The Republic of MALDIVES
The Maldives consist of 26 atolls that are groups of islands. There are a total of 1,192 small islands. Only roughly 200 of these are inhabited. It is located southwest of India and Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean. The Maldives are located on the equator and the climate is tropical.
The country has a population of approximately 350,000, with 110,000 in Malé. Islam is the main religion and is practiced by approximately 95% of the people.The rest are Christians, Buddhists and Hindus. The language is Dhivehi.
The currency is the rufiyaa. 1 rf. is worth just under USD 0.10. You can exchange or withdraw money at a bank or ATM when you arrive at the international airport in Malé. Most major credit cards are accepted. US notes or euros in small denominations are used in many places.
It's wonderful to enjoy fresh coconuts, for instance, while you are walking or shopping the market in any part of the Maldives, it's quite easy to feel like you are in seventh heaven.
The main tourist season is from November to April. This is when it's the warmest and there is very little rain. The average temperature is 25°C to 32°C. EVEN at night!
No vaccinations are required! A visa is not necessary. You fill out entry papers while traveling in by plane. So be sure to have your passport and the address of the guesthouse readily at hand.
REMEMBER to wear powerful sunscreen!
