The state of the Maldives is 19 unique coral atolls in the Indian Ocean archipelago. These islands are located about 600 km southwest of the Indian subcontinent. It is noteworthy that the Maldives is considered the flattest country in the world. The highest point of the state is located on the island of Vilingili (only 2.4 meters above sea level). Barrier reefs and constructed artificial breakwaters protect the atolls from storms and tsunamis.
Maldives, the capital of Male
About 100,000 people live in the main city. This is approximately 25% of the total population of the state. The capital of this country is unique in its kind. Its peculiarity lies not only in the fact that the city is located on a small island in the middle of the ocean. This place is absolutely not like the rest of the islands of the state. Male, the capital of the Maldives, is a modern metropolis built up with skyscrapers that seem to grow out of the ocean. This city is considered the smallest capital in the world, its area is 2 square kilometers.
In such a limited area, it is simply impossible to place all the necessary facilities to ensure the life of citizens. In this regard, some of them were built on neighboring islands. For example, there is an airport island, a poultry farm island, and even an island where the Coca-Cola factory is located.
The capital of the Maldives was previously called Sultana Island, which is associated with the adoption of Islam in the country. In Male, you can see the Palaces of the Sultans, oriental markets and mosques. The fish market is very popular, where hundreds of fishing boats with fresh seafood gather in the afternoon.
It is impossible to get lost in the capital, as all its streets lead to three roads. The main transport in Male is bicycles. There are many hotels and hotels in the city.
Climate of the region
The climate in the Maldives is equatorial, humid, monsoonal. During the year, approximately 1800-2500 mm of precipitation will fall, less often this level can reach 5000 mm. Hot weather keeps on the island all year round. The temperature ranges from 25 C to 31 C. The weather in the Maldives in March is warm and sunny. The rainy season on the islands is from June to August. There is a shortage of fresh water on the islands. Despite heavy rains, the water quickly drains into the sandy and loose soil, and mineralization occurs in the wells.
Language and religion
The official language of the state is Dhwei, but most of the locals are fluent in English. Up to 7century AD the islanders professed Buddhism, but later the population converted to Islam. Unlike many other countries, this event took place in the Maldives without bloodshed.
Currency
The national money in the Maldives is the Maldivian rufiyaa. Large shops in the capital, many hotels accept plastic cards.
Vacation in the Maldives
There are no minerals on the territory of the Maldives, so the main source of replenishment of the treasury is tourism. The favorable location of the country, combined with picturesque nature and luxurious beaches, has made the country a fairly popular resort. The weather in the Maldives in March and until the rainy season contributes to an excellent holiday. Atolls, due to their unique underwater world, attract hundreds of divers. The water in this region is so clear and clean that the bottom can be seen even at a depth of more than 80 meters. Here you can contemplate amazing coral reefs, colorful fish, large sea turtles, moray eels, stingrays and other marine animals.
Holidays on the islands of the Maldives will also appeal to fans of amorphous seal pastime. You can rent a bungalow on the water, swim, lie in a hammock and just enjoy the view of the vast ocean. For especially inquisitive tourists, many excursions are offered. There is an opportunity to visit the uninhabited islands of the archipelago.
Paradise for couples
We can say that the Maldives is one of the most romantic placeson the planet. Many newlyweds choose the Maldives for their honeymoon. The capital is of little interest to them, lovers prefer to bask on the hot white sand, admire the endless blue horizon and stroll on a cruise yacht during sunset. Many honeymoon hotels provide a large number of additional services. Perhaps the most pleasant of them all is a romantic dinner in the open air.
Is it worth going to the Maldives with children?
If we talk about safety, then with full confidence we can say that there are no threats to children in the country. The air and sea are quite clean here, there are very few cars, dangerous predators and poisonous snakes are not to be found here either. In addition, the attendants treat children very carefully.
But with all these advantages, the Maldives has only one drawback - a child can simply get bored here. This resort is designed for a quiet measured rest, where there are practically no entertainment centers, noisy holidays and carnivals are held. Therefore, before you go with your child to the Maldives, first weigh everything carefully.
Attractions
There are not many attractions in the resort. If you want to admire the architectural masterpieces, you definitely do not need to go to the Maldives. The capital can only boast of such sights as the National Museum, which is located in a small three-story building, a small Nationalart gallery and Sultan Park.
The ancient Huruku Misky Mosque is worth mentioning separately. This building dates from 1656. The mosque was built using coral stone, has a complex finish, and its walls are decorated with various scenes from the Koran. In order for tourists to enter the mosque, they first need to obtain permission from an official from the Ministry of Islamic Affairs. True, if visitors are decently dressed, then mosque workers, as a rule, let them in without prior approval.
The capital of the Maldives, Male, also has its own national stadium. Football matches and sometimes cricket games are held here. Unofficial games can be watched every evening at the sports grounds near New Harbor (eastern part of the island).
Nature reserves
Banana Reef is of great interest to tourists. This heavily guarded sea region has a little bit of everything: ledges, caves, rocks, corals. Among the fish there are sharks, reef fish, moray eels, pikes, snappers. This place is great for diving.
In the Maldives there is another nature reserve called Fish Head, also called Mushimansmingali Thalia. Fish Head is considered the most famous place for diving. In its underwater part there are ledges, caves, black corals and multi-level descents. Fish in the area include fusiliers, barracudas and large napoleons. However, reef sharks are considered the main attraction of the reserve.
Visa to country
For Russian tourists who plan tostay in the country for no more than 30 days, a visa is not required. Guests will need to fill out a migration card, which will be issued directly on the plane. The spine of this document must remain in the hands of the traveler until leaving the country.
In addition, there is a certain list of documents that everyone who is going to fly to the Maldives must prepare. The capital Male and nearby islands will only be available under the following conditions:
- a guest of the country must have a passport, the validity of which expires no later than three months after the end of the trip;
- the tourist must have a hotel reservation;
- availability of a return ticket and a minimum amount of at least 50-70 dollars per day per person.
There is probably no place in the world more colorful and unique than the Maldives. The capital and islands of the state, which scattered across the ocean like pearls, attract a huge number of tourists here. Despite the fact that the resort cannot offer a vibrant nightlife or noisy holidays, there is something more important here - only in the Maldives can every tourist feel complete relaxation and unity with nature.
