Maldives at a glance
The National Flag
The national flag is a green rectangle with a white crescent in the centre surrounded by a red border. The green rectangle denotes life, progress and prosperity. The crescent represents the Islamic faith of the country and the red border, the sacrifices made by national heroes in their fight for independence and national sovereignty.
298 sq kms (1,190 Islands)
Length:823 km, Width: 130 km
No. of administrative atolls
Largest atoll
Huvadhu atoll (Gaafu Alifu and Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll)
Smallest atoll
Gnaviyani atoll
National Emblem
The coconut palm on the national emblem represents the livelihood of the nation and the crescent and star supported by two national flags signify the Islamic faith and of the State and its authority. The traditional title of the State reads Ad-Dawlat Ul-Mahaldeebiyya meaning the State of the Maldives.
320,000 (2011 estimate)
Dhivehi is the national language. English is widely spoken in business sectors.
76 years (men), 79 years (women)
GNI per capita
US $6,530 (2011 estimate)
Internet domain
International dialling code
Finifenmaa or Pink rose (Rosa polyantha)
National tree
Dhivehi ruh or Coconut palm
Male' (1.77 sq km)
The Maldives is 5 hours ahead of GMT. Some resorts set clocks to their own time.
The Maldives has a tropical climate with warm temperatures and a great deal of sunshine throughout the year. The weather in the Maldives is largely determined by the monsoons; the south-west monsoon form May to November and the north-east monsoon from December to April. While the south-west monsoon brings rain, stronger winds and often cloudy skies, the north-east brings the driest periods and calm seas with clear blue skies.
30.4 C (Meam Max)
25.4 C (Mean Min)
Main Airport is Ibrahim Nasir International (Male') Airport on Hulhule island, two kilometers from capital Male'. Gan International Airport has opened recently for international flights, and there are 7 more domestic airports in the country.
The currency of the Maldives is the Rufiya, which is equivalent to a 100 laari. The Rufiya is presented in the following denominations;
Rufiyaa: 500, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and
coins 2, 1, Laari: 50, 25, 10, 5, 1. The Maldivian currency has gone through several changes over the centuries.
US$ is the main currency used in the resorts. However all major currencies are accepted.
All major credit cards are accepted at resorts, and in big shops and restaurants in Male'.
Maldivian Souvenirs
There is a wide variety of souvenirs available in the souvenir shops dotting in the main shopping area of Male', the resort souvenir shops and the shops on inhabited islands that you may get the chance to visit on island hopping or other excursions.