Maldives Quick Travel Facts

Locations

Indian Ocean.
Maldives are located astride the Equator, in both the Northern and Southern hemispheres. 700 Km (435 mi) South-West of Sri Lanka and 400 Km (250 mi) South-West of India. Coordinates : 3°15 N 73°00 E.

No. Of Islands & Atolls

Approximately 1200 Islands. 26 Atolls. The word Atoll ( Atolhu in Dhivehi ) means circular groups of coral islets.

Territory Superficy

Superficy : 90,000 square kilometres.
Length and Width :
- North to South : app. 820 km (512 mi)
- East to West : between 80 km and 120 km ( 50 to 75 mi)

Largest Atoll

"Gaafu" 3152 km². It's also one of the largest Atoll in the World

Smallest Atoll

"Fuvamulha" : only 4.5 km width

The Capital Male'

Male’ is the capital of Maldives and has a population of approximately 1.43 lakhs people. The city is famous for many things such as, the colorful buildings, mosques, the Islamic center that features a distinctive gold dome and a library. The local fish market is also attracted by tourists and visitors. Male’ is the smallest capital in the world ,it is different from all the other islands in the Maldives. Male’ city has high buildings, paved roads, and very few trees. The streets are so narrow in Male’,there can only be a limited amount of vehicles. Government offices are located in a specific area. The main streets host shops and offices. The old bazaar area is only dedicated to wholesale and retail trading. Area: 5.8 km² Elevation: 2.4 m Weather: 30°C, Wind NW at 8 km/h, 74% Humidity,Population: 142,909 (2017) United Nations Geographic atoll: North Malé Atoll

Maldives Currency

The Maldives currency is the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR).
Approximate main exchange rates :
1 GBP = 20.10 MVR.
1 EUR = 18.973 MVR.
1 USD = 15.667 MVR

Time Zone

UTC+5

Sunrise & Sunset Timing

According to the period of the year : Sunrise : From 05.45 am to 06.15 am. Sunset : From 05.45 pm a 06.15 pm.

Official Language

Dhivehi. English is widely spread and English is understood well by the Maldivians too.

Customs & Airport regulations

It is prohibited to import Religious materials offensive to Islam, idols (for worship), pornographic material, narcotics and psychotropic substances.

Passport & Visa

Generally,tourists benefit from a 30 days free tourist visa to stay in Maldives. A passport of a minimum of 6 months is obligatory. Note that regulations vary according to countries of origins. All information are available with your travel agent and / or Maldives immigration authorities.