so it’s not difficult to find them with a regular paper map. The width of the archipelago is more than 120 km.

Includes:

• 19 coral reefs;
• 88 resort islands;
• 1000 small islands (most of them are not inhabited by people).

You can visit “wild” places on your own using a boat. The most famous atolls among tourists are:

• Kaafu, or, as it is also called, North Male, includes 27 resorts and 8 islands specializing in fishing;
• South Male, consisting of 19 islands with excellent conditions. Only three of them are inhabited;
• Vaavu;
• Meemu;
• Seenu;
• Faafu.

This is interesting: The Maldives are considered the lowest in the world. At the highest point of the state, which is Addu Atoll, a person will be only 2.4 meters above sea level. Scientists predict that within the next 50 years there may be a flood that will destroy most of the land.

Everywhere travelers will find magnificent nature with picturesque views.

Brief information about the country

It would be useful for any educated person to know that:

• This modern state, is a presidential republic in form of government;
• The area is 298 km2;
• The Maldives is washed by the Indian Ocean;
• The capital is Male. The city's area is small, only 5.8 km2, but the total population exceeds 133,000 people, making it one of the most densely populated not only in the country, but also in the world. The total population is 338.5 thousand;
• The official language is Maldivian;
• The main type of transport is boats, both sailing and motor. You can also see seaplanes and boats. Taxis and regular buses are developed only in the capital and on the island. Hulhumale. Local transport - dhoni - a small boat equipped with a diesel engine;
• The main religion is Islam (Sunni);
• The currency is called the rupee;
• The time difference with Moscow is +2 hours;
• Visas for tourist trip are not required, but if the purpose of the visit is business or private, then the execution of the document is mandatory for everyone, as well as the presence of an invitation. The visa is valid for 90 days;
• It is prohibited to import into the territory of the state:
• Weapons (including explosives);
• Narcotic drugs;
• Magazines and items for specific purposes (category 18+);
• Animals;
• Alcohol;
• Devices for spearfishing;
• Things and objects of an anti-Islamic nature (including pork and products containing it);
• Even military uniforms and paraphernalia are prohibited.

You can't take it home:

• Black corals and jewelry made from them;
• Turtle shells;
• Local currency (remaining cash must be exchanged);
• Items found at the bottom of the ocean/sea.

It is important to know: Israeli citizens are prohibited from entering here.

Permitted for export from the territory are:

• Souvenir products;
• Postcards with views and landscapes;
• Coconut oil;
• Interior items.

Climate

The best season is considered to be from November to April. It is at this time that the weather is dry and sunny, and the likelihood of rain is minimal.

Weather and climate in general are fundamental factors in determining where to go on holiday. Travelers can expect eternal summer, as the air temperature here is always above +20 degrees at night and about +30 during the day.

Air humidity is on average 81%. The main amount of precipitation falls between May and January. Hurricanes and storms are rare, but heavy rains come from the Arabian Sea or Bay of Bengal.

In general, the climate of the resort state is hot and tropical. Separately, I would like to note that a trip here is not recommended for people with high blood pressure, since high temperatures are a constant occurrence.

Popular resorts

A map of the Maldives with all resorts will be offered to guests in any tourist center. Tour operators also have detailed maps with hotels. The following resorts are widely known among travelers around the world:

• Male, the capital, is ready to offer various excursion programs and entertainment. There are numerous markets, a mosque, a museum and a presidential palace;
• Faafu is a resort ideal for gourmets, offering a variety of restaurants and spa centers;
• Dhaalu is a resort area that offers everything for extreme sports. It is chosen by divers and scuba divers;
• Ari - created for nature lovers. You can enjoy a variety of flora and fauna, and the famous turtle bays are located here. Entertainment - horse riding water skiing, sea fishing.

Note: Despite the diversity of the animal world, there are no dangerous predators or poisonous snakes in the Maldives. In the immediate vicinity you can observe dolphins, white sharks or foxes. Bats appear in the evening.

An interesting feature is the absolute absence of dogs.

The best beaches

Beaches are the main attraction of the state. Travelers come precisely to enjoy the sand and warm waves. That is why it is very important to know the main ones:

• O. Fulhadhu - the settlement of residents occupies a small territory, everything else is a paradise for tourists;
• Finolhu Kanifushi is a beach located on Baa Atoll;

Keep in mind: feature - the presence of a sand spit, allowing you to make hiking to several small islands in the ocean. There is a picturesque lagoon and palm trees.

• Amilla Fushi has sloping beaches of varied beauty. Here you can find expensive and modern ones, as well as classic ones with dense vegetation. Feature: coral bottom;
• Dhigurah - designed for those who love solitude and the beauty of nature. The feature is an excellent opportunity to observe whale sharks. Swimming in a bikini is allowed.

Each resort land has its own hotel. Also, some resorts cannot bring children under 12 years of age.

Glowing beach Mudhdhoo Island

A real landmark and natural wonder worth seeing with your own eyes is the glowing beach located on Baa Atoll - Mudhdhoo Island.

In the evening and at night, hundreds of neon lights flash along the shore, creating a picturesque picture.

Advice: the glow effect is most noticeable from June to February, so you need to choose this particular time period to observe it.

The secret of the phenomenon lies in the fact that bioluminescent phytoplankton lives here, capable of glowing during the surf. By visiting this place, you can admire the beauty of nature for a long period, as the lights glow throughout the dark.

What to do for vacationers

You need to know that there are some restrictions for guests and residents - you cannot drink alcoholic beverages or sunbathe topless or even in a bikini (except in specially designated areas).

Despite all this, the holiday will not be overshadowed. Tourists are offered a variety of water attractions, water sports, including parasailing, snorkeling, kayaking.

Catamaran rides are perfect for a romantic pastime, and sailing is ideal for extreme sports enthusiasts.

Swimming and fishing (the fish must be released into the ocean) are activities that are in demand among most tourists. There are special excursions that allow you to observe the life of marine life up close. There are special entertainment programs for children.

Map in Russian

In order to make it convenient for tourists to navigate among the various atolls and vacation spots, a map of the islands with symbols in Russian has been created. Here are the most And popular destinations tourist routes

, which should be chosen for a good rest. The largest areas intended for recreation are indicated, where there is everything that a tourist might need during a trip. There is also a general view of the archipelago in the area. Using this simple but detailed map, you can comfortably navigate the Maldives without knowing in English

or local dialects. “Uninhabited” territories are not indicated on the map.

How to get there The most in a convenient way to get to the chosen resort - by plane. There are direct flights from Moscow - their duration is from 10 hours. There are also charters in major cities.

There are flights from Kyiv or Astana that include transfers or refueling to or.

There are also flights with refueling in Sri Lanka or. Flights to the Maldives operate from the city of Trivandrum, so it is convenient to get to the holiday destination for those who decide to combine a trip with a visit to India. Ticket prices range from $500 to $1,000 on average. In order to fly from the capital of the Maldives, you will need to pay an exit fee, which is 10–15 dollars; in most cases, it is not included in the price of tickets.

For those departing from Far East, there are flights with transfers in Seoul, Tianjin or. There are no direct flights from Belarus - you must fly through Moscow.

Exotic flora and fauna

The nature of the archipelago is unusual and amazing. The national symbol and plant that is found throughout the state is the coconut palm.

You can also see bamboo and eucalyptus brought here. Among the crops that can be classified as exotic are bananas, papaya, mangoes, pineapples and sweet potatoes.

The flora is also represented by flowers - roses, plumerias, hibiscus, orchids. You can also see the Alexandrian laurel.

Animals that will seem amazing to tourists:

• • The bats;
  • Flying foxes;
  • Geckos;

• Seagulls;
• Herons;
• Brahman blinds;
• Wolftooth brownie.

Marine inhabitants are presented in a wide variety:

• Sea stars;
• Echinoderms;
• Dolphins;
• Whale sharks;
• Stingrays;
• Variety of fish species.

Interesting fact: There are no citrus fruits growing on the territory - they disappeared after the fungus epidemic.

There are also turtles. The main attraction is the coral reefs.

Local kitchen

Peculiarity national cuisine– an abundance of dishes based on fish and seafood. It was formed under the influence of Indian and Arabic traditions cooking. Recipes with tuna are presented in every restaurant or cafe.

Rice is also served as a side dish with all dishes. A popular Maldivian drink is green tea. National snacks - hedikaa - are baked goods with various fillings.

Desserts – various fresh fruits, juices, nuts and dishes with these ingredients. One of the popular desserts among tourists is fresh coconut, as well as coconut milk and Raa palm juice.

What you need to know before purchasing a tour

Before you buy a tour to the Maldives, you should consider that.

Republic of Maldives - Island state V Indian Ocean.

The archipelago of the Maldives is located at the junction of the Arabian and Laccadive Seas, five hundred kilometers southwest of the southern tip of the Hindustan Peninsula. Detailed map The Maldives shows that the country occupies 27 atoll formations consisting of 1,192 individual coral islets.

The Maldives can't boast large sizes. The largest is Gan Island, but its area is less than 10 km2. Most of the islands of the archipelago do not exceed several hundred square meters.

Maldives on the world map: geography, nature and climate

If you look at the Maldives on a world map, you will notice that the southern part of the country is crossed by the equator line. Although the length of the archipelago is about 750 km from north to south and 130 km from west to east, total area its islands are only 298 km 2 . The atolls of the Maldives can cover hundreds of km2, but are ring-shaped. And most of the large islands are located on the outer sides of the atoll rings.

The coastline of the Maldives is 644 km. Due to its remoteness from the coasts of the continent, the country has neither land nor sea neighbors.

Geographical position

The Maldives are the peaks of the underwater Chagos-Laccadive Ridge, which stretches for almost 2,500 km. However, the Maldives is not represented by volcanic rocks. All the islands of the archipelago consist of sand and coral formations. Therefore, the Maldives is considered the lowest located state on the planet.

The most high point The country is located on the island of Gan and is only 2.4 meters above sea level. Most of the archipelago is uninhabited. Only about 200 islands are inhabited. Due to the large extent of the Maldives, there are several large straits separating groups of atolls. On the map of the Maldives in Russian you can find the largest of them - the Equatorial Strait. Its width is about 95 km and its depth exceeds 2500 m.

Animal and plant life

Due to the small size of the islands and the dense population of the largest of them, the terrestrial flora and fauna of the archipelago is not rich. Several varieties of palm trees and rare mangrove forests are all that the Maldives can boast of. Animal world The islands are also not very diverse - Achatina, hermit crabs, gray herons and flying foxes. But undersea world countries are disproportionately richer.

Hundreds of giant living coral ecosystems contain about 200 species of corals, more than 1,000 species of fish, 250 varieties of crustaceans and up to five thousand species of mollusks and echinoderms. The local fauna also boasts two dozen species of various whales and dolphins. The straits between the atolls are abundantly populated with plankton.

Climate

The subequatorial climate of the Maldives is formed by the seasonal northeast monsoons. average temperature throughout the year it is approximately the same - from 23-30°C. Although there are no clearly defined seasons in the country, spring is somewhat hotter and drier. With the arrival of the monsoons, the temperature and humidity rise slightly. The average rainfall is about 2000 mm per year.

Map of the Maldives with cities. Administrative division of the country

The Maldives is divided into 21 administrative unit. Together they form 8 regions, formed according to the principle of geographical proximity. The country's population is about 405,000 people. A map of the Maldives with cities in Russian demonstrates that when small area this makes the Maldives one of the most populous countries in the world. Average density The population here is 1135 people per km 2.

Male- capital and The largest city countries. Located in the central part of the Maldives. Almost a quarter of the archipelago's population lives here. Included in the list of the most densely populated cities of the world and occupies the entire territory of the island of the same name, the area of ​​which does not exceed 6 km 2.

Kuramati Island located 50 km west of the capital. Despite its small size, the island is the most popular tourist center countries.

Eidhafushi- one of the largest inhabited islands of the Maldives. Located in the northern part of the archipelago, 100 km northwest of Male. Notable for its absolute height of 0 meters above sea level.