The Maldives, officially the Republic of Maldives is a country in South Asia, located on a group of atolls in the Indian Ocean. The total area of the Maldives is 298 square kilometers; the population is about 394 thousand people. The capital of the country is Male. The official language is Maldivian.

The Maldives is lying on 26 atolls, consisting of 1,192 coral islands. It is the lowest country in the world (the average ground levels is 1.5m above sea level). The climate is tropical-monsoon.

The national currency is the Maldivian rufiyaa. US dollars and credit cards are widely accepted. Some resorts also take euros and other currencies, so it is better to clarify in advance. Banks and ATMs can be found on the larger islands.

This paradise archipelago is an ideal place for honeymoon, and couples from all over the world choose to spend the sweetest time of their life in the wonderful world of turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, stunning sunsets and luxurious nature.

Not only newlyweds can enjoy the Maldives – millions of tourists come here to relax on deserted beaches; to enjoy traditional healing methods in numerous spas; to take gorgeous photos from a seaplane; to go night fishing with Maldivian fishermen; to buy something of the amazing local crafts; and to try delicious local fish and seafood.

The Maldives has more water than land – no wonder that water sports are extremely popular here. You can swim for recreation, play water-polo, and go parasailing, kayaking, jet-surfing or kite surfing, water-skiing, snorkeling and, of course, diving.

Airports

Gan International Airport (GAN) situated on Gan Island in Addu Atoll.

Hanimaadhoo International Airport (HAQ) located on Hanimaadhoo Island in Haa Dhaalu Atoll.

Ibrahim Nasir International Airport (MLE), located on Hulhulé Island in the North Malé Atoll.

Villa International Airport Maamigili (VAM), situated on the island of Maamigili, Alif Dhaal Atoll.

Diving in the Maldives

The Maldives appeared as a part of a large volcanic mountain range about 65 million years ago. Then the volcanoes slowly submerged, covered with corals and turned into atolls. Inside most of these atolls you will find very interesting coral formations and abundant marine life.

Those who want to dive with whale sharks, mantas and hammerheads should visit Ari Atoll, Gaafu and Thaa atolls.

In Vaavu Atoll you will find a 50 km long barrier reef – the longest in the Maldives – caves, overhangs and deep channels called Kandus through which strong currents run.

Off Lhaviyani Atoll you can watch reef sharks, stingrays, eagle rays, tunas, mantas and barracudas.

In Kandooma Thila, situated in South Male Atoll you will find dramatic scenery with lots of soft corals and abundant fish life, including grey sharks, white-tip sharks and eagle rays.

The average water visibility is about 30 meters; the water temperature is 26-30 degrees Celsius.