Maldives

Resorts in the Maldives woo tourists with promises of 'the last paradise on earth', and if your idea of paradise is a pristine tropical island with swaying palm trees, pure white beaches and brilliant turquoise lagoons, then the Maldives will not disappoint.

It's also a major destination for scuba divers, who come for the fabulous coral reefs and the wealth of marine life. But it's not a place for low budget backpackers or amateur anthropologists who want to travel independently and live as the locals do.

Tourism in the Maldives is carefully managed. The lack of local resources makes it necessary to import virtually everything a visitor needs, so it can't really compete on price. The strategy has been to develop a limited number of quality resorts, each on its own uninhabited island, free from traffic, crime and crass commercialism.

The tourism strategy also aims to minimise the adverse effects of tourism on traditional Muslim communities. Tourists can make short guided visits to local fishing villages, but must then return to their resort. To stay longer or to travel to atolls outside the tourist zone requires a good reason, a special permit, and a local person to sponsor the visitor.

Full country name: Republic of Maldives
Area: 298 sq km
Population: 301,475
Capital City : Male
People: Sinhalese, Dravidian, Arab, African
Language: Divehi, English
Religion: Sunni Muslim
Government: Republic
Head of State: President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom

GDP: US$500 million
GDP per capita: US$1,840
Annual Growth: 5.8%
Inflation: 6.3%
Major Industries: fish processing, tourism, shipping, boat building, coconut processing, garments, woven mats, rope, handicrafts, coral and sand mining, coconuts, corn, sweet potatoes, fish
Major Trading Partners: Sri Lanka, US, Germany, Singapore, UK, India, Hong Kong, Japan, Thailand

Facts for the Traveler

Visas: Visas are required for most nationalities, but are free and can be obtained on arrival for a stay of max. 30 days.
Health risks: Sunburn
Time: GMT/UTC +5
Dialling Code: 960
Electricity: 220-40V ,50 Hz
Weights & measures: Metric

If you're looking for a few extra hours of sunshine then you should visit the Maldives between December and April, which is the dry season. This is the high season, however, and resorts can be fully booked and prices are higher than the rest of the year. The Christmas-New Year period is the busiest and most expensive part of the high season. Between May and November it's still warm, but the skies can be cloudy, humidity is higher and rain is more likely. This is the low season, and there are fewer tourists and prices are lower. The transition months of November and April are said to be associated with increased water clarity and better visibility for divers.

Events

Most holidays are based on the Islamic lunar calendar and the dates vary from year to year. The most important religious event is Ramadan (known locally as rorda mas ), the Islamic month of fasting. Other noteworthy events are Kuda Id , the sighting of the new moon (celebrated at the end of Ramadan), and the Prophet's Birthday, which commemorates the birthday of the Prophet Mohammed. Fixed holiday dates include: National Day (the day Mohammed Thakurufaan and his men overthrew the Portuguese on Malé in 1573, the first day of the third month of the lunar calendar); Victory Day (victory over Sri Lankan mercenaries who tried to overthrow the Maldivian government on 3 November 1988); and Republic Day (which commemorates the current republic, founded on 11 November 1968).

Money & Costs

Currency: Rufiyaa

Meals

• Budget: US$1-3
• Mid-range: US$3-10
• High: US$10-20

Lodging

• Budget: US$25-35
• Mid-range: US$35-70
• High: US$70+

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