Official name chain of atolls and coral islands located south of India, in equatorial waters Indian Ocean- Republic of Maldives. The population of this South Asian state is approximately 393 thousand people. The total area of the country is 90 thousand sq. Km. The climate is subequatorial monsoon.
The Maldives amaze with its endless ocean, amazing underwater caves and reefs. The island is inspired by the tranquility and comfort of the surrounding tropical virgin nature. The culture stopped at a primitive level, and the locals still respect their traditions.
The largest coral island in the Maldives is Kafu, on it stands the city of Male, which is considered smallest capital and the most populated city. Male is so small that it can be walked around in a couple of hours.
Attractions Maldives
Famous places in the Maldives are National Museum and the Colonial-style Muliage Palace. Also worth visiting beautiful park Jumuri Maidan or visit one of the most revered shrines in the Maldives - Medu Ziyarat Chapel.
The city of Male is home to the Great Friday Mosque, famous for its golden dome. Next to it are the graves of both national heroes and members of the ruling families. It is worth paying attention to the Islamic Center, which is located nearby. It is considered the largest in the Maldives, because at the same time it can accommodate about 5,000 people.
Local markets also do not lag behind in popularity, there are several types of them - vegetable, fruit and handicraft, where the inhabitants of the islands sell handicrafts.
Many tourists are attracted to the Maldives for unsurpassed diving. Underwater world The peninsula strikes with a variety of inhabitants, at the same time, coral reefs scare away predators and swimming under water is not at all dangerous.
Honeymoon Paradise
For most tourists, the Maldives is one of the most romantic places on the planet. Therefore, newlyweds and lovers tend to the islands in the first place. What is it worth wedding ceremony on the white sand during sunset and decorated with palm leaves around. If you discuss the wedding with the hotel in advance, you can get a discount and move into the best bungalow. The Maldives is suitable not only for a wedding ceremony, but also for honeymoon... After all, the rest here is unique and unusual. On the beach you can see both young people and families with children or even elderly people.
This question is asked by those who have already bought the long-awaited or are just going to look for tickets and prepare for the trip. Everyone has heard of this stunning resort, a leader among the giants beach holiday, and probably have seen a photo with best beaches and hotels. The Maldives are 8.5 hours away by direct flight Moscow - Male. This Island state located in South Asia in the middle of the Indian Ocean at the very equator. It is this geographical position of the Maldives and the equatorial climate that provide excellent weather for a beach holiday all year round in any season.
For selection the best hotel, it is worth understanding where the Maldives are, where the capital Male and the international airport are located and where you have to go to rest. I hope I have already convinced you of the importance of understanding geographic location Maldives? Then let's go!
The geography of the Maldives is so interesting that when you start exploring it, you immediately understand why the widespread “lostness” of the Maldives is not accidental. They are so small that they are really practically invisible on geographic map... And many people often don't know what the Maldives is. Some of them seriously think that this is not a whole country, but one small island (for example, as part of Chile) with magnificent beaches and hotels.
Where is Male
Male(Male) is the capital of the Republic of Maldives. Male is located in the very center of the country on a fairly large and densely populated island. It is part of the North Male Atoll (Kaafu). Thousands of tourists fly to the Maldives every day international Airport Male (its code is MLE), located on the island of Hulule, adjacent to the capital.
Good to know:
- For cheap flights to Male, see by link →
- A ready-made tour to the Maldives can be found on the website
Male city Is the financial, administrative and transportation center of the Maldives. It is home to many significant cultural attractions, modern hospitals, shops, restaurants, banks and a post office.
Male island associated with many inhabited islands in the Maldives different kinds transport - ferry crossings, speedboats and local air travel on conventional aircraft and seaplanes.
Male on the world map
Where are the Maldives resorts
Not all islands in the Maldives are inhabited. Of the nearly 1200 individual islands, only about 200 are inhabited or given over to resorts. The Maldives are located both south and north of the capital, Male. Some of them can be reached by speedboat or ferry, while others are located so far away that tourists fly to them either by seaplane (air taxi), or regular flights domestic airlines.
If you have already chosen your hotel, then on the map of the atolls you can understand where it is located approximately (see the map). And for those who still choose, it will be interesting to keep in mind:
- Closest resort island in Maldives to airport is famous hotel Kurumba... It is very popular among Russian tourists, and for good reason, because the rest there, judging by the reviews, is simply magnificent!
- Most distant island in the south, where the local population lives, is Gan(Addu atoll). Maldivian airlines fly there from Male. Near the island of Gan there is a magnificent resort on the equator. Who hasn't dreamed of relaxing right under the sun? In the Maldives, there is such an opportunity. Take a look
- an island state in the south of Asia, in the northern part of the Indian Ocean. There are over 2000 small islands. The maritime boundaries lie in the Indian Ocean.
The name of the country comes from the Sanskrit dwipa - "island".
Official name: Maldives
Capital: Male
The area of the land: 298 sq. km
Total population: 395 K people
Administrative division: The country is divided into 20 island groups.
Form of government: Republic.
Head of State: President elected for a term of 5 years.
Population composition: 99% are Maldivians (ethnogenesis is not completely clear), as well as Arabs and people from the African continent.
Official language: Maldivian (Dhivehi). English language widespread in the capital Male and in resorts.
Religion: Almost the entire population is Sunni Muslim.
Internet domain: .mv
Mains voltage: ~ 230 V, 50 Hz
Country dialing code: +960
Climate
Tropical marine. The temperature throughout the year on average does not drop below +25 C, even at night. The average temperature is about +28 C all year round (daytime maximum - about +32 C, night minimum - + 25 C). The amount of precipitation is about 2500 mm. per year, and most often in the form of short rains in the evening and at night. The water temperature is also constant - about + 24-27 C all year round.
The best weather observed during the "Iruvai" period (from November-December to March-April, the northeast monsoon season), when the sea is calm and the weather is sunny and dry. From May to October, during the "hulhangu" season (April to October), the weather is less predictable - the southwest monsoon can bring intermittent rains, high humidity and choppy seas (although it is the least hot during this period). Storms and waves are most likely in June and December.
Geography
The island state of Maldives is 700 km away. southwest of Sri Lanka, in the equatorial waters of the Indian Ocean. Two practically parallel chains of islands, bordered by coral reefs, and lying at a relatively small distance from each other, stretch for 820 km. from North to South. There are 1196 islands in total, forming 26 atolls, of which only 199 are inhabited and about 100 are open to the public. The total area of the country is about 90 thousand square meters. km., land - only 298 sq. km.
Flora and fauna
Vegetable world
Forests cover no more than 3% of the islands' area. On many islands, coconut palms grow, which do not suffer from soil salinity, banana groves and a dense shrub cover, in some places mangroves, and in the depths of the islands there are banyan trees, pandanus and various thorny plants.
The coastal waters are abundant in fish. There are sea turtles, which have been intensively exterminated by the population for a long time. Their meat and fat were used for food, and their shells were used for various crafts. Currently, turtles are on the verge of extinction and are protected by law. Since 1996, the Million Trees environmental protection program has been in place. Within its framework, nurseries have been created in which seedlings are grown for further planting on the islands of the archipelago.
Traditional Maldivians' Occupation - Collecting Cowrie Shells and Growing coconut tree giving copra, vegetable oil and palm leaf. Crops such as rice, taro, millet, corn, sweet potatoes, and cassava are also cultivated. Of the industrial sectors, fish processing is developed.
sights
The Maldives are widely known for their atoll resorts, each of which is its own unique world, surrounded by pristine coral beaches and an indescribable blue sea. This is a "place at the end of the world", where there is no noise of cities and annoying signs of civilization, where only exotic nature and endless expanses of the ocean.
Numerous underwater coral reefs and caves stretch across the Maldives archipelago, lush tropical vegetation accentuates the pristine and unique beauty islands, and ancient culture local residents creates a unique environment for a secluded relaxation.
Banks and currency
Maldives rupees (rufiyaa). One rupee is equal to 100 lari. In circulation there are banknotes in denominations of 500, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 2 rupees. And also coins of 50, 25, 10, 5, 2 and 1 lari. USD and major credit cards so it is not necessary to exchange dollars for local currency upon arrival.
In Male, banks and exchange offices are concentrated on Marine Drive. They are open from 8:00 am to 1:30 pm, Sunday through Thursday (as in many other Muslim countries, Friday and Saturday are weekends in the Maldives). On departure, the remaining rupees are allowed to be exchanged back for dollars. Currency exchange can be carried out not only at the bank, but also in a number of large stores, which have a special sign next to the signs of international tourist cards.
Useful information for tourists
It is forbidden to drink alcohol in public places (outside resort area). It is recommended to drink bottled water and soft drinks. Local water, although it is purified quite thoroughly (often it is desalinated sea water), but due to the high temperature it quickly becomes unusable.
Traditional Islamic norms of behavior are strong in the country, but without the slightest sign of bigotry. The restrictions are the same as in Oman. Photography is prohibited in mosques. The guards of the mosque usually insist on escorting the tourist, hoping to take a fee, but in fact, you can inspect the mosque on your own. Swimming in the nude is prohibited on all islands in the archipelago, with the exception of Kuramati Island. You can bargain in markets and private shops, but the amount of the "discount" is usually small.
Spearfishing and unauthorized fishing are prohibited (all types of sea fishing are freely organized in hotels), it is strictly not allowed to lift corals (both live and dead), shells and others from the bottom of the sea marine life... Heavy fines are charged for violation. The country has one of the largest markets in the region selling shells, corals and various exotic marine animals, so you can always buy these souvenirs without breaking local laws.
Officially, tips are not accepted, but unofficially, if the service really deserves it, it is customary to leave a small amount to the personally serving employee ($ 10 per week to the hotel employee or 5% to the waiter). Some resorts include payment for services in the bill (usually 10%), in which case the tip is not necessary. In the case of renting a boat or motorboat, the amount should be negotiated in advance.
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Where are the Maldives on the world map and the Indian Ocean
We often hear that the most best rest Is a vacation on the islands. And you know, those who had a rest on the islands will definitely confirm this. There are beautiful, gorgeous beaches, far from the "big" land, there is no noise, clean air ... there are a lot of advantages and advantages, and there are few islands. Some of the most beloved and most visited are the Maldives. On the world map, you need to look for them in the Indian Ocean, south of India. The capital of the atolls is Male, and the population does not exceed half a million inhabitants.
Geography: where are the Maldives
As we have already written, the Maldives is located in the Indian Ocean. Sri Lanka is about 700 kilometers away. About the same to the shores of India.
The Republic of Maldives is a chain of 26 atolls, and they, in turn, consist of 1192 coral islands. Surprisingly, the Maldives is the lowest located state! The most high point is located at an altitude of about 2.4 meters above sea level. That is, in fact, any average wave can easily flood the entire state.
The capital of the islands is the city of Male. This is generally the only city on islands. Most of the inhabitants of the archipelago live here.
As we said, the closest neighbors are Sri Lanka and India. And then there is only a huge endless ocean! There are almost five thousand kilometers to the coast of Africa, and even more to Australia, about seven thousand kilometers.
Climate and weather
Due to its geographic location, the Maldives is hot all year round. The air temperature ranges from +24 to +30 degrees, depending on the month. The lowest temperature is recorded in winter, when the air can cool down to +17 at night, and the highest temperature is in May, and it is equal to +32 degrees.
The dry season lasts from November to March and the rainy season lasts from June to August.
Underwater world
The underwater world off the coast of the Maldives is very diverse. Why, this is the Indian Ocean!
Coral reefs are home to over 1,100 fish species. There are five types sea turtles, 21 species of whales and dolphins and many, many other marine inhabitants.
No wonder this place is so loved by diving enthusiasts. Any diving off the coast of the Maldives is always a beautiful adventure and incredible views. A lot of interesting things are filmed here and scientific video... Expeditions take place here all the time. If you are going here on vacation, then at least once, but it is worth diving under the water with scuba diving.
Tourism accounts for a third of the island's economy, accounting for 28% of the country's total GDP.
- the state sells its products for $ 125 million, and buys other products for $ 1.2 billion
- most of export is fish. This product accounts for about 70% of all sales
- any island of the Maldives can be crossed on foot for two hours
- many of the islands of the archipelago are uninhabited
In search of solitude and merging with nature, thousands of tourists go to distant, exotic countries. The most delightful place for a relaxing holiday is the mysterious Maldives. But where are the Maldives on the world map? This question worries many seekers of miracles and passionate travelers.
Maldives invite to meet
The vast expanses of the majestic Indian Ocean lovingly embrace these tiny pieces of land. Like a precious necklace, they stretch from north to south at a distance of 700 km from India. This chain of islets crosses the equator and bathes in streams of solar rain all year round.
To the southwest of the archipelago live the hospitable, joyful people of Sri Lanka. And in the west the island of Madagascar is adjacent. About 1200 islands follow one another at a distance of more than 800 km. However, the land surface is lost against the background water element, which covers more than 90 thousand square kilometers.
Most of the islands uninhabited. Only 88 of them invite tourists to their amazing embrace, enveloping in bliss. The lack of hills, rivers and mountains makes the Maldives unique. The piece of paradise rises 2.5-3 meters above the ocean surface and merges with the sound of oncoming waves and warm wind into a single, harmonious whole.
How to get to the exotic beauty of the Maldives
The issue of the flight worries tourists no less than the location of the breathtaking beauty of the archipelago. Traveling to the Maldives is quite tiring, but it dissolves into indescribable delight after arriving on a fertile land.
You can get to the Maldives directly and with them. Only Moscow gives bliss non-stop flight and 8.5 hours of travel. Such trips are possible from May to October, when residents of Russia and other CIS countries prefer to take vacations. However, it is during this period that the rainy season falls on the Maldives.
During the colder months years, travelers get to the Maldives with a transfer in Colombo (Sri Lanka) or Dubai (UAE). However, at these airports you will have to enjoy the local exoticism for 4 hours. And the expectation of meeting with the eternal summer of the Maldives will stretch for 13 hours.
Inhabitants Of the Far East prefer to go to the shores of the Indian Ocean through China. The flight from Vladivostok is 18-30 hours. The time difference is related to the number of transfers.
If you live in Arkhangelsk, then traveling to the Maldives via Moscow, the road will stretch for 20-28 hours. For tickets, it is better to contact Transaero or Aeroflot.
The enchanting Maldives with their delightful rest away from the bustle of civilization caresses the bodies and souls of brave travelers weary on the way.
Where are the Maldives on the map? The reality of a unique piece of sushi will answer this question and fill hearts conquered by beauty with delight.
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