Geography
The Maldives is located at the equator, and is a sparkling chain of 1,190 islands strung in an 800-kilometre necklace of 26 natural atolls across the shimmering waters of the Indian Ocean. Blessed with deep blue seas, turquoise reefs, white sandy beaches and palm trees, it has been a magnet for adventurers and traders for over 2,500 years.
The Maldives is a geographical marvel. Each island has its own reef encircling the island lagoon, each alive with countless types of underwater creatures and vibrant corals.
Time Zone
Maldives is five hours ahead of the Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) all through the year.
Climate
Maldives enjoys a warm tropical climate throughout the year, making it a perfect destination all year round, with temperature in the range of 25 to 32 degree celsius.
People
The people of Maldives are known as Maldivians. The ethnic groups of Maldives include Sinhalese, South Indians and Arabs.
Language
The chief language spoken by the local population of Maldives is Maldivian Dhivehi, a dialect of Sinhala. The script of Maldivian Dhivehi has been derived from the Arabic script. English is used as the official language throughout the country.
Currency & Exchange
The official currency of Maldives is Rufiyas (notes) and Laaris (coins) and 1 Rufiya (MVR) is equivalent to 100 Laaris. Rufiya is available in the denominations of 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 500. The commonly used foreign currency in Maldives is the American dollar.
Credit Card
Commonly used credit cards include American Express, Master Card, Visa, Diners Club, JCB and Euro Card. Usually; the travelers' cheques are accepted in Sterling and US Dollars. Currency exchange can be done at the banks, tourist resort islands, hotels and leading shops.
Religion
Talking about the Maldives religions, people out here have a deep faith in Islam and all the people are Sunni Muslims. Therefore, the major religion of Maldives is Islam.
Driving
Not applicable, however on the main island of Male, tourist can hire motorcycles to explore the scenic beauty of Maldives
Maldives local transport
Air Transport
The Maldives Island has its own national airline that flies on a regular basis and takes the passengers to the four airstrips in the outer atolls. For visiting the remote island resorts, there are helicopters and seaplanes.
Boats
The most popular local means of transport in Maldives is a water vessel powered by a diesel engine called 'Dhoni'. Dhoni is especially gaining momentum amongst the diving groups. For longer trips, there are large size boats called Vedis. These days, the tourist resort islands also provide their own boats for carrying their clients. The speedboats can also be hired for personal use.
Taxis
Taxis are also a common means of transport in Maldives.
Health
One of the most important precautions for health safety in Maldives is to avoid drinking tap water, unless and until it has been properly boiled, chemically disinfected or filtered.
Voltage
The electrical current in Maldives is about 230 volts; 50Hz. Different kinds of plugs are used here like the two-pin flat blade plug and the round three-point plug. This country does not experience much of power cuts and also there are fewer variations in the voltage level.
If you take an electronic device that does not accept 230 volts; 50Hz, then you might require a voltage converter. There are distinctive kinds of voltage converters available in Maldives; so according to your need you can choose. The Maldivians make use of the standard European non-grounded socket, like it is done in most parts of the world.