Travel Guide to Maldives

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Location

The Maldives are found in the Indian Ocean to the south west of India with the 1,190 islands spreading 500 miles from north to south.

Shopping

This is not the place to come for shopping but there are plenty of places to combine shopping with if you stop over in Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Sri Lanka.

Geography

Despite the vast distance the islands are spread over, the total land mass is just 115 square miles. The islands are built up from coral layers and sand banks making them very flat with the highest points only 6 feet above sea level. The extensive reef networks completely shelter the islands.

History

The first settlers arrived on the islands 2,500 years ago travelling from the mainland and Sri Lanka.

Europeans did not try to settle until Captain Andreas Andre led a Portuguese invasion and ruled the islands himself until dramatically overthrown by an uprising of the islanders who slaughtered every Portuguese.

In the 17th century both the British and Dutch had spells of protectionism over the islands but did not attempt to colonise.

In 1867 an agreement was signed with the British to guarantee the islands independence and in exchange the British were allowed to establish defense and formalise the protectorate.

In 1932 a constitution was drawn up and the first leader elected rather than from birthright. In 1953 the Sultanate was abolished and the republic formed.

Climate

	J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
Av Temp (F)	85	85	86	86	87	86	85	85	85	85	85	85
Av Temp (C)	29	30	30	31	30	29	29	29	29	29	29	29
Sunshine Hours	8	8	8	8	7	7	7	7	7	7	8	8
Rain (inches)	2	1	1	2	6	12	8	8	6	6	6	2

Basic Information

Language
Divehi is the official language although English is widely spoken.

Currency
Rufiyaa (Rf) is the local currency although US Dollars are also widely accepted.

Electricity
230 volts AC 50 Hz.

Banks
Opening hours Sun-Thur 8am-1pm, but not easily accessible.

Time difference
GMT +5 hours.

Tipping and local customs
Tipping is not generally expected, but 10% is often added in restaurants.

Water
Bottled mineral water is recommended.

Tourist Board information
www.visitmaldives.com

Visas
No visa is currently required for Irish passport holders. This should be re-checked on booking for any changes. Six months valid passport is required.

What makes it so special?

The complete tranquillity with nothing but the turquoise sea, soft white sand, cooling breeze and tropical sun.