Which country does the maldives belong to? Getting to know local life. Nightlife at an exotic resort

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The Maldives enjoy the greatest success among newlyweds - such a combination of privacy, comfort, luxury and primitiveness does not exist at the same time, perhaps nowhere else in the world. This is one of the few places where a miracle is possible: a complete detachment from the present, immersion in a space woven from blue skies, sand the color of snow and emerald water of extraordinary transparency.

Nature and geography

The island state of the Maldives is located in South Asia, southwest of Sri Lanka, in the equatorial waters of the Indian Ocean. The Maldives archipelago has about 2000 islands, forming 26 atolls and only 202 of them are inhabited. The nearest neighbors - India and Sri Lanka are located at a distance of 600 and 700 km to the north and south of the archipelago.

The capital of the Maldives - Male - is located on the island of Male. Time is ahead of Moscow by 2 hours, and from the last Sunday of March to the last Sunday of October - by 1 hour.

The climate of the Maldives

Warm in the Maldives tropical climate with an even temperature throughout the year (air temperature 25-30 C, water - 24-27 C). The best travel season is from October to May.

Average monthly air temperature in the capital:

Attractions Maldives

Numerous underwater coral caves stretch throughout the Maldives archipelago, lush tropical vegetation creates a pristine and unique beauty islands.

The Maldives is a discovery for diving enthusiasts. Numerous coral caves are interesting places for underwater research. Coral reefs protect coastal waters from predatory fish, so diving enthusiasts do not have to fear for their lives.

Attractions in the Maldives include National Museum, Sultan Park, Singapore Bazaar, Islamic Center and 20 picturesque mosques of the capital.

Cuisine of the Maldives and its features

The local cuisine usually includes rice, fish curry cooked with coconut milk, spiced with lime, chili and small onion. Roshi - local bread - usually eaten with mas huni - a fish cocktail flavored with coconut, onion, chili and lime.

Of the local snacks, fihunu mas - fish baked with chili paste, keemia - fried fish rolls, kulhi borkihaa - the most delicate fish pie are very popular. Among the sweets, bondi - white coconut sticks - are very tasty.

Population, language, religion

The population of the Maldives is made up mainly of Maldivians and Indians.

The official language is Divehi, which belongs to the Indo-Iranian group. English language widespread in the capital Male and resorts.

The population professes Sunni Islam.

Customs regulations, visa, currency, embassies

Stay Mode. There are no restrictions on movement. To visit one of the islands where indigenous people, special permission is required.

On Maldives no Russian embassy. You can contact the Russian Embassy in Sri Lanka, Colombo. Tel. (94-1) 57-35-55, 57-49-59 (around the clock).

Currency. Official currency- Maldivian rufiyaa. One rufiyaa contains 100 lari. In circulation there are banknotes of 500, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 2 rufiyaas and coins of 50, 25, 10, 5, 2 and 1 lari.

Customs regulations. When passing customs control at the airport in Male, you must present all things for inspection, including hand luggage. It is forbidden to import alcoholic beverages, drugs, any materials of pornographic content, recorded video cassettes, weapons for spearfishing.

Upon departure from Male, by presenting the appropriate receipt, you can get back alcoholic beverages that were selected at customs upon entry.

Travel Tips

Souvenirs. Shark jaws, handicrafts, light summer clothes, coconut oil, shells, etc.

Transport. Any Maldivian island can be crossed in 1.5 - 2 hours. The Maldives is dominated water sports transport: local taxi - wooden boat "dhoni" with a flat roof.

Bicycles and motorcycles are the most popular types land transport. Taxis are available to get around Male. The price of one trip in any direction costs 10 rufiyaas. In Male and elsewhere major islands you can rent a car.

Cloth. Any light clothing of your choice is acceptable. Even in deluxe hotels, evening dresses are not required when visiting most restaurants. For the beach, regular beachwear is recommended. It should be remembered that nudism and topless are prohibited in the Maldives (the exception is the island of Kuramathi, where topless is allowed). When visiting fishing villages and the capital Male, tourists should, respecting Muslim traditions, wear modest clothing.

Behavior rules. Despite the fact that Islam practiced in the Maldives is softer than in most Arab countries don't forget the following:

• spearfishing and unauthorized fishing are prohibited
• it is forbidden to get corals, shells, starfish etc.
• nude swimming is prohibited on all islands of the archipelago.

— Island state in southern Asia, in the northern part of the Indian Ocean. There are more than 2000 small islands. maritime borders lie in the Indian Ocean.

The name of the country comes from the Sanskrit dwipa - "island".

Official name: Republic of Maldives

Capital: Male

The area of ​​the land: 298 sq. km

Total population: 395 thousand people

Administrative division: The country is divided into 20 island groups.

Form of government: Republic.

Head of State: President elected for a term of 5 years.

Composition of the population: 99% are Maldivians (ethnogenesis is not completely clear), as well as Arabs and people from the African continent.

Official language: Maldivian (dhivehi). English is widely spoken in the capital Male and in the resorts.

Religion: Almost the entire population professes Sunni Islam.

Internet domain: .mv

Mains voltage: ~230 V, 50 Hz

Phone country code: +960

Climate

Tropical marine. The temperature all year round on average does not fall below +25 C even at night. average temperature is about +28 C all year round (daytime maximum - about +32 C, nighttime minimum - +25 C). Precipitation is about 2500 mm. per year, and most often in the form of short rains in the evening and at night. The water temperature is also constant - about + 24-27 C all year round.

Best weather observed during the "iruvai" period (from November-December to March-April, the season of the northeast monsoon), when the sea is calm, and the weather is sunny and dry. From May to October, during the "hulhangu" season (April to October), the weather is less predictable - the southwest monsoon can bring intermittent rains, high humidity and rough seas (however, this period is the least hot). Storms and waves are most likely in June and December.

Geography

The island state of the Maldives is located 700 km. southwest of Sri Lanka, in the equatorial waters of the Indian Ocean. Two almost parallel chains of islands, bordered by coral reefs, and lying at a relatively short distance from each other, stretch for 820 km. from North to South. In total, there are 1196 islands, forming 26 atolls, of which only 199 are inhabited and about 100 are open to the public. total area country about 90 thousand square meters. km., land - only 298 sq. km.

Flora and fauna

Vegetable world

Forests cover no more than 3% of the area of ​​the islands. Coconut palms grow on many islands, which do not suffer from soil salinization, banana groves and a dense shrub cover, mangroves in some places, and banyan, pandanus and various thorny plants are found in the depths of the islands.

Animal world

Coastal waters abound with fish. Found sea ​​turtles, which for a long time were intensively exterminated by the population. Their meat and fat were used for food, and their shells were used for various handicrafts. Currently, turtles are on the verge of extinction and are protected by law. Since 1996 there has been a program for the protection environment"A Million Trees" Within its framework, nurseries have been created in which seedlings are grown for further planting on the islands of the archipelago.

The traditional activities of the Maldivians are the collection of kauri shells and the cultivation of coconut palm, which gives copra, vegetable oil and palm leaves. Crops such as rice, taro, millet, corn, sweet potato, and cassava are also cultivated. Of the industries, fish processing is developed.

Attractions

The Maldives is widely known for its resort atolls, each of which is its own unique world, surrounded by the purest coral beaches and indescribably blue sea. This is a "place at the end of the world", where there is no noise of cities and annoying signs of civilization, where there is only exotic nature and endless expanses of the ocean.

Numerous underwater coral reefs and caves stretch throughout the Maldives archipelago, lush tropical vegetation emphasizes the pristine and unique beauty of the islands, and ancient culture local residents creates a unique entourage for a secluded holiday.

Banks and currency

Maldivian rupees (rufiyaas). One rupee is equal to 100 lari. There are banknotes in circulation in denominations of 500, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 2 rupees. As well as coins of 50, 25, 10, 5, 2 and 1 lari. US dollars and major credit cards, so it is not necessary to exchange dollars for local currency upon arrival.

In Male, banks and exchange offices concentrated on Marine Drive Street. They are open from 8.00 to 13.30, from Sunday to Thursday (as in many other Muslim countries, Friday and Saturday are days off in the Maldives). Upon departure, the remaining rupees are allowed to be exchanged back into dollars. Currency exchange can be carried out not only in a bank, but also in a number of large stores where special sign next to the signs of international tourist cards.

Useful information for tourists

It is forbidden to drink alcohol in public places (outside resort area). It is recommended to drink bottled water and soft drinks. Although local water is cleaned quite thoroughly (often it is desalinated sea ​​water), but due to the high temperature quickly becomes unusable.

Traditional Islamic norms of behavior are strong in the country, but without the slightest sign of fanaticism. The restrictions are the same as in Oman. Photography is prohibited in mosques. Mosque guards usually insist on accompanying a tourist, expecting to take a fee, but in fact the mosque can be explored on your own. Nude swimming is prohibited on all islands of the archipelago, with the exception of Kuramati Island. You can bargain in the markets and in private shops, but the size of the "discount" is usually small.

Spearfishing and unauthorized fishing are prohibited (all types of sea fishing are freely organized in hotels), it is strictly forbidden to raise corals (both living and dead), shells and others from the bottom of the sea marine life. Large fines are levied for violations. The country has one of the largest markets in the region selling shells, corals and various exotic marine animals, so you can always buy these souvenirs without violating local laws.

Tipping is not officially accepted, but unofficially, if the service really deserves it, it is customary to leave a small amount to the personally serving worker (10 dollars a week for a hotel worker or 5% for a waiter). Some resorts include a service charge on the bill (usually 10%), in which case tipping is not necessary. In the case of renting a boat or boat, the amount should be discussed in advance.

Millions of years have passed since the planet was shaken by global cataclysms and the fiery tornadoes of volcanoes raised the waters of the ancient Indian Ocean.

But time passed and, having died out, the volcanoes settled down, forming coral reefs, which eventually became coral islands spread in the equatorial waters of the Indian Ocean, known to us as the Maldives. Today, these are 1190 coral islands stretching for 820 kilometers from north to south and 120 kilometers to the west with white sandy beaches, unique tropical vegetation and amazingly beautiful, crystal clear, blue lagoons. The islands are grouped into 26 atolls, which differ in size and natural features. The islands, which stretch in a double chain perpendicular to the equator, rise only two meters above ocean waters, and their area is very small - only 10,400 square kilometers.

In the Maldives, a state was founded in 1965 - the Republic of Maldives, which has borders in the southwest with India and Sri Lanka. The area of ​​the Republic of Maldives is 298 thousand square kilometers and more than 99% of the Maldivian territory is water. Lives on over 200 islands local population, whose number is 200 thousand, about a hundred picturesque pieces of land are built up tourist resorts, and nearly a thousand islands are uninhabited.

Relief

The relief of the most beautiful coral islands is flat, and the islands themselves are cone-shaped. The largest atolls are Mimu Atoll, South Male, North Male, Dhaalu (Dhaalu Atoll), Addu, Fafu (North Niland), Baa, Laviyani and Aria Atoll. Addu Atoll is the largest island in the archipelago, it is five kilometers long and three kilometers wide. A big surprise for tourists on this atoll is that in the dense vegetation of palm trees, flowering shrubs and banana plantations, beautiful lake where a lot of birds wait out the winter.

The Maldives is surrounded by narrow coral reef, which is located, as a rule, ten meters from the island, the greatest distance from maldivian island the reef is fifty meters. The "home" reefs at the resorts of the Maldives make them the best in the world for diving and snorkeling. Reefs are divided into two types: outer reefs and inner reefs. If the reef is located on the outer edge of the island, then it belongs to the outer reefs. On such reefs, strong currents reign, waves rise and large species of fish are found. Outer reef atolls include Kuredu, Filitheyo, Vilamendhoo and others. If the reefs and islets are located inside the atoll, without going beyond the outer reef, then these are internal reefs. In these places, the water is calm and it is extremely rare to see large fish. Atolls with internal reefs include Eriyadhu, Villivaru, Baros and others.

Capital

Capital Republic of Maldives built on the island of Male, and this city is completely different from the pompous European capitals, and it is only a little more than two kilometers long and only one kilometer wide. This is the most compact metropolitan city in the world was forced to place certain metropolitan services on other islands. infrastructure and social life citizens of the Republic of Maldives are also dispersed on different islands, for example, there is an island-airport, a prison was built on one, and a poultry farm, a warehouse of strategic fuel reserves on the other. And the only city in the Maldives is, as you might guess, the capital. The city, which is home to more than 60 thousand people, has a very dense building and in the labyrinth of its narrow streets, walking without a guide, it is easy to get lost. The island of Male, on which the capital of the republic stands, has several names, most often it is called Royal Island, less often the city of Sultans.

But to the question: - Where are the Maldives? not everyone will be able to give the correct answer. Meanwhile, finding their location is not at all difficult. Pick up a map and find Indian Ocean. Two parallel chains of islands, southwest of India and not far from the equator, are the coveted Maldives.

A bit of geography

exotic coral islands stretched from north to south for 820 kilometers. The total area of ​​the Maldives is 90 thousand square kilometers, but only 298 square kilometers are allocated to land, the rest of the territory is occupied by the sea. coral atolls unite 1192 delightful islands, of which 994 are uninhabited.

Population paradise country is 393 thousand people who settled on two hundred islands. About half of them hospitably host tourists from all over the world who know very well where the Maldives is located on the world map and strive to come here as often as possible. The islands are very small, a few square kilometers, so each of them has no more than one hotel. Blue transparent lagoons, amazing sandy beaches, unique vegetation and the highest level of service make the rest here delightful and unforgettable.

Weather

Where is the Maldives located? Where there is no winter. The subequatorial monsoon climate provides average annual temperature 24-30 degrees. Dry from November to March warm weather and the thermometer does not fall below 17 degrees. There are rains, rough seas and temperatures of 30-32 degrees. Swimming here is pleasant all year round, because the water temperature is constantly kept at the same level - 24-27 degrees.

Flora and fauna

A distinctive feature of the animal world is the complete absence of poisonous reptiles. And you can not even be afraid of a dog bite here, the keeping of these animals is prohibited at the legislative level. But enough at a short distance from the coast you can see a huge whale shark, but, as you know, giants feed only on plankton, so those who want to swim can do it without fear.

Fans of exotic fruits just need to know where the Maldives are, because there are a great many of them. Unique climate allows you not to experience a lack of vitamins all year round.

Coconuts, bananas, mangoes, papaya, pineapples delight tourists and natives with their juicy pulp. Everywhere the delicate aroma of orchids, hibiscus, roses, their diversity and color is amazing.

Tranquility, silence and complete unity with nature allow you to completely get rid of existing problems and give yourself a good rest.

The smallest capital

The city of Male is recognized as the smallest capital in the world, because it covers an area of ​​​​only 2.5 square kilometers. It's tiny cozy town, whose main attractions are the Great Friday Mosque with a sparkling golden dome, located in the Sultan Park National Museum, Presidential palace and the legendary burial places of Maldivian saints. There are no noisy entertainment venues here, but you can stroll along the picturesque embankment, enjoy the floral aroma in a shady park, visit original vegetable and handicraft markets. Everything in this country is subject to the laws of nature, and it’s probably even good sometimes to take a break from the hustle and bustle of megacities in such a cozy and peaceful place.

Visa and customs control

Where the Maldives is located, those who have managed to visit this wonderful exotic corner and, for sure, will visit it again, are well aware.

To travel here, you do not need to visit consular offices -.

You can rest here for 30 days, this is the period indicated in the tourist visa, which is placed in the passport for free upon arrival in the country. At customs, they can check whether you comply with the rules by which it is prohibited to import:

• drugs;
• pork products;
• animals;
• alcohol;
• anti-Islamic literature;
• pornographic products;
• military paraphernalia.

In addition, going to exotic vacation, it should be remembered that nudism, topless are prohibited in this Muslim country, and women should not wear beachwear when visiting the capital and areas where natives live, their knees and shoulders must be covered.

Attractiveness of the Maldives

Prohibitions and restrictions that are important for local residents and not at all burdensome for us do not detract from the merits of a holiday in this fairyland. Now you know that the Maldives is where the transparency is warm waters Indian Ocean, exotic fruits and the aroma of exquisite flowers, sprawling palm trees and flocks of colorful fish, calm silence and solitude on a small colorful island in the middle of the ocean expanse. The Maldives is a paradise on earth, a delight and bliss that you can give yourself.

Maldives - perfect place for those who dream of escaping away from civilization and the constant bustle of the city. Here you can feel complete harmony with nature of stunning beauty and relax well.

The first question that interests all tourists who are going to travel to this resort sounds something like this: Where is the Maldives? Let's try to figure it out.

Pick up a map of the world and find the Indian Ocean there in part of Asia. Right in the middle of the ocean expanses, you can see two lines of islands that are parallel to each other. They are very close to the equator line. This is the point we are looking for.

Tickets from Moscow to Male for the next few days

On one of the islands - Hulule, there is a convenient international Airport. A kilometer away is the capital of the Maldives - Male, which can be reached by a special boat transfer in just ten minutes.

Consider the possible total to the place where the famous Maldives are located, from several popular cities in Russia:

1. From Moscow - 8-8.5 hours.
2. From St. Petersburg - 10.5 hours on the way and 6.5 hours between flights.
3. From Vladivostok - 12 hours on the way and 5.5 between flights.
4. From Yekaterinburg - 12.5 hours on the way and 3.5 hours between flights.

Now, having a clear idea of ​​​​the location of the Maldives, you should safely choose the date of the trip, best option for a flight and go on a journey for a mass of vivid and unforgettable experiences. The nature of these places is truly amazing and unique. Here you can fully enjoy the alluring noise of azure sea ​​waves and the pleasant warmth of the hot tropical sun.