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## Maldives

## Maldives Introduction

The Maldives, officially the Republic of Maldives, is a small island nation in South Asia, situated in the Arabian Sea of the Indian Ocean. It lies southwest of Sri Lanka and India.

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Geography & Location

The Maldives lies atop the Lacadives-Chagos sub-marine ridge which extends from the South West cost of India to the Central Indian Ocean. The Maldives consists of 1’192 islands grouped into 26 natural atolls. The atolls and islands scattered across the Indian Ocean that forms the archipelago of the Maldives is 80 – 120 km wide, stretching 860 km from latitude 7º 6”N to 0º 41”S and lying between 72º 32” and 73º 45”E. Out of the 1’192 islands only 199 islands are inhabited. The area of the Maldives is 90’000 km² and almost 99% of the country being the ocean; it is one of the most unique nations in the world.

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History & Culture

Archaeological and historical discoveries indicate that the islands have been inhabited for over 3’000 years. Being on an important trade route, Maldives was visited by people from all over the world, including Europe, Asia, America, Africa and the Middle East. These visitors left a strong influence on the people, their religion and the culture of Maldives.

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Climate

The Maldives enjoy warm tropical temperatures year round, and a great deal of sunshine. Local weather is affected by monsoons, with May to September being the wet season; seas can be rough and winds brisk. Severe weather conditions are rare, however, Indian Ocean cyclones do reach the islands on occasion. The Maldives temperature range runs from 70º to 90º F (22º to 33º C) and is consistent throughout most of the year.

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Visa

No prior visa arrangements are required as a tourist visa of 30 days will be granted to visitors with valid travel documents, on arrival. For those coming from yellow fever infected regions, an international certificate of inoculation is required.

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Clothing

Nudism is an offence in the Maldives. Dress is generally casual; T-shirts and cotton clothing being the most suitable. In Malē, the capital island, it is recommended that woman wear modest clothing without baring too much and when visiting inhabited islands, thighs and shoulders must be covered by both men and women.

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Quick Facts

- Population : 410,000
- Language : Dhivehi (English widely spoken)
- Capital City : Malé City
- Electric current : 220-240 V, 50 Hz (British Standard)
- Major Industries: Tourism, Fishing and Shipping
- Number of Resorts : 180 (Operational)
- Number of Guest Houses : 820 (Operational)
- Number of Live-aboards : 160 (Operational)

- Climate : Tropical
- Religion : Sunni Muslim.
- Currency : Rufiyaa(Notes) and Laari(Coins)

#### Intro Video

While very little is known about the ancient history of the Maldives scholars and historians believe that the Maldives is an old nation populated well over 2500 years ago. The Maldivian race is the result of several waves of settlement from various parts of the Indian subcontinent and thousands of years of interactions of people of different races and ethnicities that crisscrossed the Indian Ocean over several centuries. The country’s culture and traditions and the diverse physical traits of the people bear witness to the fact that the country was, due to its geographical location, a melting pot of people and cultures.

The Maldives is well connected with the rest of the world. Several flights from Europe, Middle East and South East Asia operate to Velana International Airport, the main gateway to the Maldives. The highest international traffic is from Colombo, Sri Lanka, various Indian cities and Dubai, while several scheduled and charter flights bring in passengers from all major European capitals, and South East Asian cities.

### Popular Resorts in the Maldives

special price

#### Amilla Fushi

- Finolas Island, Baa Atoll, (North)
- 9/10

Plan your escape at Amilla Fushi Maldives, the most enchanting Maldives luxury resort amidst white sands and aqua blue water delivering the best experience ...

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best seller

#### Anantara Kihavah Villas

- Kihavah Huravalhi Island, Baa Atoll, (North)
- 9/10

Located on the Baa Atoll in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas invites you to imagine your own paradise ...

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#### Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu

- Dhunikolhu Island, Baa Atoll, (North)
- 9/10

Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu is one of the only Maldives luxury resorts that offers the ultimate hideaway experience. Book your getaway in paradise today....

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hot deal

#### Dhigufaru Island Resort

- Dhigufaruvinagandu Island, Baa Atoll, (North)
- 8/10

Dhigufaru invites you to a wholly new experience, one that allows you to discover the duality of Maldives natural beauty, underwater, and above water....

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best seller

#### Dreamland The Unique Sea & Lake Resort

- Hirundhoo Island, Baa Atoll, (North)
- 8.5/10

Discover the breath-taking beauty of Dreamland“ The Unique Sea & Lake Resort / Spa. Located in Baa Atoll of the Maldives, sunny blue skies, lush flora and....

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special price

#### Dusit Thani Maldives

- Mudhdhoo Island, Baa Atoll, (North)
- 9/10

Dusit Thani Maldives offers graceful Thai hospitality for a perfect Maldives trip with natural beauty backdrop & private pool...

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special price

#### Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru

- Landaa Giraavaru Island, Baa Atoll, (North)
- 9/10

Discover Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru – a luxury resort offering 103 villas in the Baa Atoll UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve...

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special price

#### Four Seasons Private Island Voavah

- Voavah Island, Baa Atoll, (North)
- 9/10

Voavah is truly a "PRIVATE ISLAND" featuring seven bedrooms, beach house, white powder beach, extreme water sports, pools and spa and exclusive...

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best seller

#### Kihaad Maldives

- Kihaadhuffaru Island, Baa Atoll, (North)
- 9/10

Located on the coconut-shaped island in Baa Atoll, Kihaa Maldives is surrounded by lush green vegetation, white sandy beaches and a corral reef....

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special price

#### Milaidhoo Maldives

- Milaidhoo Island, Baa Atoll, (North)
- 9/10

Experience Milaidhoo Island, for the ultimate luxurious escape. Stay in a villa perched over the water with infinity pools that blend into the sea...

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best seller

#### Reethi Beach Resort

- Fonimagoodhoo Island, Baa Atoll, (Noth)
- 9/10

Reethi Beach Resort is located on the beautiful and lush Fonimagoodhoo Island, surrounded by a beautiful lagoon and white, sandy beach...

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hot deal

#### Royal Island Resort & Spa

- Horubadhoo Island, Baa Atoll, (North)
- 9/10

Royal Island Resort & Spa - Maldives is famous for its diving & spa experience. This tropical island of Baa Atoll offers the best travel deals for honeymoon.

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special price

#### Seaside Finolhu

- Kanufushi Island, Baa Atoll, (North)
- 9/10

Enjoy your stay at Finolhu, a five-star Maldives luxury resort. Wake up to the ocean, blue skies and sunny days to experience an adventure of a lifetime...

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best seller

#### Soneva Fushi

- Kunfunadhoo Island, Baa Atoll, (North)
- 9/10

Soneva Fushi sits as a luxury resort on an untouched island in the Maldives, containing white-sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and once in a lifetime...

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best seller

#### The Nautilus Maldives

- Thiladhoo Island, Baa Atoll, (North)
- 9/10

Luxury bohemian hideaway in the Maldives, The Nautilus is a highly personalised and immensely private resort in the heart of Baa Atoll, a UNESCO biosphere...

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hot deal

#### The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort

- Miriandhoo Island, Baa Atoll, (North)
- 9/10

Escape to the extraordinary at The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort. Beautifully situated on the Unesco Biosphere Reserve in Baa Atoll...

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hot deal

#### Vakkaru Maldives

- Vakkaru Island, Baa Atoll, (North)
- 9/10

Lies within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, Vakkaru Maldives is a secluded reef island blessed with timeless ocean views...

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