The Maldives
GENERAL INFORMATION
The Republic of Maldives, lying about 420 miles south west of Sri Lanka, consists of a chain of 26 natural coral atolls comprising some 1,190 islands. 200 of these islands are inhabited, more than 90 are designated tourist islands, and 20 are industrial islands. The average height of the Maldives islands are 1.5m above sea level. The capital Malé is an area of under 2 square kilometers, and the highest point above sea level in the Maldives is 2.4m.
The Maldives was seriously affected by the tsunami on 26 December 2004 which killed 83 people and virtually destroyed 14 inhabited islands, three of which have been permanently abandoned. 5% of the population lost their homes, 12,000 people were displaced, 8% of the fishing fleet sustained damaged, and a quarter of the resort islands closed for repairs.
IMPORTANT FACTS
- Area: 90,000 sq km (only 1% land)
- Population: 305,027
- Capital City: Malé (population approx 80,000)
- People: Ethnically homogenous, Maldivians have South Indian, Sinhalese and Arab roots.
- Languages: Dhivehi, though English is widely spoken on resort islands and in Malé.
- Religion(s): 100% Islam. It is illegal to publicly practice any other religion.
- Currency: Rufiyaa, divided into 100 larees.
- Major political parties: The major political parties in Maldives are the Maldivian Democratic Party and Dhivehi Rayiithunge Party, there are also a number of smaller political parties.
- Government: Independent Sovereign Republic with a presidential system of government.
- Head of State: His Excellency Mohamed Nasheed.
- It is illegal to consume alcohol in the Maldives, except at holiday resorts.
- The land area of the Maldives consists of just around 1% of its total 90,000 square Kms.
- No island exceeds a length of 4.5 miles or an altitude of 6 feet above sea level.
- Women play a major role in society.
- A Muslim weekend is Friday and Saturday.
- Malé is one of the most densely populated cities in the world.
- The annual number of tourist arrivals is greater than the total population of the Maldives.
- The literacy rate is almost 100%.
- The Maldives is five hours ahead of GMT.
- Electricity supply is 240 volts using both round and square pin plugs.
- There are two hospitals on the main island Malé and six regional hospitals serving all the remaining islands.
- Infectious diseases are under control but dengue fever is common. Malaria has been eradicated.
- Sensible precautions should be taken to avoid sunburn and dehydration.
- The major industry is tourism, accounting for more than one third of the GDP. The traditional fishing industry now only accounts for 5%, although it remains an important part of the economy through its employment and exports (mainly tuna).
|
