For agencies
HomeMaldives

Maldives

Quick Facts about Maldives

The Maldives is an island nation, covering an area of over 90,000 square kilometres in the Indian Ocean – 99 percent of which is sea, with land being just one percent. With over 1200 coral islands ringed by a beautiful landscape of reefs, it is the most dispersed country in the world. The complex atoll structures of the Maldives are formed on ridges rising from the ocean. The over 515,696 population of the Maldives is scattered across 200 islands, with more than one third of it concentrated in capital Malé, making it one of the most densely populated cities in the world. Its unique geography and breath-taking natural beauty has made the Maldives one of the most sought-after holiday destinations in the world. Of the 200 islands, more than 120 have been developed as resorts and are in operation, and at least another 50 are under development.

Capital
Male'
Territory
99% water and 1% land
Geography
26 Atolls, 1200 Islands
Language
Dhivehi
Time
GMT +5 hours
Population
515 696
Currency
Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR)
Religion
Muslims
Electricity
240 AC
Areal code
+960
Visa
30 days all nationalities
Aeroport
Velana International Airport ( MLE )
Seasons in the Maldives
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter
Where to go
Diving
Baa Atoll , South Ari Atoll
Golf
Velaa Private Island , Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa
Spa
Anantara Dhigu , Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
Excursion
Addu Atoll
Destination Weddings
Anantara Kihavah
Surfing
North Male Atoll, South Male Atoll
Maldivian cuisine : what to try in The Maldives ?
Kandukukulhu
This is the king of our curries! Special recipe of traditional Maldivian curry !
Garudhiya
It is a clear fish broth, one of the basic and traditional food items of Maldivian cuisine
Rihaakuru
It is a thick brown fish paste, made from tuna after prolonged heating.
Mashuni
Widely popular breakfast across the country! The tuna salad known as Mashuni is a mix of grated coconut, tuna, chili, onion, curry leaf and salt. Best tuna for this dish is dried tuna or smoked tuna. The canned tuna is easy to get and more common, but not as tasty as others. You do not have to cook Mashuni, just chop everything and mix.
Roshi
Maldivian flat bread.
Short Eats
Hedhikaa are “short-eats” or “snacks” and are extremely popular among the local population and the tourists visiting the country. Hedhikaa are not only found in local cafes (Hotaa) but are also present in every Maldivian home. Hedhikaa are cheap and served all day long but the best time to savour these snacks is after the afternoon prayer (Asr) at around 4pm when Hedhikaa are warm and freshly baked and paired with black tea or coffee.