About Maldives

Maldives is an archipelago of 1,190 coral islands that has been grouped into 26 coral atolls in the Indian Ocean. They extend for about 820 km from North to South, 130 km at the widest point. An interesting fact about Maldives its maximum ground level is only 2.3 m (7½ ft) which makes it the flattest country in the world. The islands of Maldives lie to the southwestern region of India. Being a collection of picturesque tropical islands, Maldives's 90.000 km² of land is surrounded by 99% of sea water. Around 200 islands are inhabited and the remaining islands include about 80 tourist resorts and uninhabited islands, some of which are utilized for drying out fishes and farming.

The atolls of the Maldives are formed out of coral structures, detached by lagoons. The atolls constitute of a larger structure known as the Laccadives-Chagos Ridge, which extends over 2000 kilometers. 'Faru' that are ring-shaped reef structures make the atolls and these reefs supply natural defense against wind and wave action, on these islands.

As a tourist destination Maldives attracts millions of tourist to its pretty sandy beaches. Surrounded by pristine blue sea water and white sandy beaches, there are around 80 destinations to visit in Maldives. Maldives climate is tropical making it humid and hot; the southwest monsoon period from May to November receives maximum rainfall, storms and the slightest sun. The Northeast monsoon locally called ruvai begins from December to March, during which the weather is fairly dry and a little cooler months.

The capital city Malé is the administrative, trade, health, education and commercial hub of Maldives which is situated in the central point of the atoll string. Although the island is small in size; it is a major tourist attraction of Maldives. The local currency of Maldives is the Maldivian rufiyaa (MVR, Rf), that comprises of 100 laari. Shopping in Maldives is great fun. The street markets looking vibrant selling lovely handicraft stuffs you simply cannot say no to.