The atolls of the Maldives are formed from coral structures. The atolls are part of a greater structure known as the Laccadives-Chagos Ridge, which stretches over 2000 kilometers. The islands are low lying with the highest point at approximately eight feet above sea level. Ring-shaped reef structures form the atolls and these reefs provide the natural defense against wind and wave action on these delicate islands.
Time: + 5 hrs GMT
Capital: Male’
Population (2006): 298,968
Population (2006): 298,968
No. of Islands: 1,190
Inhabited Islands: 200
Resorts: 91
Major Industries: Tourism & Fisheries
Currency: Rufiyaa
Electricity: 240 AC
Working Hours: Government: 7.30 a.m. to 2.30 p.m. Sun to Thu Private Sector: 8.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.
(Varies) Sat to Thu
Banks: 8.00 a.m. to 1.30 p.m.
Sun to Thu
Weather in Maldives
The Maldives has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year round and a great deal of sunshine. The warm tropical climate results in relatively minor variations in daily temperature throughout the year. The weather is determined largely by the monsoons; the Southwest monsoon from May to November and the Northeast monsoon from December to April.
The hottest month on average is April and the coolest, December. February is the driest with December to April being relatively dry. The Maldives is in the equatorial belt and therefore severe storms are rare. Annual Rainfall: 2053 mm
Average Daily Sunshine: 7.6 hrs
Maximum Temperature :30.9 °C
Minimum Temperature : 25.2°C
Humidity %: 79 % 
Travel to Maldives
Malé International AirportMale’
International Airport is on an island that only houses the airport and related facilities. The airport located on Hulhule Island is a modern well-equipped airport with all the facilities and services one would expect from an international airport. The airport complex houses terminals for arrivals and departures, landside shops and airside duty free shops, restaurants, medical facilities, bank, post office and other services. The island also houses the airport hotel.
What to pack
The Maldives is warm throughout the year. Light, cotton and linen wear is ideal. Pack lots of tee shirts, beachwear, and wraparound skirts, cotton shirts and shorts. For visits to inhabited islands, where most of the streets are of compact sand, or Malé where the streets are paved, sandals are easy to walk on. Some essential items include swimwear, sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat or a cap. If your travel plan includes traveling to many islands, a mosquito repellent may become handy.
Resort Transfer
If you have a booking with a resort, transfer is usually arranged prior to your arrival. The options of speedboat or seaplane transfer where available is for you to choose from. For transfer to resorts close to the airport, motorboat or dhoni transfer is quite convenient. Even if you make a resort booking while in Malé, transfer arrangements are often made by the resort.
The Maldives has one of the largest seaplane fleets in the world, not surprising for a country with 99% ocean and more than a thousand islands. The low altitude seaplane journey offers you the additional opportunity to experience a breathtaking bird’s eye view of the country. Departure Tax
The airport departure tax which is US$ 12.00 is usually included when you purchase your airline ticket.
