Capital |
Male - the capital of the Maldives, is the commercial centre, seat of government and the location of many important historical and religious landmarks. |
Geography |
The Maldives Republic is located 500km (300 miles) southwest of the southern tip of India and consists of about 1190 low-lying coral islands, of which only 200 are inhabited. |
Climate |
Temperature :30.4° C (Mean Max), 25.4° C (Mean Min). The Maldives have a hot tropical climate. There are two monsoons, the southwest from May to October and the northeast from November to April. Generally the southwest brings more wind and rain in June and July. The best time to visit is November to Late March. |
Clothing |
Casual clothing is normal in Maldives . However, it is advisable to have your thighs and shoulders covered. Bikini 's are not permitted in inhabited local islands since it is a Muslim country. Light weight cottons and linens clothes are common. |
Language |
Dhivehi is the language spoken in all parts of the Maldives . The script is called "Thaana". English is the main taught language at schools. Most people in Male and tourist resorts speak English. |
Religion |
100% Sunni Muslim. Maldives is perhaps the only country with a 100% Muslim population. Islam was introduced around A.D.800, and the moderate form practiced in Maldives has remained virtually unchanged. |
Time |
Maldives Standard Time: +5 hrs GMT ( 5 hours ahead of GMT ) |
Currency |
The Maldivian currency is the Rufiyaa and Laaree. One Rufiyaa is equivalent to 100 laarees. Rufiyaa bank notes come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 500. Coins are in the denominations of MRf.2.00, MRf.1.00, 50 laarees, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 laaree. |
Exchange Rates |
Current Exchange rates: $1 USD = 12.8 MVR $1 AUD = 11.56 MVR £1 GBP = 25.2 MVR |
Credit & Debit Cards |
American Express, Diners Club, EuroCard, JCB, MasterCard, Visa. |
Electricity |
230 volts AC, 50Hz. Round-pin plugs are used, although square-pin plugs are now becoming more common. |
Telephone & Mobile |
Outgoing international code: 00. GSM 900 network operated by the Maldives Telecommunications Company, DhiMobile. IDD is available |
Internet |
The Internet can be accessed from most areas of the Maldives . Mal?, the capital, has an Internet cafe and almost all resorts facilitate the sending and receiving of e-mails. The islands' ISP is Dhivehi. |
Post |
Post office hours: Sat-Thurs 07:30-13:30 and 16:00-17:50. |
Press |
The Maldives News Bulletin is published weekly in English. The other dailies Aafathis Daily News, Haveeru Daily and Miadhu News have English sections. Information about local events is widely available on all the resort islands. |
Radio |
BBC World Service and Voice of America can be received. |
Working Hours |
Government Offices : 7.30 am -2.30 PM (Sun to Thursday) Fri and Sat holidays. Private Offices: Open between 8 am and 10 am and close between 6 PM and 8 PM, with a lunch break. Closed on Fridays only. |