A Brief Description
The Maldives, a group of about 1,200 islands, separated into a series of coral atolls, is just north of the Equator in the Indian Ocean. Only 200 of the islands are inhabited.
Many of these tropical atolls and islands are simply gorgeous, with swaying palms, white sandy beaches and deep-blue lagoons; none of the islands rise higher than 7.8 ft. above sea level.
These low lying specs of coral are subject to erosion, and stand at the mercy of any sea level rise. Some were severely damaged during the December, 2004 Tsunami.
The Maldives was long a sultanate (a territory ruled by a sultan), first under Dutch control, and then under British protection. It gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1965, and three years later, declared itself an independent republic.
Riots in the capital city of Malé in August 2004 garnered worldwide attention, and subsequently, the president and his government have pledged much needed democratic reforms, including a more representative political system and expanded political freedoms.
Over the last few decades the Maldives has transformed itself into a popular fishing, scuba diving, surfing and exotic resort and spa destination.
It continues its effort to reclaim (solid ground) from the shallow waters of the surrounding reefs, but its precarious elevation above sea level is an on-going concern for all that call this beautiful place, home.
For more info on the Maldives, click here.
Beach scene in the Maldives!
Travel the World through Poster Art!
Facts and Figures
 Name Maldives
(long form) Republic of the Maldives
Population 349,100
Population & Density (all countries) here
Capital City Malé (76,000)
Currency Rufiyaa (MVR)
Currency Converter
here
Languages Maldivian Dhivehi, English
Flag here
National Day July 26
Religions Sunni Muslim
Geographic Coordinates
Latitude/Longitude (Capital City)
04º 00' N, 73º 28' E
Relative Location The Maldives is in both the northern and eastern hemispheres. This island country is immediately north of the Equator, with a few minor atolls just south of the Equator. It's bordered by the waters of the Indian Ocean, including the Arabian Sea and Laccadive Sea.
Land Statistics
Coastline 400 miles (644 km)
Land Areas
(land)116 sq miles (300 sq km)
(water) 0 sq miles (0 sq km)
(TOTAL) 116 sq miles (300 sq km)
Land Area (all countries) here
Landforms
The Maldives is a flat series (or chain) of coral atolls, consisting of coral reefs and sand bars. There are no rivers and no lakes.
 Highest Point Unnamed location on Wilingili Island in the Addu Atoll - - 7.87 ft. (2.4 m)
 Lowest Point Indian Ocean - (0 ft.) (0 m)
Land Divisions 19 atolls, including: Alifu, Baa, Dhaalu, Faafu, Gaafu Alifu, Gaafu Dhaalu, Gnaviyani, Haa Alifu, Haa Dhaalu, Kaafu, Laamu, Lhaviyani, Meemu, Noonu, Raa, Seenu, Shaviyani, Thaa and Vaavu; and the administrative division of Maale.
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Maps
Maldives (large color) Map here
Maldives Outline Map here
Maldives from Space here
Maldives CIA version here
Maldives Maps at UT here
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Asia Continent (printable) here
Asia Outline Map here
Asia (Southeast) Outline Map here
Asia (Name the Country) Map Test here
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Indian Subcontinent Map here
Middle East Landforms here
Middle East Map here
Middle East Outline Map here
Middle East Rivers here
Tsunami Map (December 2004) here
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World Outline Maps (printable) here
World Time Zone Map here
Recommended Links
Maldives (Complete) info on the (GDP)
economy, imports and exports, natural resources, government, population, military, transportation, and more here!
MaldiveIsle.com
here
Maldives History
here
Maldives Photos at TrekEarth.com here
Maldives Tourism (very helpful site)
here
Maldives Updates
here
Sunset in the Maldives!
Travel the World through Poster Art!
Time and Weather
Climate
The Maldives enjoy warm tropical temperatures year round, and a great deal of sunshine.
Local weather is affected by monsoons, with May to September being the wet season; seas can be rough and winds brisk. Severe weather conditions are rare, however Indian Ocean cyclones do reach the islands on occasion.
The Maldives temperature range runs from 70 to 90ºF (22 to 33ºC) and is consistent throughout most of the year.
Traveler Info
Attractions
To quote the official Maldive's tourism website, " ...Sun, sand and sea, a thousand ‘Robinson Crusoe’ islands, massive lagoons with different depths and infinite shades of blue and turquoise, dazzling underwater coral gardens; a perfect natural combination for the ideal tropical holiday destination. However there is more to the Maldives than just that..."
Add to the above some excellent fishing and scuba diving venues, quality surfing opportunities, local festivals and shopping, and miles of white sandy beaches.
Country Dialing Code 960
Electricity Maldives uses 230 volts AC (50 Hz)
Electrical adapters, products and tips here
Travel Warnings
here
Visa Information
here
 PLEASE
NOTE:
Before making travel plans for any worldwide destination, we strongly recommend you authenticate important details regarding visas, local health care, customs, etc. We always find it helpful to contact the nearest consulate of any country before beginning a journey into a foreign land.
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