Welcome to Maldives

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The sun-soaked archipelago that forms the Maldives is situated in the warm Indian Ocean, South West of Sri Lanka. The aptly named nation derived from Sanskrit mālā (garland) and dvīpa (island) is a double chain of 26 atolls that are strung across the equator.

The Maldives is one of the world’s most geographically dispersed nations with over 1,192 coral islands dotted along 180 kilometres. This unique setting is in the heart of Maldivian tourism, offering over 140 hotels, each self-contained on its own island.

Weather

The Maldives’ position on the equator gives it an all-year-round warm temperature that sits consistently between 25 C and 32 C. The picture-perfect weather can be experienced throughout the year.

The Maldives experiences two seasons every year. It’s sunny and dry from December to April. And has a few showers in May to November, brought in by the South West trade winds. But the sun usually shines brightly for more than 7 hours of the day.

Geography

The Maldives is made up of over 1,192 coral islands in 26 coralline atolls. Islands on the outer ring of each atoll have a coral reef on one side of the island and a lagoon on the other side. The islands in the middle of the atoll tend to have a coral reef that covers the perimeter of the island.

It has 31 protected areas of marine biodiversity and the designated UNESCO biosphere reserve in Baa Atoll famous for its manta rays.

Useful Information

Location - In the Indian Ocean, west of Sri Lanka

Size - 300 square kilometres

Local time - GMT +5

Telephone code - +960

Visa - 30 day visa issued free on arrival for UK passport holders

Currency - Maldivian Rufiyaa, although US Dollars are also widely accepted

Tipping - Service charges are generally included in hotel and restaurant bills. Beyond this any gratuity is optional.

Vaccinations - None compulsory, please contact your doctor. As conditions can change quickly, please also check the current health requirements for the Maldives on gov.uk.

Flying time - Approximately 13 hours from the UK

Electricity - 220/240 volts, usually using the UK 3 pin plug

Language - English and Dhivehi