General Information

  • Official Name: Republic of Maldives
  • History: The Maldives has a long history dating back to the 5th century BC. It was ruled by various empires and sultanates until it became a British protectorate in 1887, and gained independence in 1965.
  • Geography: The Maldives is an island nation in the Indian Ocean, composed of 26 atolls and over 1,000 coral islands.
  • Population: As of 2021, the population of the Maldives is approximately 543,000 people.
  • Area: The total land area of the Maldives is approximately 298 square kilometers.
  • Climate: The Maldives has a tropical climate, with two distinct seasons: a dry season from November to April, and a wet season from May to October. Temperatures are generally warm and humid throughout the year, with average highs around 30°C.
  • Currency: The Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) is the official currency, but US dollars are widely accepted.
  • Religion: The official religion of the Maldives is Islam, and it is the only country in the world with a 100% Muslim population.

Best Places

The Maldives is home to many stunning islands and atolls, each with their unique charm and attractions. Here are some of the best places to visit in the Maldives:

Male: The capital and largest city in the Maldives, Male is a bustling hub of activity with colorful markets, historical landmarks, and cultural attractions such as the Grand Friday Mosque.

Hulhumale: A man-made island close to Male, Hulhumale offers beautiful beaches, water sports, and a laid-back atmosphere.

Maafushi: A local island known for its affordable accommodation, Maafushi offers a glimpse into Maldivian culture, as well as opportunities for snorkeling and diving.

Addu Atoll: The southernmost atoll in the Maldives, Addu offers a variety of attractions such as historical sites, water sports, and unique wildlife such as the endemic sea turtles.

Baa Atoll: A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Baa Atoll is a paradise for nature lovers, with pristine coral reefs, abundant marine life, and opportunities for eco-tourism.

Ari Atoll: One of the most popular atolls in the Maldives, Ari Atoll is home to some of the best dive sites in the country, as well as luxury resorts and stunning beaches.

North Male Atoll: The closest atoll to the airport, North Male Atoll is a convenient destination for those seeking luxury resorts, water sports, and vibrant nightlife.

Overall, the Maldives is a dream destination for those seeking relaxation, adventure, and a taste of island paradise.

Festivals and Customs

The Maldives, a tropical island nation located in the Indian Ocean, has a rich cultural heritage that is celebrated through a variety of festivals and events throughout the year. Here are some of the major festivals of Maldives:

Eid al-Fitr: This is one of the most important religious festivals in the Maldives. It marks the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting, and is a time for feasting and celebration. Families and friends gather together to share traditional Maldivian dishes and exchange gifts.

Independence Day: Celebrated on July 26th, this holiday commemorates the country's independence from British rule in 1965. The day is marked with parades, flag-raising ceremonies, and cultural performances.

National Day: Celebrated on November 11th, this holiday honors the birth of the first sultan of the Maldives, Sultan Muhammad Shamsuddeen III. The day is marked with cultural events, parades, and fireworks.

Bodu Beru: This is a traditional Maldivian music and dance festival that takes place throughout the year, but is especially popular during the Maldives' tourist season from November to April. Bodu Beru is characterized by the use of large drums and energetic dance movements, and is a popular attraction for visitors to the Maldives.

Fisherman's Day: Celebrated on December 10th, this holiday honors the country's fishing industry, which is a vital part of the Maldivian economy. The day is marked with fishing competitions, traditional boat races, and cultural performances.

Kuda Eid: This is a smaller version of Eid al-Fitr that is celebrated on the third day of Ramadan. It is a time for families and friends to come together and enjoy traditional Maldivian food and drink.

Ramadan: While not technically a festival, Ramadan is an important month in the Maldives and is marked by fasting, prayer, and reflection. It is a time for spiritual growth and community building, and is observed by the majority of the country's population.

Overall, these festivals and events offer a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Maldives and provide an opportunity for locals and visitors alike to come together and celebrate.

Do's and Dont's

Here are some do's and don'ts to keep in mind when visiting the Maldives:

Do's:

  1. Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting religious sites and during prayer times.
  2. Dress modestly when outside of resorts, covering the shoulders and knees.
  3. Try local Maldivian cuisine, such as fish curry and coconut-based dishes.
  4. Take care of the environment by not littering and avoiding activities that harm marine life.
  5. Be aware of the local laws and regulations, especially those related to alcohol, drugs, and public displays of affection.

Don'ts:

  1. Don't bring or consume alcohol outside of resorts or designated areas, as alcohol is strictly prohibited for locals in the Maldives.
  2. Don't engage in public displays of affection, as this is considered inappropriate in the Maldives.
  3. Don't wear bikinis or revealing swimwear outside of resorts or designated areas.
  4. Don't disrespect local customs or traditions, such as pointing your feet towards people or objects considered sacred.
  5. Don't engage in activities that harm the environment or marine life, such as feeding or touching marine animals or littering in the ocean.

Amazing Facts

Here are some amazing facts about the Maldives:

The Maldives is the smallest Asian country in terms of both land area and population.

The Maldives is made up of 26 atolls consisting of over 1,000 coral islands.

The Maldives is the lowest country in the world, with an average ground level of 1.5 meters (4 feet 11 inches) above sea level.

The Maldives is home to some of the most luxurious resorts in the world, featuring overwater bungalows and villas with direct access to the crystal-clear waters.

The Maldives has an abundance of marine life, making it a popular destination for snorkeling and scuba diving enthusiasts.

The Maldives is the only country in the world to have a presidential republic as its government structure and also an Islamic state.

The Maldives has a literacy rate of almost 100%, making it one of the most educated countries in the world.

The Maldives is a popular honeymoon destination, known for its romantic sunsets, white sandy beaches, and turquoise blue waters.

The Maldives has a unique culture, with influences from India, Sri Lanka, Arabia, and East Africa.

The Maldives is one of the few countries in the world where sharks are protected, as they are considered sacred animals in the country.

Activities

The Maldives is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, stunning marine life, and white sandy beaches, which make it an ideal destination for many activities. Here are some of the most popular tourist activities in the Maldives:

Snorkeling: The Maldives has some of the best snorkeling spots in the world, with abundant marine life and coral reefs.

Scuba diving: With over 3,000 coral reefs, many dive sites, and warm waters, the Maldives is a paradise for scuba divers of all levels.

Surfing: The Maldives has many world-class surfing spots, with consistent swells and long waves.

Dolphin and whale watching: The Maldives is home to many species of dolphins and whales, and many tours offer the opportunity to see them up close.

Island hopping: The Maldives is composed of many islands, each with its own unique charm and attractions. Island hopping allows visitors to explore the different atolls and discover the local culture and way of life.

Sunset cruises: The Maldives offers stunning sunsets, and many visitors enjoy taking a sunset cruise on a traditional Maldivian boat called a dhoni.

Spa treatments: The Maldives is home to many luxury resorts that offer spa treatments, which combine traditional Maldivian techniques with modern wellness practices.

Overall, the Maldives offers many activities to suit all interests, from adventurous activities such as diving and surfing to more relaxed ones such as spa treatments and island hopping.

VISA & Processing

Most nationalities can obtain a tourist visa on arrival in Maldives. Here's some information about the tourist visa for Maldives:

Visa duration: The tourist visa is usually issued for a maximum of 30 days, and can be extended for an additional 60 days.

Passport validity: Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of arrival in Maldives.

Return ticket: You must have a valid return ticket and proof of sufficient funds for your stay in Maldives.

Visa fee: The tourist visa fee is US$100 per person, payable in cash or by credit card at the immigration counter upon arrival.

Immigration card: You will be given an immigration card to fill out on your flight to Maldives. This card must be presented to the immigration officer upon arrival.

COVID-19 requirements: Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, travelers to Maldives must have a negative PCR test result taken within 96 hours prior to departure. In addition, all travelers must complete an online health declaration form prior to arrival.

It is recommended that you check with the Maldivian embassy or consulate in your country for the latest visa requirements and restrictions before traveling to Maldives.