There are many reasons to visit the Maldives. Learn more about the islands, their culture, and the economy. You can also find out more about the Visa process. The Maldives is an Islamic country, so you should wear modest clothing. However, the crime rate is low. You should also make sure that you have enough money to support yourself while on your vacation.
Atolls
The Maldives is home to several atolls. The Vaavu Atoll, for example, is a cluster of 16 islands. This area is famous for diving and offers a unique combination of peace and excitement. Here, you can enjoy the underwater dining experience, relax in the luxurious spa, or partake in a wide range of water sports.
Many of the islands are geologically connected, and the islands are formed in characteristic shapes known as atolls. These islands are often coral, with a central lagoon. Most of the islands are circular, but some do not follow this pattern. The Maldives have a rich history of trade.
The Maldives are home to more than 1,000 species of fish. These include napoleon wrasse, tuna, and parrotfish. There are also almost 100 types of echinoderms. The Maldives’ coral reefs have bounced back from a severe El Nino in 1998, and they are now healthier than ever.
The formation of atolls is controversial, but it is known that atolls are not volcanic. The Maldives are ring-shaped islands formed by coral reefs. This coral ring encircles the lagoon. The coral surrounding the island is not compact, so the island’s sides are steep and the lagoon is shallow.
Culture
The Maldives is a culturally diverse place with influences from many different countries. Its proximity to Sri Lanka and South India have shaped the local culture. The language, Dhivehi, is an Indo-Aryan language related to Sanskrit and Persian. While English is also widely spoken, the majority of the population speaks Dhivehi.
Most Maldivians are Muslims and belong to a strict Sunni sect. In the past, there has been much civil unrest in the Maldives resulting from power struggles within the government. The relationship with the British government was tense and prone to conflict. However, in 1976, Britain withdrew its military presence, and the country regained its independence.
The country has an ancient culture rooted in oral tradition. Several traditional crafts, such as matt-weaving and lacquer-work, are still produced in the islands. Many of these crafts are made by women. Some of these objects are carved into beautiful flower patterns. These handicrafts make great souvenirs for visitors.
The Maldives’ culture is a fusion of different influences. Visitors from countries like Arabia, India, Sri Lanka, and Persia have left their mark. Other cultural influences include Indonesia, Malaysia, and Africa. This diversity has resulted in a unique cultural identity for the island nation.
Economy
The Maldives is an archipelago located in the Indian Ocean. It is south of India and Sri Lanka. It lies about 750 kilometers away from the Asian continent. Its economy is based primarily on tourism, fishing and offshore oil and gas. The island nation is home to about 400,000 people.
The Maldives is heavily dependent on fisheries and tourism, which provide much of the country’s government’s revenue and foreign exchange earnings. These industries also provide more than a third of the total employment in the country. Although the Maldives has a relatively large labour force, this labour force is still poorly educated.
The economy of the Maldives has grown rapidly since the 1970s. Its gross domestic product (GDP) has grown at an average of 6 percent a year since then. Its GDP per capita was among the lowest in the world in the 1970s, but by the late 2000s, its GDP per capita was at the level of an upper middle-income country. Tourism accounts for a quarter of the country’s GDP, and over 90% of its government revenue comes from tourism-related taxes.
The Maldives’ financial sector is relatively small and dominated by the banking sector. It consists of a locally owned commercial bank and three partially state-owned banks. There are also several players in the general insurance and finance leasing markets. The Maldives mortgage agency provides most of the government’s domestic financing.
Sandbanks
The Maldives’ sandbanks are a sight to behold. The unassuming white patches of sand are untouched by modernity, and offer a feast for the eyes. With clear blue waters amidst a densely forested backdrop, they offer a unique and breathtaking landscape. But even better, these untouched shores are completely free from human interference. Whether you’re a snorkeling enthusiast or a budding diver, the Maldives has everything you’ll need to have a wonderful vacation.
Most resorts in the Maldives have sandbanks on their beaches. These are great for private dining, photo shoots, and relaxing. They also make for an ideal location to enjoy a romantic candlelit dinner. Many islands even offer sandbank tours, which are affordable and worth the price.
One of the most popular sandbanks in the Maldives is Sexy Beach, on Maafushi Island. The sand here is partly powder-soft, with some coral scattered throughout, and the water is clean and clear. The beach is about 26km from Male’ International Airport. You can find affordable accommodations nearby on the Maafushi Island.
Climate
The Maldives has a tropical humid climate with monsoons. The onset of winter and summer depends on the direction of the blowing winds. The southwest monsoon brings more precipitation and wind, while the northeast monsoon brings clear, fine days. The average temperature is over 28 degrees Celsius (+26 degrees F) both on land and in water.
The two seasons last from November to April, with temperatures in the air and water between 28 and 30 degrees Celsius. These months are considered to be the best time to visit the Maldives. During this period, diving enthusiasts flock to the islands. However, it is important to note that the temperature varies significantly.
The Maldives has a tropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild, dry winters. During the rainy season (late April to late March), temperatures rise to a comfortable level of 35 degrees Celsius. In contrast, the winter season (November to March) is drier.
The Maldives’ natural beauty is partly due to the protection of the coral reefs. However, the climate changes in the region are threatening the Maldives’ unique marine life. In addition to coral bleaching, climate change is also affecting the reefs’ ability to weather storms.
