geography & climate
the capital history
people & language
currency organization
GEOGRAPHY & CLIMATE
The Republic of Maldives comprises of some 1190 tiny coral islands contained within 26 geographical atolls formed in a north to south chain across the equator in the Indian Ocean.
For ease of governance and administration, the 26 geographical atolls are divided into 20 administrative regions, which are also known as atolls. An atoll therefore, locally refers to a group of islands administered by a common head called the Atoll Chief, although they do not necessarily correspond to geographical atolls. Out of the 1190 islands, only 197 islands are inhabited, 87 are developed exclusively as tourist resorts, and some are also set aside for special agricultural or industrial uses. The rest are uninhabited.
Most of the islands are very small and rise no higher than two meters above sea level. There are no hills, mountains or dense forests. The most common and the most conspicuous of all local vegetation is the coconut palm, which grows in abundance throughout the country. Although there is a wide variety of sea birds, the island fauna is quite limited. The islands are soft and white beached and surrounded by shallow, crystal clear lagoons enclosed by pristine coral reefs which are home to an abundance of marine life, with over two hundred species of coral and over a thousand species of brightly coloured tropical fish.
Maldives has a warm tropical climate. The average temperature varies between 26 and 31 degree Celsius, but generally stays around the average 27 degree Celsius. Lying along the equator, it is usually warm throughout the year, although there are slight variations in temperature during certain periods which are caused by the northeast and southwest monsoons. The southeast monsoon is mostly dry with very little wind, and is from November to April, while the northeast monsoon from May to October brings some rain and wind.
Located in the centre of the country in Male’ Atoll, the island of Male’ is the seat of government, the centre for culture, trade and commerce. It is also the site of many of the country’s religious and historic landmarks. Each and every place in Male’ is within walking distance. Any destination in the city can be reached within thirty minutes at the most on foot, and fifteen minutes by taxi.
Although it is only about two square kilometres, Male’ holds a quarter of the country’s population, making it hard pressed for living space. As a result of the government’s efforts to alleviate the housing shortage in Male, the size of the city has been increased nearly twofold with the reclamation of the lagoon around the island, together with the amalgamation of the adjoining satellite island of Villingili, which has been named the fifth ward of Male’. In addition to that, the island of Hulhule’, where Male’ International Airport is located, is currently going through a reclamation project which will provide an additional piece of land three times the current size of Male’ when it is completed. The government considers it as the most “exciting” project.
The most dominant feature in the city’s skyline is the glittering golden dome of the Islamic Centre housing the Grand Friday Mosque. Located between Medhuziyaarai Magu and Ameeru Ahmed Magu, it can accommodate more than 5,000 people and is the largest building in the Maldives. Across the street is the Sultan Park, the former Sultan’s Palace, part of which is now converted into the National Museum. A short distance away in Medhuziyaaraiy Magu is the oldest building in the capital and among the oldest in the country, the Grand Friday Mosque and Minaret. Opposite lies what used to be the old presidential palace, Muleeaage and Medhuziyaaraiy, the tomb of the man the nation pays its respects for bringing Islam to its shores. Theemuge, the present Presidential Palace, the harbour-fronted President’s Office and the Parliament Building are also among the main attractions for those visiting Male’.
The early history of the Maldives is enshrined in myth and legend. However, archaeological finds reveal that the islands of Maldives have been inhabited for more than 2,400 years. According to some explorers, it is possible that the islands were settled as early as 1900 BC.
Although the identity of the first settlers remain unknown, the language and old place-names show a culture of Arab, Dravidian and Aryan origins, suggesting early migration from the Indian subcontinent.
The most profound impact on the history and culture of the Maldives came from Arab travellers, who stopped over in the Maldives en route to the South East. According to legend, it was an Arab traveller who was the pioneer in converting the country to Islam in 1153 AD. Archaeological evidence suggests the existence of Buddhism before the conversion.
After many centuries of absolute monarchy, the Maldives adopted a republican form of government for a brief period in 1951, but reverted again to a constitutional monarchy soon thereafter. Following a public referendum in 1968, the Sultanate was abolished and the Maldives was once again declared a republic. In 2002, we celebrated the 34th anniversary of our second Republic.
Maldives has been an independent nation throughout its recorded history, except for a few incidents of foreign rule from the Portuguese in the sixteenth century, the Malabars during the mid-eighteenth century, and finally as a British Protectorate from 1887 until 1965, when independence was granted.
Despite frequent contact with travellers, Maldives has remained a homogenous nation with a shared history and culture. The Maldivians belong to a common religion and speak a common language. Maldivians take pride in their shared heritage and way of life, which has provided a firm foundation for both unity and stability. A strong community spirit and an ability to rise to the challenges that they have faced have helped the people to remain free.
The population totals a small 270,101, a quarter of which lives in the capital, Male’. The rest is spread fairly uniformly among the other administrative atolls except for a few larger islands. Approximately 75.88% is below the age of 35 years. The registered population of Male’ in 2000 was 74,069.
Their lifestyle shows an industriousness and ingenuity that makes the most of their limited natural resources, and a remarkable adaptability to changing circumstances.
The Maldivian language, known as Dhivehi, is little known to the rest of the world. It is an Indo-European language with its roots in Sanskrit. Over many centuries of Maldivian civilization, Dhivehi has grown and been heavily influenced by foreign languages including Indian dialects, Arabic, Persian, Portuguese and, in the past two centuries, from English. Maldivian Script is known as Thaana, and is written from right to left and is based on Arabic numerals.
Given the dispersed nature of its islands, it is not surprising that the vocabulary and pronunciation vary from atoll to atoll, with the difference being more significant in the dialects spoken in the southern most atolls.
Although Dhivehi is the official language in the Maldives, English is widely spoken, and is also the language used in trade and commerce. It is also the medium of instruction in most schools.
CURRENCY AND MONETARY SYSTEM
top
The unit of local currency is the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MRf). Legal tender notes and coins are issued by the Maldives Monetary Authority, which is the authority in charge of issuing currency and regulating the availability and international value of the Maldivian Rufiyaa.
The value of the Rufiyaa is determined by the daily demand and supply at the Post Office Exchange Counter established by the Maldives Monetary Authority in March 1987. The prevailing exchange rates are:
Buying: US$ 1.00 : MRf 12.75
Selling: US$ 1.00 : MRf 12.85
The Rufiyaa is not pegged to a trade-weighted basket of currencies. Thus foreign currency rates fluctuate according to market demand.
Rufiyaa notes are issued in denominations of 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 500 Rufiyaa. A Rufiyaa is 100 Laaris, issued in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, and 50 (coins). Coins are also found for 1 and 2 Rufiyaas.
Maldives does not have any restrictions on currency movements and visitors are free to bring in or take out currency as they wish. The United States dollar is the most widely used foreign currency. Other major currencies can also be bought and sold at Banks, Male’ International Airport, hotels and at Authorised Money Changers.
Major credit cards and travellers cheques are commonly accepted by most resorts, hotels, restaurants and shops. The most used credit cards in the Maldives are American Express, Master Card and Visa.
INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION PARTICIPATION
top
Maldives is a member of the following international organizations and institutions:
Asian Development Bank (AD)
Commonwealth of Nations
International Finance Corporation (IFC)
International Monetary Fund (IMF)
Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency
(MIGA)
Non-Align Movement (NAM)
Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC)
South Asian Association for Regional
Co-operation (SAARC)
United Nations (UN)
World Bank
World Trade Organization (WTO)
©
2003
Malaysian Products
2nd Floor | Marlinespike Building | Alikilegefaanu Magu | Male’ 20128 | Maldives
Phone: ++ 960 31 8558 Fax:
++ 960 31 8338 email :Webmaster