Maldives is believed to be a destination full of heavenly beauty. You will realise this the moment you step your foot on this wonderful islands. The actual beauty of the islands is never portrayed on a picture. You need to visit here to see how much admirable the islands are. Its about 1200 islands scattered across huge distance.
Maldives is a self governed republic and very homogenous society, with one race, one language and one religion. This makes Maldives very peaceful community in terms of domestic violence and cultural problems. People tend to be very friendly and welcoming to the tourist arrival. That’s why perhaps in few decades Maldives has grown to become one of the number one destinations for tourists.
Important Snap shots:
Assalaam Alaikum!
The time-honored Maldivian greeting, be it to a visitor or friend; it denotes the islamic culture of the people and comes with a fervent wish for peace. For centuries our shores have been a haven of peace and tranquility for travelers. Hospitality has been an inherent part of Maldivian culture and a part of island life. It has always been a land where visitors are welcomed with open arms, where people are ready to share. Today we share our immense wealth of natural beauty and cultural diversity with the rest of the world. Welcome to Maldives!
Maldives the Sunny Side of Life
Specks of emerald green enveloped by dazzling turquise waters like scattered beads in the ocean; white powdery beaches, tall palm lean on towards the sea, crystalline white sands giving way to crystal clear waters, shades of turuise blend flawlessly with deeper hues of blue; pristine coral reefs and some of the most incredible underwater life on our planet. Rusing from deep blue of the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean are more than a thousand islands and thousands more reefs that form the Maldives.
Maldives At a Glance
Time: +5 hrs GMT, Capital: Male', No.of Islands: 1190, Inhabited Islands: 200, Resorts: 98, Population (2006): 298842, Major Industries: Tourism and Fisheries, Currency: Rufiyaa, Electicity: 240 AC, Working Hours: Goverment: 7.30 am to 2.30 pm from Sunday to Thursday, Private Sector: 8.00 am to 5.00 pm (Varies) from Saturday to Thursday, Banks: 8.00 am to 1.30 pm from Sunday to Thursday.
Geography of Maldives
The atolls of the Maldives are formed from coral structures. The atolls are part of a greater structure known as the Laccadives-Chagos Ridge, which streches over 2000 Kilometers. the islands are low lying with the highest point at aproximately eight feet above sea level. Ring-shaped reef structures form the atolls and these reefs provide the natural defense against wind and wave action on these delicate islands.
Maldives History
The early history of the Maldives is enshrined in myth and legend. Archeological records indicate that the first visitors to the Maldives stepped ashore over 5000 years ago. According to folklore the Maldives was first colonized by an Indo-Aryan race between the fourth and fifth centuries B.C.
1st Century AD: Roman manual of navigation Periplus Mari Erithraei mentions islands assumed to be Maldives
2nd Century AD: Ptolemy refers to Maldives in his geography
362 AD: Roman historian records visit of delegation to Rome bearing gifts to Emperor Julian
662 AD: Historical Chinese document records the King of Maldives sent gifts to Chinse Emperor Kao-Tsung of Tang Dynasty.
1153: Maldives convert to Islam
1558: Portugese invade Maldives
1573: Mohamed Thakurufaanu liberates Maldives from the Portuguese
1752: The Malabars invade and rule for 3 months
1887: Protectorate agreement with Greet Britain
1932: First constitution enacted
1953: The first republic
1954: Failure of the first republic
1965: Independence from British
1968: End of the monarchy, begining of the second Republic
1972: Development of the first island resort
1972: Arrival of first tourist to island resorts