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The pearls of the Indian Ocean, as it is popularly known, are situated
in the South West of Sri Lanka, on the equator. The numerous coral reef
islands, 1,190 in total , form an archipelago of 26 major atolls (
groups of neighbouring coral islands). The country stretches 820 km
north to south and 120 km east to west. Out of the incredibly large
number of islands only 200 islands are inhabited, with 44 islands
adapted as exclusive resort islands. The climate is generally warm and
humid. Sun shines all year through with average temperature around 29 -
32 degrees Celsius.
The country's 2000 population census shows a
total of 270,101 people living in the country. Almost 2/3 of this
figure resides in the capital island Male'.
Origins
of the Maldivians is not very certain. However, it is believed that the
history goes as far back as BC 1000. Early settlers were travellers on
the Silk Route, and from the Indus Valley Civilisation. The Maldivians
are inherently warm, friendly and hospitable by nature, and anyone can
easily establish a casual conversation with the Maldivians.
Dhivehi,
a fantastic language not spoken anywhere else on the globe, is the
language spoken in all parts of the Maldives. English is widely spoken
and can be recognised on sign boards, neon lights and even in the main
newspapers and in some radio and TV programmes. In the resorts, a
variety of languages, including English, German, Italian, French and
Japanese, is spoken by the staff.
Dress is
generally casual. T-shirts and cotton clothing are most suitable. In
the inhabited islands, it is recommended that women wear modest
clothing without baring too much.
The
Maldives economy is growing at an average of over 10 percent since the
past two decades. Tourism is the main industry, contributing almost 20
percent to the GDP. Fisheries and trade follow close behind. The
Maldivian economy is regarded as exemplary in the region, and welcomes
foreign investment.
The Maldivian currency
is Rufiyas and Laaris (1M Rf = 100 Laaris). The exchange rate for US
Dollars is Rufiya 11.72 for one US Dollar (1997). The Rufiyaa comes in
notes of 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 500. The American Dollar is the most
common foreign currency. Payments in the resorts can be made in most
hard currencies in cash, traveller's cheques or credit cards. The most
commonly used credit cards are American Express, Visa, Master Card,
Diners Club, JCB and Euro Card.
The
functional literacy rate is 98 percent. Educational standards are among
the highest in the region, and most schools teach via the English
Medium and follow the British education system, while in some schools
Dhivehi (the Maldivian Language) or Arabic is the medium of
instruction.
Health care facilities are
improving on a daily basis. The Indhira Gandhi Memorial Hospital in
Male' is the biggest hospital in the country providing sophisticated
medical care. ADK Hospital is the biggest private health care facility,
and follows high medical standards. Experienced European doctors work
at the AMDC Clinic. Regional hospitals are distributed throughout the
country and Male' , the capital, has several well-established private
general practitioners . Some resorts have an in-house doctor.
Decompression chambers are within reach of most resorts in case of a
diving emergency.
Telecommunication has
developed very fast in this decade. Upto-date technology and
international satellite links allow Maldives to have a sophisticated
communications system. IDD facilities are available on all resorts, and
card phone facilities are available on all islands. Dhiraagu, the
Maldives telecommunications company, an affiliate of the British Cable
and Wireless Company, provides mobile telephones for rental on a daily
basis. Dhiraagu is also the Internet service provider.
Being
on the Equator, the country enjoys more or less constant day lengths
(6am - 6 pm) throughout the year. People wake up early in the morning.
Business hours are from Sunday to Thursday 7:30 - 14:30 in the
government sector, and generally from 9:00 to 5:00 in the private
sector. Weekend falls on Friday and Saturday. The local time is GMT
+5hours.
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