Maldives is the official language. Maldives on the world map: where the Maldives are located. Locals and national traditions

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Washing Maldives the ocean is called the Indian, and they themselves are grouped into an archipelago stretched from north to south, consisting of coral atolls - ring-shaped island structures. There are lagoons inside these rings. In total, this archipelago includes 1190 islands, which are grouped in 26 atolls. All atolls are divided into 19 administrative regions, and the capital of the state, the city of Male, became the 20th administrative unit.

The islands are located southwest of the Industan Peninsula, and the Indian Ocean is washed by the Maldives- warm, huge and majestic, the blue of its waters merging on the horizon with the sky, because of which the horizon line becomes almost indistinguishable. But among the huge number of islands in the archipelago, only about two hundred were inhabited. In an archipelago like the Maldives, the sea occupies 99.7% of the territory and only an insignificant remainder falls on land. In general, the Maldives rise above the water, being part of a large underwater mountain range... For thousands of years, corals have grown on the tops of the seamounts, reaching up towards the sun, gradually forming reefs. As a result, ring-shaped structures grew, parts of which later found themselves above the surface of the water and formed islands of atolls. And in the middle of the atoll there was a depression - a lagoon, which communicated with the ocean through a series of natural channels-channels.

Indian Ocean temperature near Maldives

Those who are going to the Maldives should not worry about the temperature of the ocean water - it is always warm and suitable for swimming here. At any time of the year, it is no colder than 26 degrees., which cannot but delight divers and just beach goers. This is not surprising, because the archipelago is located very close to the equator. The water in the ocean is always clear and blue, which further enhances the pleasure of contact with it. During the monsoon, many islands have strong currents, making sailing in the sea dangerous, but the rest of the time, communication between the atolls is easy.

Flora and fauna of the Maldives ocean

The many hundreds of fish species found in the Indian Ocean can be divided into two categories: fish that live in calm lagoons and reefs, and those that prefer freedom. open ocean but in search of food sometimes also approaching the islands. Fans of scuba diving and snorkeling are attracted by a lot under water: exotic shapes and colors of coral, fish, molluscs, jellyfish, turtles, moray eels, sea urchins and stars, dolphins, rays and sharks. Cetaceous mammals and sea turtles also prefer to migrate across the ocean - they are very popular with divers.

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Endless snow white sandy beaches, warm and transparent sea surface, picturesque lagoons and bays in the Maldives speak for themselves, but most of all tourists are attracted by high-class service and comfort in hotels.

Maldives on world map

The fabulous Republic of Maldives is located near the equator in the South region.

This Island state, consisting of a small number of picturesque atolls, has long been one of the most coveted holiday destinations for honeymooners.

In total, there are about 26 atolls in the state, one of the most significant and largest among them is the atoll called Male. It is here that the capital of the Republic of Maldives with the same name Male is located. Since ancient times, a king lived on these island territories, so many ancient masterpieces of architecture have been preserved here. This region is also home to most of the local population.

Republic of the Maldives

The total number of islands that make up the state reaches almost 1.2 thousand. All of them are interconnected in a single double chain of atolls, and are also formed on the basis of an underwater ridge with a length of about 1000 kilometers. Most big Island the country is called Gan. Not everyone island possessions The Republic of Maldives is inhabited by people. Hundreds of small paradises are still waiting in the wings and shine with unprecedented and untouched beauty. Only one sixth of all Maldives is inhabited. The total area of ​​the territories occupied by the Maldives is about 300 square kilometers, the local population barely reaches 393 thousand people.
The relief of the country is flat, so you should not look for massive mountains and lowlands here. Sandy and only slightly rise above sea level. The high-altitude peak of the Maldives archipelago is rightfully considered a point called Siena with a height of about 2.5 meters. It is located in the southern part of the luxurious Addu Atoll. With regard to sources fresh water, then they are represented by groundwater and several rivers, which can only be observed after the rainy season. In especially dry periods, they completely disappear.
The flora in the Maldives is rather scarce and is represented by only a few herbaceous plants, banyans and palms. The hardworking local population is also diligent in cultivating papaya, tropical fruits, hot peppers, eggplant and many other crops. There are no forests in the Maldives, but the luxurious branches of palm trees along the beaches shelter travelers from the scorching sun and bring a welcome coolness.
Separately, you should talk about the features of the local animal world. Tourists simply adore these islands not only for their natural splendor, but also for the absence of dangerous wild animals and reptiles. The birds living on the islands, flying foxes and mice delight the eye, and underwater world opens up an even more mysterious and fascinating world for travelers. That is why the Maldives is a favorite destination for divers from all over the world.

Flag of the Maldives

Until 1965, the Maldives were part of the territorial possessions of Great Britain (the remnants of the British Territory are located south of the islands), but in July of the same year, the republic received its long-awaited independence and state flag. The fabric of the national Maldivian flag is a deep red rectangle, in the center of which is another bright green rectangle with a snow-white crescent in the middle.

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Recently, these islands have become especially popular with honeymooners. Couples in love prefer that no one bothers them, therefore they choose deserted deserted islands, of which there are more than enough in this country. Particular attention should be paid. Tourists have a wide choice of comfortable rooms in picturesque wooden bungalows right on the water or in more modern hotel complexes, but sailing enthusiasts can even settle on a yacht so as not to break away from what they love.
Diving is one of the trendiest local activities. The endless ocean expanses and the nearby and Laccadian Seas attract experienced divers from all over the world here, and especially for beginners there are several professional specialized diving schools, where you can acquire all the necessary equipment and equipment.
True gourmets will certainly be delighted with the traditional Maldivian cuisine with its spicy Indian sauces, abundance of fruits and all kinds of delicious seafood and fish cooking. There are no local alcoholic beverages in the Maldives, since they are prohibited by Islam, but tourists can enjoy imported goods in hotels.
can hardly be called inexpensive, but all this luxury is worth the money. Shopping lovers should look into the souvenir shops and shops on Male, where they will be greeted by the brightest selection of products made from coral, shells, palm trees and other traditional materials. Also in the Maldives, fabulous cultural and historical dizzying attractions!

Have a good travel!

The Republic of Maldives is located in equatorial waters south of India. The state is a chain of atolls, which consist of 1192 islands of coral origin. The capital of the state - Male - the only city throughout the archipelago.

The Maldives were inhabited over 2 thousand years ago. Twice the Portuguese and Dutch tried to establish power over the islands, but the local population did not allow it to be done. In 1887, a British protectorate was established over the Maldives. The Maldives were under British rule for over half a century and finally gained independence in 1965. In 1968, a referendum was held in the country, as a result of which the state became a republic.

Climate and weather

The climate in the Maldives is equatorial, with a predominance of monsoon winds. The northeastern monsoon from November to April creates favorable conditions for recreation on the islands. Due to the proximity of the equator, the air temperature is approximately the same throughout the year and does not drop below +25 ° С. In April, the southwest monsoon brings humid air masses to the islands. During this period, the Maldives experienced a slight decrease in temperature, precipitation and storms.

Nature

The flora in the Maldives is represented by typical tropical vegetation. Both mangroves and fruit trees can be found here. The abundance of vegetation depends on the soil. On some of the small sandy islands, there are only shrubs and grasses. Large islands are rich in vegetation. There is also a real jungle with tropical plants, mangroves, different kinds exotic flowers. But there is one plant in the Maldives that grows everywhere, regardless of the type of soil - this is the coconut tree.

The fauna of the Maldives is not very diverse. Some species of reptiles live here: snakes that are not dangerous to humans, lizards. Mosquitoes are found only on the wild islands of the archipelago. Of insects in the Maldives, butterflies and rhinoceros beetles also live.

Much more interesting is the underwater world of the Maldives. Various types of coral can be found at the bottom of the ocean and marine life starting from sea ​​urchins and ending with whale sharks.

sights

There are not many historical or cultural attractions in the Maldives. Most interesting places located in Male. Here you can visit Sultanov Park. Until 1968, the Sultan's palace was located here. Subsequently, the palace was destroyed, and the gardens surrounding the palace were turned into a park.

The Islamic Center is also of interest. It is a large mosque next to the pier. Its interior is decorated with symbols of Arabic calligraphy and wood carvings. It is better to visit the mosque accompanied by one of the local residents: after all, this is a religious building in which special rules of conduct must be observed.

Another attraction of the Maldives is the National Museum, which displays items of clothing and jewelry of the sultans. There is also a manuscript of the Koran and pre-Islamic statues that were found during archaeological excavations.

Nutrition

The local cuisine is based on Indian and Arabian traditions. Many dishes are made up of ingredients such as rice, seafood, and spices. The most common sauce is coconut curry, which is added to almost all dishes. Fish dishes are varied, for the preparation of which there are hundreds of recipes. They even add fish to pies. The main side dish is rice, which is cooked with coconut milk, vegetables and even some fruits such as papaya, bananas, mango, pumpkin. Mostly chicken is consumed from meat, but extremely rarely. For dessert, coconut is most often served. Also baked goods, fruit salads are widespread. As for drinks, they mainly drink tea, coffee and various juices.

Accommodation

There are practically no high-rise buildings in the Maldives, with the exception of buildings in Male. Hotels and hotels are represented by all kinds of villas, bungalows, chalets, cottages. All of them are one- and two-story, located separately from each other and have an entrance from the street. In the main building hotel complexes usually there is a reception, a bar and a restaurant. The houses for tourists themselves are located either in the depths of the island, or on the shore, or right on the water. In the latter case, the houses are connected to the land by a wooden bridge, and in some cases the rooms can only be reached by boat. Whichever type of accommodation is chosen, they all have a high level of service.

Entertainment and recreation

Mostly they go to the Maldives for the sake of beach holiday... However, there are many options here. active rest... For example, diving and snorkeling lovers can have a great time on the islands. Divers from all over the world come to the Maldives, because the reefs near the islands are home to an incredible variety of marine life of unimaginable colors and shapes. But it's not just fish and corals that attract diving enthusiasts. The waters surrounding the atolls are home to many wrecks, which are also of interest to divers.

Due to the fact that the Maldives is a Muslim state, many holidays here are of a religious nature. In addition, in the Muslim calendar, almost all holidays "move", i.e. fall on different dates from year to year. The unchangeable are New Year(January 1), Independence Day (July 26-27), Catholic Christmas (December 25).

Purchases

Most of the shops are located in Male and they specialize in souvenirs. Usually these are products made from corals, shells, wood. Straw mats are especially popular. Local artisans make and sell beautiful coral jewelry - bracelets, earrings, necklaces. Also in the Maldives, you can buy quality diving equipment.

Holidays in the Maldives are Friday and Saturday, respectively, shops are open Sunday through Thursday from 7:30 am to 9:00 pm or from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm. During the prayer time, which is performed 5 times a day, shops are closed, but if you are there at this time, you do not need to leave the trading floor.

Transport

The international airport is located in Male. Generally air Transport is widespread on the islands, which is associated with the peculiarity of the geography of the archipelago. Air transport is presented by seaplanes and helicopters. In addition, transportation is carried out by sailing, motor boats and boats. Public transport in the Maldives does not exist in principle. Although there is a taxi in Male. Its peculiarity is that if the car stops for more than a minute, then the trip is considered over and must be paid for. On the islands there is the possibility of renting a boat or speedboat. It will cost an average of $ 140.

Connection

Mobile communications in the Maldives are well developed. You can use it for calls from your operator if you activate roaming, but it is cheaper to purchase a SIM card from a local mobile operator. The average cost of a minute of connection is $ 0.5. The Maldives is divided into several telephone zones, and the cost of calls from one zone to another is higher than within one zone.

Security

After political parties were allowed in the country, rallies and demonstrations began to take place on the streets of Male. It is unsafe for tourists, although street crime is extremely rare in the Maldives. To improve security, the law obliges all hotels to provide guests with a safe for storing documents, money and jewelry. If you find that you have something missing, you should inform the manager, who must record your appeal in writing. After that, the manager will conduct his own investigation and, if necessary, will contact the police.

Going to the Maldives, you need to get vaccinated against diphtheria, tetanus, yellow fever. In addition, you need to take out medical insurance, because any treatment in the country is paid.

Business climate

If you wish, you can open your own small business in the Maldives. The most popular destinations are the hotel and restaurant business. You can also organize a diving center or a yacht club. However, the country's government is reluctant to hand over business to foreigners, preferring to do it on its own. This is due to the fact that when the Maldives was just opened as a new tourist destination, attempts by foreigners to set up a tourist business here usually ended in failure.

The taxation system in the Maldives is considered one of the simplest in the world. There is no VAT or income tax.

Real estate

Due to the very small area of ​​the state, real estate prices in the Maldives are very high. In addition, there is a moratorium on the purchase of real estate by foreigners. Instead, the government offers to take real estate for long-term lease. The minimum term of such an agreement is 35 years, the maximum - 50 years. Basically, villas are rented, it is extremely difficult to rent an apartment on the islands. If you managed to find a suitable apartment, then you will have to pay at least $ 300,000 for it. Most of the rented villas are luxury housing. The cost of such housing starts at $ 350,000.

Since the Maldives is a Muslim state, this imposes some obligations on tourists. You should not appear in public places in revealing outfits. Swimming topless on the islands is strictly prohibited and is subject to a fine. Drinking alcoholic beverages is prohibited in public places. The state has a ban on catching and exporting corals, only if they were not purchased in a gift shop. It is customary to leave a tip in restaurants, the amount of which is 10% of the order value.

Visa information

Citizens Russian Federation no visa required. The closest consulate of the Russian Federation to the Maldives is located on the island of Sri Lanka.

Maldives is the smallest in the world Asian country... It is a collection of islands lost in the middle of the endless Indian Ocean. Every year, land areas are more and more submerged in water and, according to the researchers, they will soon face serious flooding.

Because of the water level in the ocean is constantly rising, which could soon lead the islands of the Maldives to disaster. If you want to visit this one for real paradise where time seems to have stopped - hurry up! Its pristine beauty will not leave anyone indifferent - white sandy beaches, blue lagoons, evergreen tropical trees will forever remain in the soul of any traveler.

Where is the Maldives map? Geographical position of the state

It is quite difficult to find the Maldives on the world map. This small country is located in the Indian Ocean, south of the Indian subcontinent and southwest of the island of Ceylon. Its closest neighbors are India (595 km), Sri Lanka (670 km) and the Chagos archipelago (500 km). You can see the Maldives on the map below.

The Republic of Maldives is a coral archipelago with a length of 130 km from west to east and 823 km from north to south. It consists of 1,196 small islands of presumably volcanic origin. They form a double chain of 26 atolls - large coral land areas that look like a burst ring. The largest and most significant are the Southern (Nord Nyland), Aryan atoll. The distance between groups varies from 25 to 80 km.

The total land area and offshore reefs of the Maldives is 298 square meters. km., and the total area together with the water area is 900,000 sq. km. Of the more than 1,100 islands, only 202 are inhabited, with more than 70 of them being first-class tourist resorts.

Historical reference

About early history Maldives very little information has been preserved. It is believed that the culture of the Maldives originated earlier than the 5th century BC. Fragments of pottery found during excavations suggested that Redin settlements were founded on the islands as early as 2000 BC. In 500 BC. on southern islands appeared Buddhists who arrived from about. Ceylon. This fact is confirmed by an ancient Buddhist manuscript and the head of a Buddha statue dating from the 11th century. The first Chinese sailors reached the Maldives in 412. Since 1153 - since the adoption of Islam - all major historical events have been recorded in the history of the Sultanate.

According to numerous testimonies of sailors, for a long time the islands were ruled by female sultans. Europeans up to the 15th century. knew nothing about the country and did not mark the Maldives on the world map until Vasco da Gama crossed Indian Ocean... In 1507 Lourenzo de Almeida sailed to the islands, and in 1529 the Parmentier brothers. From 1558 the Portuguese dominated the islands until a partisan war broke out and they were destroyed. Further, until 1760, the Maldives were under the protection of the French, and from the middle of the 17th century. - the Dutch, and then the British. In mid-1965, after massive popular uprisings, the Maldives gained independence from Great Britain. In 1968, a new constitution was adopted, and the country acquired official name- "Republic of Maldives".

State flag

The modern version of the main state symbol of the country was adopted in July 1965. The Maldives flag is a red cloth with a green rectangle and a white crescent. It has a special symbolic meaning. The red color denotes the courage of the heroes who have defended and will defend their country without hesitation, sacrificing themselves and shedding blood. The green rectangle symbolizes the nature of the Maldives - coconut trees, which are the source of life for the indigenous population. The white crescent symbolizes the religiosity of the Maldivians and reflects their commitment to Islam.

Economy of the Maldives

The Republic of Maldives is now a democratic developing state with a president at its head.

The country's economy is based on three "pillars": tourism, navigation and fishing. Thanks to the mild climate, rich underwater world and amazingly beautiful coral reefs, crowds of tourists come here. On the high seas, it is carried out in lagoons and near the coast, turtles are caught, corals, shells and natural pearls are mined.

Official banknotes. Currency exchange

The monetary unit of the Maldives is the rufiyaa. It consists of one hundred laari. One US dollar is approximately equal to a dozen rufiyaas. There are banknotes of various denominations in circulation in the country, including 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 500 rufiyaas, as well as coins - 1, 2, 5, 10, 25 and 50 lari.

You can exchange currency at any bank, airport or exchange offices at the official exchange rate. On the islets remote from the capital, it will be difficult to make an exchange, at a rather unfavorable rate. Basically, small bills are required for settlements, so stock up on them in sufficient quantity. Many expensive resorts accept US dollars and euros, as well as credit cards.

Demography

The population of the archipelago is approximately 400 thousand people. Almost all of them are descendants of immigrants from the Middle East, South, South-East Asia... The state language is called "Dhivehi", it is a kind of mixture of Arabic, English and Sinhalese languages. The writing of the local name is based on the Arabic-Persian script. Indigenous population the islands are Muslim (Sunni). It was brought by the Arabs and spread from the 12th century. And in 1968 Islam was declared the state religion.

Capital of the Republic of Maldives

Currently is the capital of the Republic of Maldives Male - small town located on the adjacent islands of Vilingile and Male. Its area is only 5.8 square meters. km. The population of Male is approximately 105 thousand people. Get to the administrative, political and cultural center The Maldives can be accessed by air or sea, boats, seaplane taxis or speedboats plying between the islands.

You can see all the sights of Male by walking along it on foot. When visiting the city, it is advisable to wear things that cover the body well from neck to knees. Almost all gift shops are located at the northern end of Chaandani Magu. Here you can buy Maldivian palm fiber mats, decorative fishing boats, canned fish and delicious seafood. In general, Male is not rich in sights, although an inquisitive tourist will like the shady Jumuri-Maidan park. National Museum in Sultans Park, the Islamic Center with the Great Friday Mosque and the Medu Ziyarat Chapel.

Climate in the Maldives

The archipelago has a tropical monsoon climate. All year round, the air temperature is quite high, has a small amplitude and varies between 26 ° C - 32 ° C. At night, it does not drop below 25 ° C. In winter - from November to March - northeastern, warm monsoons prevail. In summer - from June to August - south-westerly, wetter winds prevail. It often rains on the islands at this time. The water temperature ranges from 24 ° C to 27 ° C. During the "dry" season from November to early April, the Maldives attracts numerous tourists from all over the world. Mild, warm climate, comfortable sea temperature, no rain and strong winds makes the islands so attractive to travelers.

It is interesting that during the "wet" season the Maldives is visited by a sufficient number of tourists. Despite the high humidity, a large number of precipitation and raging winds, the influx of vacationers does not subside. The fact is that from mid-April to early November, the cost of air tickets, accommodation and meals is significantly reduced, which attracts travelers who want to save money.

Flora and fauna

Famous all over the world for their amazing variety of marine fauna and flora of the Maldives. The sea is full of amazing corals. Shoals of a variety of exotic fish, turtles, jellyfish, shellfish, starfish and hedgehogs, moray eels, stingrays attract diving and snorkeling enthusiasts.

Predators also live in the waters of the Maldives - sharks with black fins and sharks with white fins, and huge ocean inhabitants - hammerhead sharks and whale sharks - also swim here. But you don't have to be afraid of them, since they are non-aggressive and practically harmless to divers. To prevent accidents and to preserve the unique flora and fauna, the Maldives has strict scuba diving restrictions. Including, it is forbidden to dive to a depth of more than 30 m, it is forbidden to spend more than 60 minutes under water, every diver must have a dive computer with him, etc. Terrestrial fauna and flora are not very diverse.

Breadfruit, coconut, banana plants are widespread on many islands in the Maldives. The atolls of Dhaalu (Dhaalu) and Fafu stand out for their lush vegetation. Exotic flowers grow here: Ernandia jug-leaved, Erminalia catappa, etc., there are impenetrable mangroves with huge ferns. There are no large animals in the Maldives, but you can find a bat or an Indian flying fox. Terns, parrots, sea gulls, cormorants also live on the islands.

How to get to the archipelago?

The vast majority of tourists travel to the Maldives by plane. The archipelago has international Airport named after Ibrahim Nasir. It is located on Hulule Island, 2 km away. from the capital. The airport accepts flights from different cities, including Moscow, Vienna, Qatar, Kuala Lumpur, etc.

On the official website of the airport, you can get acquainted with all the necessary information, including viewing the arrival time of aircraft, choosing a suitable transfer for yourself and even planning a trip. There is an ATM, a bank, a left-luggage office on the territory of the airport. You can have a snack or drink coffee in any of the cafes you like. There is a pier to the left of the exit from the airport building. Ferries leave from it every 10-15 minutes to the capital of the country. The fare varies between 1-2 USD, depending on the time of day.

Great resorts. Maldives - a paradise for tourists

Vacationers are brought to the surrounding atolls by small nimble seaplanes or boats. North and South Male, Ari, Baa, Miimu, Laviani, Haa Alifu, Faafu, Daalu atolls are the most beautiful resorts in the country, and each of them has its own flavor.

There are more than 120 hotels in the Maldives, which can simultaneously serve about 50 thousand tourists. Basically, all hotels have 4 or 5 stars, it is extremely rare to find a hotel with the worst level of service. Also in the Maldives, you can settle in a magnificent bungalow and enjoy the privacy.

Recreation and entertainment

The beaches of the archipelago are the cleanest, with pleasant white sand. The water is amazingly warm and calm. The Maldives offers a respectable vacation, lack of hustle and bustle and communication with unique nature... For lovers of outdoor activities, there is a developed infrastructure sports entertainment... In the resorts you can go yachting, canoeing, skiing, surfing and, of course, diving. Drinking alcohol, collecting and damaging corals, and spearfishing are prohibited on the beaches of the atolls.

It should be noted that the use of alcoholic beverages is prohibited not only on the beaches, but also in any public places, outside resort area... Bathing topless and nude is also not permitted. In addition, littering is prohibited on the islands. Any violation of the order will result in a severe fine.

Customs in the Maldives

All travelers should familiarize themselves in advance with the list of goods that are allowed to import and export from the country. All luggage must be examined by customs officers. It is allowed to import cigarettes (200 pcs.), Perfume (125 ml), personal goods into the territory of the Maldives. It is not allowed to bring alcoholic beverages, pork, sausage, drugs and pornography. An attempt to violate the law is punishable by a fine of 500 USD. Any tourist should remember that the export of products made from turtle shells, pearl oyster shells, black and red corals is strictly prohibited. You can not take out of the country and items found in the sea. Be attentive and enjoy your stay!

Maldives is an island nation in Indian Ocean.

The archipelago of the Maldives is located at the junction of the Arabian and Laccadive Seas, five hundred kilometers southwest of the southern tip of the Indian subcontinent. Detailed map The Maldives demonstrates that the country occupies 27 atoll formations made up of 1,192 separate coral islets.

The Maldives cannot boast of large size. The largest is the island of Gan, but its area is less than 10 km 2. Most of the islands in the archipelago do not exceed a few hundred square meters.

Maldives on the world map: geography, nature and climate

If you look at the Maldives on a world map, you will notice that the southern part of the country is crossed by the equator line. Although the archipelago is about 750 km from north to south and 130 km from west to east, the total area of ​​its islands is only 298 km 2. The atolls of the Maldives can cover hundreds of km 2, but are ring-shaped in shape. And the majority large islands located on the outer sides of the atoll rings.

The coastline of the Maldives is 644 km. Due to its remoteness from the coasts of the continent, the country has no land or sea neighbors.

Geographical position

The Maldives are the summits of the underwater Chagos-Lakkadive Range, which stretches for almost 2,500 km. However, the Maldives is not represented by volcanic rocks. All islands in the archipelago are composed of sand and coral formations. Therefore, the Maldives state is considered the lowest located state on the planet.

The most high point the country is located on the island of Gan and is only 2.4 meters above sea level. Most of the archipelago is uninhabited. Only about 200 islands are inhabited. Due to the large extent of the Maldives, there are several large straits that separate groups of atolls. On the map of the Maldives in Russian, you can find the largest of them - the equatorial strait. Its width is about 95 km and its depth exceeds 2500 m.

Fauna and flora

Due to the small size of the islands and the dense population of the largest of them, the terrestrial flora and fauna of the archipelago is not rich. Several varieties of palm trees and rare mangrove forests are all that the Maldives can boast of. Animal world the islands are also not distinguished by their diversity - Achatina, hermit crabs, gray herons and flying foxes. But the underwater world of the country is immeasurably richer.

Hundreds of giant living coral ecosystems contain about 200 species of coral, more than 1000 species of fish, 250 species of crustaceans and up to half a thousand species of molluscs and echinoderms. Also, the local fauna boasts two dozen species of various whales and dolphins. The straits between the atolls are abundant in plankton.

Climate

The subequatorial climate of the Maldives is shaped by the seasonal northeastern monsoons. The average temperature throughout the year is about the same - from 23-30 ° C. Although there are no distinct seasons in the country, spring is somewhat hotter and drier. With the arrival of monsoons, the temperature and humidity rise slightly. Average rainfall is about 2000 mm per year.

Map of Maldives with cities. Administrative division of the country

The Maldives is divided into 21 administrative divisions. Together they form 8 regions, formed according to the principle of geographic proximity. The population of the country is about 405,000 people. A map of the Maldives with cities in Russian demonstrates that with a small area this makes the Maldives one of the most densely populated countries in the world. The average population density here is 1135 people per km 2.

Male- the capital and The largest city country. Located in the central part of the Maldives. Almost a quarter of the population of the archipelago lives here. It is included in the list of the most densely populated cities in the world and occupies the entire territory of the island of the same name, whose area does not exceed 6 km 2.

Kuramachi island located 50 km west of the capital. Despite its small size, the island is the most popular tourist center country.

Eidhafushi is one of the largest inhabited islands in the Maldives. Located in the northern part of the archipelago, 100 km north-west of Male. Remarkable absolute height at 0 meters above sea level.