Maldives - Country Info

For thousands of years, the Maldives were a secret that only adventurers and explorers knew and explored. There are nearly two thousand islands, each catching the light a little differently and forming its own peaceful world, connected to its neighbors by the sea but separated by their individuality. Today the Maldives offer their guests an unforgettable mix of nature and luxury.

History & Culture

The early history of the Maldives is a web of myths and conjectures from renowned archaeologists and scientists. According to Thor Heyerdahl, it was sun-seeking sailors who first settled the Maldives, who were called Redin.

They may descend from one or more ancient maritime civilizations, including the Egyptians, Romans and Mesopotamians. The Redin lived here until 2500 BC. BC, until Buddhism began to spread. The Maldives were the main source of cowrie shells and attracted Arab traders for many years. The Maldivians in turn decided to convert to Islam in 1153. From 1558 to 1573, the Maldives were ruled by the Portuguese, who maintained profitable trade routes through the Indian Ocean. Later, in 1752, the islands were conquered by Malabar, who came here from the southwestern part of India.

But his reign was short. The Sultan decided to cede the Maldives to the French. The transition of power only ended with a British protectorate in the 19th century, when the Maldivian monarchs were given a degree of self-government. The Maldives gained full independence from the British in 1965.

The ancient and rich Maldivian culture, which has absorbed the influence of Arab, African and South African cultures, elements of Malaysian and Indonesian cultures, is still reflected in traditional music and dance such as the Bodu Beru (“big drum”), craftsmanship (mats made of natural fibers, lacquer bowls, boxes, gold and silver jewelry) that reveal their thousand-year history. The main holidays are celebrated according to Maldivian tradition, combined with modern forms of entertainment and folk dancing. During musical performances, the drums and wooden instruments are replaced with modern jazz or pop music.

Dhoni, a multi-purpose boat, is a symbol of exquisite Maldivian craftsmanship. This true handcrafted masterpiece is traditionally made from coconut wood and has an expansive shape and elegantly curved paddles. This boat is an integrated part of everyday life. It is used for various purposes: as a local ferry service, family fishing boat, excursion or diving boat, delivery van, intermediate vessel and so on. Originally they were sailboats, but today these boats are usually equipped with engines. An astonishing fact is: Dhonis were built without plans. The master carpenter took measurements and gave instructions to the carpenters.

Contemporary Dhonis are often made from fiberglass. At Alifushi Raa Atoll, guests have the unique opportunity to see the boat building process with their own eyes.

Geography

The Maldives is an archipelago of 1,190 coral islands located in the Laccadive Sea, approximately 650 km southwest of Sri Lanka and 400 km southwest of India. The Maldives archipelago stretches 820 km from north to south. The islands form a ring-shaped formation or so-called atolls. There are 26 atolls consisting of one or even 200 islands. The natural atolls are divided into 21 administrative districts. The Maldives is the flattest country in the world, with its highest natural point at just 2.4 meters.

The main atoll of the archipelago, located in the north of the Maldives, is home to the country’s capital, Malé, and the international airport. The atoll consists of 50 islands and several smaller islands, of which 8 are inhabited, 27 serve as resorts and 15 are rented by private individuals. The South Male Atoll consists of 30 islands, three of which are inhabited by locals and the other seventeen are earmarked for the development of the tourism industry.

The atoll formation is unique. Hans Hass, the Austrian scientist, found that the Maldives archipelago lies on a persistent submarine volcanic ridge on which the coral reef platform developed for hundreds of thousands of years until it came to the surface. The sea transformed residue into small grains of sand over thousands of years. The dead corals in the middle of the islands sank, creating the island atolls.

Climate

Due to its proximity to the equator, the Maldives has a tropical climate. Temperatures are between 24°C and 33°C all year round. Although the humidity is relatively high, it remains constantly cool Sea breeze that moves the air and moderates the heat.

The Maldives is dominated by two weather periods. The dry season lasts from November to April, when the sun shines from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. This is the best time to visit Maldives. The rainy season brings strong winds and storms that last from May to October. During this time, the country experiences the greatest amounts of rainfall throughout the year. Despite heavy rainfall, the hot tropical sun dries the sand on the beaches quickly, making sunbathing and swimming possible all year round. The annual rainfall is 2540 mm in the north and 3810 mm in the south.

Flora Fauna

The Maldives are a true paradise for nature lovers and those who want to get closer to nature. The islands are richly endowed with great fauna on land as well as a marine world. It’s impossible not to come across the giant flying foxes, colorful lizards, geckos and hermit crabs. You will find giant crows, the white-breasted keel rail and the Indian maina. The Maldives attracts migratory birds such as harriers (hawks), plovers, snipes, curlews, herons, etc. Don’t miss the unique chance to spot the endangered green olive ridley and hawksbill sea turtles laying eggs on the beaches.

The marine flora and fauna is no less impressive. The reef is home to corals, various mussels, starfish, crabs and worms. Divers can encounter more than 700 species of fish: reef fish (e.g. butterflyfish, parrotfish, angelfish, snapper, sweetlips, etc.) that live in the atoll lagoons and in the open sea. Whitetip reef sharks, gray reef sharks, whales, dolphins, rays and manta rays also enjoy the Maldivian waters.

Most islands have poor sandy soils. But still there are some leafy islands that have fertile soils where mangroves, breadfruit trees, banyans, bamboo, pandanus, bananas, hibiscus and numerous coconut palms grow

Population

The population of the Maldives consists of around 300,000 people. A third of them live in the capital Male. The second most important city is Hulhule. There is even a small airport. The original settlers in the Maldives were Dravidians and Sinhalese. Maldivians are devout Sunni Muslims. Furthermore, it is impossible to become a citizen of Maldives unless you are a Sunni Muslim. The national language is Dhivehi, which belongs to the Indo-Aryan languages, a branch of the Indo-European languages. It is related to the Sinhalese language with Arabic and Hindi influences. In some on the southern atolls, people speak local dialects.

Religion

The official religion of the Maldives is Islam, and the country’s constitution prohibits the practice of other religions. Mosques are common in the Maldives and serve as centers of religious and social life. Locals regularly take part in prayers and religious ceremonies, and Friday prayers are an important event of the week.

Maldivian culture and tradition are strongly influenced by the teachings of Islam, and locals place great value on morals, ethics and family. Hospitality, respect and mutual support are important values enshrined in Islam and shape the social fabric of Maldivian society.

Religion plays a central role in the lives of Maldivians and shapes both everyday life and the country’s cultural identity. Visitors should respect religious customs and traditions and be aware that Islam has a significant influence on public life and culture in the Maldives.

Eat Drink

Maldivians’ favorite food is fish, especially tuna (kandu mas), which is prepared in different ways. Sri Lankan cuisine is based on South Indian traditions, particularly that of Kerala. The dishes are often spicy and flavored with coconut; vegetables are rarely used. Many tasty delicacies are made from pumpkin and banana. A traditional meal consists of rice, a clear fish broth – Garudhiya and side dishes, lime, chili and onions. At a local café called “Sai Hota”, guests can enjoy tea, coffee and snacks during the day, as well as order lunch and dinner at fixed times.

Public holidays

Maldivians celebrate religious and national holidays. Some dates follow the Muslim lunar calendar, others, such as Maldives Independence Day, are celebrated according to the Western calendar.

Ramadan is the most important festival in the Maldives. The month of fasting begins at a specific new moon and ends with the sighting of the next new moon. During Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting, Maldivians strictly adhere to religious regulations. Ramadan is a time of reflection, prayer and solidarity when the community comes together to follow religious customs and strengthen spiritual connection.

On July 26, Maldivians celebrate Independence Day, the most important day in the history of the Maldives when the islands gained full independence in 1965. On this day, official celebrations take place in Republic Square, attended by hundreds of students as well as the president and diplomats.

On July 1, 1573, Muhammad Thakurufaanu liberated the Maldives from the Portuguese invasion. The national holiday is celebrated on 1 Rabee ul Awwal in the third month of the Islamic calendar. The streets of Malé and other islands come alive with colorful parades and parades.

On Republic Day, the country celebrates the anniversary of the founding of the Second Republic (November 11, 1968). Public events take place across the country.

Resorts

Perfection is the only sign of the popularity and success of the resort infrastructure in the Maldives. Imagine living on your own island – in a house with a romantic view of the endless ocean. From your bungalow it is just a short walk to the other end of the island where there is a restaurant, bar or diving school. All bungalows are located on sandy beaches, surrounded by turquoise lagoons with colorful house reefs. Each island has its own charm. The hotels offer a variety of amenities and services to satisfy even the most demanding guests. Accommodation options on the islands are varied, ranging from individual cottages to exclusive water bungalows. When selecting the resort and room for our guests, we pay attention to their wishes, special requirements and priorities.

Luxury hotels

If you are used to high service and solitary luxury, this type of hotel is an ideal choice for you. Here you can enjoy exclusive surroundings, breathtaking views of the turquoise lagoons and a rich underwater world. Here you don’t have to worry about anything as every detail is thought out: private and exclusive villas, cruises on a private yacht with elegant interiors, a first-class driver during the transfer, your personal boss, a qualified diving instructor, professional spa therapists and even a personal butler.

Activities

Weddings & Honeymoons

Today, the Maldives offers a unique opportunity for guests from all over the world to get married in this paradise of otherworldly beauty surrounded by turquoise waters. Marriage in the Maldives is not formal and the most popular ceremony is the “renewal of vows”.

Romantic sunsets, gentle breezes, courtesy, friendly hospitality, tranquility and an informal atmosphere can make one of the most beautiful events in your life even more memorable and extraordinary. All dreams come true in the Maldives. You will find yourself in a wonderful fairy tale where comfortable hotels, exclusive personal service, a natural paradise in the Indian Ocean and an exotic underwater world will inspire you.

Yacht excursions

Exciting cruises through the crystal clear, turquoise waters of the magnificent Indian Ocean offer the opportunity to refresh yourself in the azure waters, visit secluded tropical islands, experience the real adventure on an underwater safari or relax on the sundeck and soak up the rays.

Water sports

Diving and snorkeling

The Maldives is known as a world-class diving destination, a true paradise for lovers of the underwater world. Snorkeling and diving excursions are offered at almost all resorts. Here you can also explore interesting places such as: Kandus (channels) islands, reefs or atolls, Thilas and Giris (both coral formations), as well as shipwrecks. Observing the colorful life on the coral reef and schools of fish, such as: anemone fish, angel fish, butterfly fish, parrot fish, snappers, Napoleons, whale sharks, rays, turtles is unique.

For snorkeling beginners, hotels offer professional diving instructors who teach the basics of snorkeling and explain the underwater world. You can snorkel on your own in the lagoon and coral reef surrounding the island where your hotel is located.

Surfing

Surfing is one of the most popular sports in the Maldives. There are some great surfing beaches spread across the country, although not in all tourist areas. Don’t worry – upon request from the hotel you can be taken by boat to the nearest surfing beaches where you can enjoy the spectacular waves. Also

We can organize a yacht organization with overnight stay on board for you. The best surfing season is from April to November. The best surfing waves can be found on the North Male Atoll. When surfing in South Male Atoll (Gaaf Dhaal), the sea is calmer and safer than in North Male Atoll.

Fishing

Fishing enthusiasts are attracted by an unusual, diverse and exotic water world. Two types of fishing are particularly popular. Sunrise fishing outside the atolls can catch swordfish, blue and black marlin, barracuda, hammerhead sharks, tuna and even blue and tiger sharks if the large boats are equipped with radar technology. Night fishing experiences will be remembered forever. You can enjoy the calm and peaceful atmosphere, the eerie beauty of the stars in the sky and catch redfish, salmon and mackerel. At the end of this unforgettable day, you will eat the fish you just caught grilled.

Visa

All travelers require a tourist visa, which must be obtained upon entry to the Maldives. This visa grants a stay of up to 30 days. This visa is issued upon entry at Male Airport. It is important that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date and has at least one blank visa page. Further regulations can be found on the Maldives Immigration website.

Import regulations

Medicines are subject to strict import controls. The Maldivian government is committed to combating the trade in illegally imported medicines. When importing prescription medications for personal use, a certificate from the treating doctor must be carried stating the name of the patient, the name of the medication(s) and the therapeutic daily dosage. This certificate must be written in English or accompanied by an English translation. There are no restrictions on the import of non-prescription medicines. However, it is also recommended that you carry a doctor’s note with you, unless it involves commonly known medications, e.g. for stomach problems or headaches. Alcohol may not be imported, not even in duty-free quantities that are customary elsewhere. The import of images of gods such as Buddha statues is also prohibited. However, such goods can be deposited at a special counter upon entry against a receipt at the airport and picked up again upon departure.

Magazines showing scantily clad people may not be imported.

Do’s & Don’ts in the Maldives

DOS

Respect local culture and traditions, especially when visiting religious sites.
Wear appropriate clothing, especially when in public and when visiting religious sites.
Respect the environment and keep beaches and reefs clean. Avoid removing corals or feeding fish/animals.
Try local specialties and support the local economy by buying local products.
Respect the privacy of other guests at resorts and avoid disruptive noise or inappropriate behavior.
Dive and snorkel responsibly and be considerate of the delicate underwater world.

Don’ts

Do not take coral, shells or other marine life from beaches or reefs.
Avoid going outside the beach or pool area in swimwear, especially in rural areas or villages.
Do not touch religious objects or symbols without permission.
Do not bring drugs or illegal substances with you to the Maldives as this is strictly prohibited.
Do not photograph locals without their permission, especially women or religious ceremonies.
Do not throw rubbish into the sea or nature and do not use single-use plastic products to protect the environment. By following these rules, you can enjoy a respectful and responsible stay in the Maldives while helping to preserve the country’s natural beauty and cultural integrity.

Clothing recommendation for traveling to the Maldives

The Maldives has a tropical climate with high temperatures all year round. Light, airy clothing made from breathable fabrics such as cotton or linen is ideal for adapting to the high temperatures. Swimwear is a must on Maldives beaches and resorts, but it is important to wear respectful clothing when visiting religious sites or local communities.

What should you take with you when traveling to the Maldives?

Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat to protect you from the intense sunlight are essential travel essentials

the Maldives. Swimwear, beach towels and snorkeling equipment can also be brought for beach activities. Don’t forget your camera to capture the breathtaking landscapes and sunsets, and a good book or entertainment for relaxing moments.

You are not allowed to take anything from the Maldives!

When entering the Maldives, please note that the export of corals, shells, turtle shells and other marine animals as well as books and religious objects is prohibited. It is also forbidden to take sand and other natural resources from the beaches of the Maldives.

Usual tip

Most hotels and resorts in the Maldives include a service charge in the bill. An additional tip is therefore not required, but is appreciated in recognition of exceptional service.

The usual means of payment/currency in the Maldives

The national currency of the Maldives is the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR). However, US dollars and credit cards are also widely accepted in the tourist areas. However, it is advisable to always have some cash with you in Rufiyaa for small purchases or at local markets.

ATMs and cash withdrawals in Maldives

ATMs are only available in Male at the airport or in the city. It is recommended that you check with your bank in advance about the fees for cash withdrawals abroad as they may vary.

What is the most popular food in Maldives

Maldivian cuisine is known for its variety of fresh fish and seafood, often prepared with rice, coconut and spices. A popular traditional dish is mas huni, a tuna, coconut and onion salad served with roshi, a thin flatbread. Other popular dishes include fish curry, fried fish and sambol, a spicy coconut mixture. Visitors should definitely try local specialties to get to know the culinary diversity of the Maldives.