The Maldives can be safely called the end of the world, as here you can completely get rid of the burden of the city bustle and enjoy the amazingly beautiful nature, clean beaches and blue sea. Coral reefs stretch along the entire archipelago, and tropical plants grow on numerous islands, which, combined with the settlements of local residents, create a special impression. All over the world, the Maldives is known as the country with the best beaches. Absolutely all the beaches in the country are sandy, there are a huge number of secluded coves and bays along which the best resorts are located.
Geography of the Maldives
According to listofusnewspapers, the Maldives is an island nation located in the waters of the Indian Ocean. The country consists of two lines of islands located parallel to each other. There are about 1200 islands in total, and only 199 of them are inhabited. The islands are quite close to each other.
Capital
Male
Area
The area of the Maldives is 298 km. sq., occupies the 206th place in the world by area.
Population
313.920.
Currency
The national currency is the Maldivian rufiyaa (MVR).
Language
The official language is Maldivian (Dhivehi).
Visa to the Maldives
Residents of Russia do not need to apply for a visa at the consular department, since when entering the country (at the airport of the capital), a special free visa is issued, the validity of which is one month from the date of arrival in the country. To obtain such a visa, the tourist must present a passport, the validity of which will expire at least after leaving the country, return tickets, as well as vouchers for tourist services.
Weather in the Maldives
The Maldives has a tropical maritime climate, the temperature stays at approximately the same level of +28 C all year round, the maximum daytime temperature is +32 C, and at night it can drop to +25 C. The islands have a fairly large amount of precipitation, an average of 2500 mm per year, but a characteristic feature is that most of them fall in the form of small rains in the evening or at night. All year round, the water temperature in the ocean is kept within +24 +27 C. Despite the constancy of temperature in the Maldives, there is also the most comfortable period for recreation – from November to March. At this time, the islands are under the influence of the northeast monsoon, due to which the weather is dry and sunny. Storms most often occur in June-December.
Transport
Roads, and, accordingly, taxis are only in the capital and on the Gan and Addu atolls. The taxi ride is quite comfortable, all cars are air-conditioned. In total, there are several taxi companies in the Maldives, so tourists can freely call a taxi by phone or simply stop on the street. For a trip between the islands, you can rent a boat or a boat. Since the distances between the islands are not too great, the duration of the trip by water transport is low. On average, for $20 you can go to nearby islands, and for $70 to distant ones. There is no timetable for water transport, departure takes place as soon as a sufficient number of passengers are recruited.
Currency exchange in the Maldives
As of October 2011, the national currency rate is 1 USD = 15.3 MVR. The national currency is the Maldivian rufiyaa. The country has a clear exchange rate and you can easily exchange currency at any bank, exchange office or airport in the capital. For settlements in shops and with taxi drivers, you should have small bills, since change from large ones will be quite rare. For payment, you can use US dollars, as well as credit cards of the main systems, so it is not necessary to change the currency immediately upon arrival. Traveler’s checks can be cashed at most banks and hotels.
Electricity
220-240V/50Hz (European sockets).
Religion
In the Maldives, the majority of the believing population professes Sunni Islam.
Security
The situation with crime in the country is quite calm. It is advisable to drink only bottled water. Despite the fact that the water here is cleaned well, due to the high temperature, it quickly deteriorates. It is forbidden to consume alcoholic beverages in public places, with the exception of resort areas.
Health
It is not necessary to be vaccinated, but it is advisable to get a prophylactic vaccination against hepatitis A and B. It is best to have your own medicines, since there are practically no pharmacies in the Maldives, and medicines are very expensive in hotels. It is also desirable to have international health insurance.
