The classic notion of an exotic tropical island is fully fulfilled in the Maldives: chalk-white beaches, swaying palm trees, lukewarm, turquoise waters with a huge amount of colorful corals and exotic fish. In a country consisting of 1200 small islands, the visitor’s main interest is, naturally enough, everything that has to do with water. Swimming, snorkeling, diving, windsurfing, fishing and generally lazy beach days are on the agenda for tourists on the deserted paradise islands.
See trips to the Maldives
Population: 390 000
Capital: Male
Language: Divehi
99% of the Maldives consists of water?
The Maldives has been inhabited since 600 BC? The first inhabitants came from India and Sri Lanka, and were probably fishermen.
Maldives geography and climate
Lilleputtlandet Maldives consists of 1200 small coral islands in the Indian Ocean southwest of Sri Lanka. Of the 300,000 inhabitants, about 80,000 are in the capital Malé, while the rest are spread over 200 of the remaining islands. The archipelago is gathered in 26 atolls, a group of small coral islands that originally formed a circular coral reef around a volcanic island. The islands were formed by the volcano itself slowly sinking into the sea, leaving the reef, which has formed a circle of small islands. From north to south, the island stretches for over 800 km. The Maldives has a tropical monsoon climate which, due to the surrounding sea, does not feel as warm as other places at the same latitude. The temperature is between 24 and 33 degrees most of the year. The monsoon rains fall in the summer, but the temperature does not, resulting in fairly warm and humid weather from April to October. Nature is virtually untouched on most Maldivian islands, and it is not far between the coconut trees. The reefs that surround all the islands thrive on colorful corals and an endless variety of tropical fish. The larger sea animals consist of dolphins, sharks and devil coats with a wing width of 6-8 meters. Visit shoe-wiki for When Is the Best Time to Travel to Maldives.
Traveling to the Maldives
The Maldives holds several geographical records. It is Asia’s smallest country and the world’s flattest country with the highest point only two and a half meters above sea level. In addition, it is the world’s smallest country with Islam as its main religion. The Maldives is so Muslim that one is not allowed to enter the country with symbols of other religions, and all television programs are interrupted five times a day when it is time to take out the prayer rug and turn to Mecca. However, you do not have to be afraid of strict Muslim rules when visiting the Maldives. The lavish hotels are located on their own islands with no locals. Here the drinks flow and bikinis and Hawaiian shorts appear on beaches and in bars. The Maldives was once Buddhist, but Islam was introduced as the state religion in the 12th century. The beautiful paradise islands have been colonized by Portuguese, Dutch and British,
Maldives sights
If the interest is towards a beach holiday, diving holiday or romance under the leaves of the coconut trees, a trip to the Maldives is the right choice. Many of the islands are completely untouched and are a perfect destination for those who need to get away for a while. A trip to the Maldives can offer more than recharging the batteries. Kudahovadhoo Island has something resembling the remains of a Buddhist temple, and a fine old mosque from the time when Islam was first introduced into the country. Despite its small size and striking tranquility, the capital Malé can alleviate urban abstinence with its mosques, markets and well-visited squares. Banana Reef is a protected natural area with dramatic cliffs, lots of caves and beautiful coral reefs. The Maldives is also home to the world’s most famous diving area, Mushimasmingali Thila,
Facts Maldives
Here you can read exciting facts about the Maldives
- Language: Divehi
- Capital: Male
- Residents: 390 000
- Religion: Sunni Islam
- Currency: Maldivian rufiyaa as well as US dollars and euros
- Surface: 298 km2 consisting of 1,192 coral islands
Worth knowing
Time difference
The Maldives is four hours before Swedish time in winter and three hours before Swedish time in summer.
Transport
In the Maldives, the most common means of transport is boats, and we also use them to get around. In Malé there is little car traffic but no buses.
Price level
The price level in the Maldives is slightly higher compared to the other Asian countries. A main course at one of the hotel restaurants costs an average of SEK 200. Wine and alcohol are only available on the hotel-owned islands and there it is quite expensive.
Currency and credit cards
The Maldives’ currency is called the Maldives rufiyaa but also US dollars and euros work. Feel free to bring US dollars and / or euros to the Maldives. Preferably in small denominations.
The most common credit cards can be used in the Maldives.
Tip
You usually add 10 percent in service surcharges on hotel, restaurant and bar bills. The same applies if you buy an excursion or other local activity. Usually, waiters and hotel staff, among others, get an extra penny.
Electricity
In the Maldives, 220 volts are used. The sockets are the same as in the UK (UK socket) and USA (A socket).
Telephone and internet
Maldives country code is +960. At the airport in Maldives you can buy SIM cards from Maldives telecom operator Dhiraagu. The hotels have access to wireless internet.
Hygiene
Drink only bottled water. Feel free to bring hand disinfection (available at Swedish pharmacies, among other places).
Smoking
Smoking is prohibited in cafés, restaurants, in government buildings and in public spaces. Special smoking permits can be given to restaurants and cafes.
Good tone
The Maldives is a Muslim country and it is forbidden to bring alcohol and products containing pork.
Climate and weather Maldives
Here you can read about the climate and weather in the Maldives – see, among other things, temperatures and precipitation for the capital Malé.
| JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | CHRISTMAS | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC | |
| Male | ||||||||||||
| Daytime temperature | 30 | 31 | 31 | 32 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 |
| Night temperature | 26 | 26 | 26 | 27 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 |
| Precipitation (mm) | 114 | 38 | 74 | 123 | 219 | 167 | 150 | 176 | 199 | 194 | 231 | 217 |
The Maldives has a tropical monsoon climate which, due to the surrounding sea, does not feel as warm as in other places at the same latitude. The temperature is between 27 and 33 degrees for most of the year. The monsoon rains fall in the summer but the daytime temperature does not, which results in a hot and humid climate between April and October.
