Azure waters, sandy atolls and magnificent snorkeling and diving – the best in the world. The water villa experience. Feeding Rays.

1190 islands are spread over 26 atolls, ringlike coral formations enclosing a lagoon, which gives the Maldives its unique paradise-like appearance. They stretch for about 820 km from North to South, 130 km at the widest point and do not exceed a length of 4.5 miles or an altitude of 6 feet above sea level. No more than 200 islands are inhabited, the rest includes 90 tourist resorts and uninhabited islands, some of which are used for drying fish or other agricultural activities. The capital Malé, the seat of government and the centre of trade, commerce, business, health and education, and is located in the middle of the atoll chain.

Southwest of Sri Lanka, on the equator.

About 300,000. The origin of the Maldivians are lost in antiquity, but history reveals that the islands have been populated for over 3,000 years ago. Male accommodates approximately 75 000 of the 300 000 population. The major religion in the country is that of Sunni Muslims and almost all the population belongs to the sect. However, it is known that the local population of the Maldivians are formed after the assimilation of many sects, may be due to the geographical location of the Country which was an important trade route-stoppage in the ancient times.

Languages spoken in the Maldives are Dhivehi and English, but many resorts have multi-lingual staff.

GMT + 5 hours (Male) however for convenience, many resorts to the east have been set one hour ahead of Male' time, providing an extra hour of daylight each day; six hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT 6).

The Maldives has a tropical climate, with two main seasons. December to May is light and fairly dry. June to November occasionally brings brief rain showers followed by sunshine. The temperature ranges from mid-20s to mid-30s centigrade (77 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit) and is highest in April and May.

Local currency is the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MRf). Although all billings are made in US dollars, most other foreign currencies can be exchanged at the resort. Please note, however, that the Maldivian Rufiyaa cannot be exchanged for any other currencies at the resort.

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