- an 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. The 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.
The best weather conditions are observed during the "iruvai" period (from November-December to March-April, the northeast monsoon season), 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. The total area of the country is 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. Sea turtles are found, 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, the Million Trees environmental protection program has been in operation. 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 the ancient culture of the locals creates a unique setting 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 are accepted throughout, so it is not necessary to exchange dollars for local currency upon arrival.
In Male, banks and exchange offices are concentrated on Marine Drive. 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, on which a special sign hangs next to the signs of international tourist cards.
Useful information for tourists
It is forbidden to drink alcohol in public places (outside the 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), it quickly becomes unusable due to high temperatures.
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. The 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 other marine life from the bottom of the sea. 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.
The Maldives is a tropical paradise where the beach season lasts 365 days a year, where the serene blue of the sky is reflected in the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean. It seems that this idyllic corner was created only to enjoy the joys of life - problems and political intrigues bypass it. But this is a misleading impression. The history of the Maldives is full of events.
From the redins to the British
Unlike neighboring India and Sri Lanka, the history of the Maldives has been little studied. According to research, civilization on the islands has existed for more than 3,000 years. This theory was confirmed in the 1980s by the Norwegian archaeologist and writer Thor Heyerdahl. After excavating the Addu and Huvadu atolls, he found out that these lands were once inhabited by Aryan tribes. Tall white-skinned people with blue eyes and aquiline noses called themselves redins and worshiped the Sun.
Found fragments of pottery suggest that the sparse dwelled on the islands as early as 2000 BC.
Around the same time, the island of Nilandu was inhabited by cholines. However, little is known about their origin.
The Giravaru community claims to be the oldest aborigines of the Maldives. For centuries, its representatives lived on the island of the same name, but with the start of the construction of the international airport, they were forced to move to Male.
According to one version, the ancestors of the Giravaru come from southern India, according to another, from Australia.
In 500 BC The second wave of settlement began in the Maldives. The islands were settled by immigrants from Sri Lanka, who spread Buddhism.
Until the 16th century, the population of the islands consisted mainly of Indians, Malays and Sinhalese. But in 1507 the archipelago caught the attention of the Portuguese. They were followed by the French, the Dutch and the British, who in turn established their own protectorate.
Acceptance of Islam
Until the 12th century - more than 1000 years - the Maldivians practiced Buddhism. But in 1153, the Arab merchant Abu al-Bakarat landed on the islands, who convinced the local king to convert to Islam.
According to legend, every month the islanders sacrificed an innocent girl to the genie Rannamari. She was brought to the temple and left for the night. The next day, the unfortunate woman was found dead. Outraged by the cruelty of the ritual, Abu al-Bakar decided to put an end to it. At the appointed hour, he himself came to the sanctuary and spent the whole night reading the Qur'an. The sacred suras scared away the evil spirit, which hid in the depths of the sea and no longer disturbed the inhabitants of the island.
Since that time, the era of Islam and sultanates began in the Maldives, during which six dynasties and 90 rulers have changed.
Maldives in the 20th century
At the end of the 19th century, fearing expansion from India, the Maldivians signed an agreement with Britain. According to the document, the British provided their military assistance in the event of a foreign invasion, but did not interfere in the internal affairs of the country.
The British presence continued until 1965.
On July 26, 1965, the Maldives gained independence.
In 1932, the British supported Mohammed Shamsuddin III, who adopted the country's first constitution. The new law limited the sole power of the Sultan and ensured free elections. And in 1953, the ruler Amin Didi abolished the sultanate, adopted a new constitution and became the first president of the Republic of Maldives. He introduced universal primary education and suffrage for women. At the end of 1953, as a result of food riots, Amin Didi was overthrown.
He was replaced by Mohammed Fari Didi, who restored the sultanate and became the last, 94th Sultan of the Maldives. True, by that time the title had turned into a kind of honorary title, and real power passed to the prime minister.
The Maldives adopted its third constitution in 1968 in a referendum. Instead of the Maldives, the country became officially known as the Republic of Maldives. President Ibrahim Nasir lasted 6 years in power and fled the country in 1978 during a popular protest against rising prices.
Since 1978, for 30 years (6 five-year terms in a row), the Maldives has been single-handedly ruled by President Maumoon Abdul Gayoum. After the 2004 unrest, Gayoum promised to expand political freedoms. In 2008, the first multi-candidate presidential election was held, resulting in Mohamed Nasheed becoming the new President of the Maldives.
Since 2018, the country has been led by President Abdullah Yamin.
This question is asked by those who have already bought the long-awaited one or are just going to look for tickets and prepare for the trip. Everyone has heard about this amazing resort, the leader among the giants of a beach holiday, and you have probably seen photos from the best beaches and hotels more than once. The Maldives is an 8.5 hour flight from Moscow to Male. This island state is located in South Asia in the middle of the Indian Ocean near the equator. It is this geographical position of the Maldives and the equatorial climate that provide perfect weather for a beach holiday all year round in any season.
To choose the best hotel, you should understand where the Maldives are located, where the capital Male and the international airport are located, and where you have to go to rest. I hope I have already convinced you of the importance of understanding the geographical location of the Maldives? Then go!
The geography of the Maldives is so interesting that when you start to study it, you immediately understand why the widespread "lostness" of the Maldives is not accidental. They are so small that they are really almost invisible on the map. And many people often do not know what the Maldives is. Some of them seriously think that this is not a whole country, but one small island (for example, as part of Chile) with magnificent beaches and hotels.
Where is Male
Male(Male) is the capital of the Republic of Maldives. Male is located in the very center of the country on a rather large and densely populated island. It is part of the North Male Atoll (Kaafu). Thousands of tourists fly daily to the Maldives at Male International Airport (its code is MLE), located on the neighboring island of Hulule.
Good to know:
- See cheap flights to Male via link →
- Ready tour to the Maldives can be found on the website
Male City is the financial, administrative and transport center of the Maldives. There are many significant cultural attractions, modern hospitals, shops, restaurants, banks and a post office.
Male Island is connected to many inhabited islands in the Maldives by various modes of transport - ferry crossings, speed boats and local air travel by conventional aircraft and seaplanes.
Male on the world map
Where are the Maldives Resorts located?
Not all islands in the Maldives are inhabited. Of the nearly 1200 individual islands, only about 200 are inhabited by people or given over to resorts. The Maldives are located both south and north of the capital Male. Some of them can be reached by speedboat or ferry, while others are located so far away that tourists fly to them either by seaplane (air taxi) or regular flights of domestic airlines.
If you have already chosen your hotel, then on the map of the atolls you can understand where approximately it is located (see map). And for those who still choose, it will be interesting to keep in mind:
- The island resort closest to the airport in the Maldives is a famous hotel Kurumba. It is very popular among Russian tourists, and for good reason, because the rest there, judging by the reviews, is simply magnificent!
- The farthest island in the south where the local population lives is Gan(Addu Atoll). Maldives Airlines fly there from Male. Near the island of Gan is a magnificent resort on the equator. Who has not dreamed of relaxing right under the sun? There is such an opportunity in the Maldives. look
Are you endless romantics, madly in love with each other, or have you recently got married? Or maybe you are a diver from birth and are ready to explore the underwater world around the clock? Or do you prefer a relaxing holiday in a tropical paradise to luxurious hotels?
Welcome to the Maldives!
Geography of the Maldives
Republic of Maldives located in the equatorial waters of the Indian Ocean, about 700 km southwest of Sri Lanka. The Maldives is an archipelago of 26 natural atolls, consisting of 1192 coral islets: 198 inhabited and 991 uninhabited islands. The length of the archipelago from north to south is 820 km, from east to west - 120 km. The total area is 90 thousand km², the land area is 298 km². Of the more than 1000 islands, only a few have an area of more than 1 km. The islands do not rise much above the ocean level: the highest point of the archipelago is on the southern atoll of Addu (Siena) - 2.4 m. There are no rivers or mountains on them, each island is surrounded by a shallow lagoon. Atolls are formed by reefs, among which there are many corals. The reefs, the natural protection of the islands from the violence of the sea, amaze with their beauty. In addition, they serve as a refuge for numerous tropical fish. The depth of the sea under the reefs reaches 365 m. On the islands you can see typical tropical landscapes, with tall coconut trees, white sandy beaches and crystal clear lagoons. The largest atoll - Huvadhoo, located in the south, with a lagoon area of 2240 km, is one of the largest atolls in the world. The smallest atolls are Kaashidhu, north of Male Atoll, and Thoddhu, both less than 2 km in diameter.
The nearest neighbors of the Maldives in the north and east are India, located at a distance of about 600 km, and Sri Lanka, at a distance of about 670 km. In the west are the shores of the African Republic of Somalia, in the east are Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia. The nearest neighbor of the Maldives in the southwest is the Seychelles, and a little further - Madagascar.
Climate in the Maldives
Maldives are located almost on the equator, and therefore the temperature in the Maldives does not fall below +27 ° C all year round. The climate is subequatorial monsoon. Under the influence of the northeast monsoons, dry from November to March and under the influence of the southwest monsoons, rainy from June to August. The air temperature never drops below +17 °C in January-February and never rises above +32 °C in April-May. The water temperature all year round is 28-30 degrees, humidity is 75-80%, although it changes under the influence of cold ocean breezes. May and November are considered the wettest months. In June, the sun is the least (6.5 hours a day). However, even on cloudy days, the sun exposure is so intense that it can harm sensitive fair skin even with indirect exposure.
Language in the Maldives
Official language - Dhivehi, close to Sinhalese, with borrowings from Arabic and English. The educated part of the population speaks Arabic and English. In tourist areas, staff speak many languages, including English, German, French, Italian and Japanese.
History and culture of the Maldives
The first inhabitants appeared on the islands three and a half thousand years ago. Aryan settlers settled here around 500 BC, however, reliable historical evidence appears only from the moment the inhabitants of the island converted to Islam in 1153. Sultans of various dynasties ruled the islands for centuries, although there was a fifteen-year period of Portuguese rule that ended in 1573 1887 to 1965 the period of the British protectorate continued, after which the islands returned to full independence. Three years later, the sultanate was abolished, in effect for the second time, and replaced by republican rule.
Despite foreign influences ranging from Indian films and martial arts to Michael Jackson and Muslim fundamentalism, the Dhivehi culture lives on in the Maldives. Western fashion is clearly felt in the capital of the country, pop music plays everywhere and many video salons are open. But, as soon as any religious event comes (for example, the holy holiday of Ramadan), the Maldivian traditions take precedence.
Several daily newspapers and magazines are published in the native language of the inhabitants of the country (divehi). There are several rock bands known throughout the country that sing lyrical Dhivehi songs. Multi-storey houses on the islands are designed in an architectural style that is an echo of the architecture of the first houses in the Maldives. Popular is "Bodu Beru" - a local big drum. This is the name he gave to the traditional music and dance rhythms of the Maldives. This art form can be seen in the resorts during the local culture night. Modern local rock bands, often performing at the resorts, perform well-known songs and music. When performing songs for the locals, they use some elements of bodu beru, percussion and drum solo inserts. Cassettes with recordings of local artists are sold in music stores in Male.
Customs and traditions of the Maldives
Religion leaves a certain imprint on the life and traditions of the Maldivians. For example:
- residents of the Maldives are not allowed to sell alcohol, alcoholic beverages can only be bought in the tourist area in a designated place, the use of alcoholic beverages in public places (outside the tourist area) is prohibited;
- in mosques one should behave with restraint. entering the mosque, you must take off your shoes and wash your feet in a special ritual pool, clothes should be closed, cover your legs, arms and shoulders, women should also cover their heads;
- it is forbidden by law to visit the capital of Male and the islands where the local population lives in open beach clothes, you must have light clothes that cover your shoulders, arms and legs, cotton clothing is considered the best option;
- nudism and topless on the beaches of the country are prohibited by law (with the exception of the island of Kuramati);
- it is customary to greet with a handshake, the official greeting is “salamu alaikum”, the greeting for an informal setting is “kihenen”;
- illegal fishing near the islands and spearfishing are prohibited;
- it is forbidden to litter
- In mosques and in places of religious shrines, photography is not allowed.
- you should not try to make contact with unfamiliar women in the Maldives, this is not accepted in Muslim countries.
Violation of the rules can result in a fine, imprisonment and even deportation from the country.
National cuisine in the Maldives
Cuisine of the Maldives based on Arabic and Indian cuisines. Most often there are various types of fish products, rice, spices, sauces. The favorite dish of the Maldivians is tuna with rice. Desserts - coconut in any form, areca nut, lots of fruits, fruit salads, pastries. Popular drinks are milk tea and Arabic coffee. Almost all fruits are imported, only coconuts and bananas are our own. Also, the Maldivians love a concentrated tuna paste called riha-akuru. It is mixed with boiled rice, chili and onions or spread on hot roshi. Many people prefer to eat rihaakura with grated green mango and chili. Packed in small bags, rihaakuru is sold in stores and shops - you can buy it and try it at home, for example, spread it on a sandwich. A Maldivian meal usually ends with a dish of thinly sliced betel nut (areca), betel leaves and lime paste meant to be chewed. These remedies are believed to improve digestion.
Bringing alcohol to the Maldives is prohibited. You can drink only in specially designated places - in bars and restaurants of hotels where visitors from Sri Lanka and India serve (citizens of the Maldives are prohibited from selling alcohol).
The cost of food and drinks in the resorts is much higher than in Male, since all products have to be brought to the islands. On average, a bottle of mineral water with a volume of 1.5 liters. costs 5 US dollars, a glass of wine - 6 US dollars, 1 buffet lunch - 35-40 US dollars. Prices vary by hotel category.
Monetary unit in the Maldives
Maldivian currency are rufiya and laari. 1 Maldivian rufiyaa is equal to 100 laari. 1 US dollar is approximately equal to 12 rufiyaa. In the Maldives, there are banknotes of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 500 rufiyaas and coins of 2 and 1 rufiyaa, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 laari. In the Maldives, US dollars and major credit cards (American Express, Visa, Master Card, Diners Club and Euro Card) are almost universally accepted for payment. Therefore, it is not at all necessary to exchange dollars for local currency.
Shopping in the Maldives
The most famous souvenirs from the Maldives are undoubtedly "thudu kuna" - Maldivian mats woven from local natural palm fiber. Another souvenir is miniature wooden "doni" - traditional fishing boats that can be found everywhere in the Maldives. Shark jaws, coconut oil, shells, sarongs, handicrafts made of wood, most of which are handmade, coconut monkeys are also brought from the islands. In Male, buy high-quality foreign-made diving equipment and equipment at attractive prices.
Most shops are open from 9.00 to 22.00 with a few short breaks for prayer. On Fridays shops open after 14.00. Almost all salespeople speak English, some German and French. You can bargain, and even need to, the price can be reduced to 30%.
Maldivian Customs
When crossing the border with the Maldives, all baggage undergoes strict customs control.
It is allowed to import duty-free: foreign and national currency in any amount; cigarettes, no more than 200 pieces; perfumes up to 125 ml; goods for personal use in non-commercial quantities (no more than one item of each product per person)
It is allowed to export duty-free: national or foreign currency in unlimited quantities; previously imported goods for personal use and souvenirs
It is forbidden to import and export: alcoholic products; salami sausages; items of a pornographic nature (cassettes, publications); narcotic substances; items found at the bottom of the sea.
Export prohibited turtle shells and corals. The exception is objects, the decorative pattern of which is made using these materials, and souvenirs.
Attempting to smuggle alcoholic beverages is subject to a $500 fine. Alcohol left at customs will be returned when you leave the country.
reference Information
Tipping in the Maldives- not officially accepted, but with decent service, it does not hurt to reward the attendants with a small amount ($ 10 for a hotel employee, and a waiter - 5% of the bill). At some resorts, the service fee is immediately charged to the bill (as a rule, this is 10% of the total cost), then tipping is no longer necessary.
Electricity in the Maldives- voltage in the networks of the Maldives: 220-240 V, 50 Hz (voltage surges are possible).
Time in the Maldives- ahead of Moscow by 1 hour.
Visa to the Maldives- Citizens of the Russian Federation do not need a visa to enter the Maldives.
Phones in the Maldives- for calls to the Maldives to landline numbers, dial: 8 - 10 - 960 - (area code) - (phone number). To make calls to Russia, dial: 007 (Russian code) - (area code) - (phone number). The telephone code of the Maldives is 960.
The territory of the islands is divided into several telephone zones. The cost of calls within each zone is approximately the same, calls between zones are more expensive. You can call from pay phones, from hotels, or from a mobile phone. Most major Russian mobile operators provide roaming services in the Maldives. The cost of the service depends on the tariff rates of a particular operator.
Transport in the Maldives- There are no regular transport links on the islands. The main means of transport are sailing and motor boats. Most of the transportation is carried out by seaplanes, helicopters and boats. There is no public transport as such. The most common form of water transport in the Maldives is the wooden dhoni boat with a flat roof. Large Vedis boats are used for long journeys to distant atolls. By land they move mainly on bicycles and motorcycles. Car taxis (and roads) exist only in the capital Male and on the island of Gan.
measures>Precautionary measures
The Republic of Maldives is an island state in Indian Ocean.
The archipelago of the Maldives is located at the junction of the Arabian and Laccadive Seas, five hundred kilometers southwest of the southern tip of the Hindustan peninsula. A detailed map of the Maldives shows that the country occupies 27 atoll formations, consisting of 1192 individual coral islands.
The Maldives cannot boast of large sizes. The largest is Gan Island, but its area is less than 10 km2. Most of the islands in the archipelago do not exceed a few hundred square meters.
Maldives on the world map: geography, nature and climate
If you look at the Maldives on the world map, you will notice that the southern part of the country is crossed by the equator line. Although the length of the archipelago is about 750 km from north to south and 130 km from west to east, the total area of its islands is only 298 km2. The atolls of the Maldives can occupy hundreds of km 2, but are ring-shaped in shape. And most of the large islands are located on the outer sides of the atoll rings.
The coastline of the Maldives is 644 km. Due to its remoteness from the coasts of the continent, the country has neither land nor sea neighbors.
Geographical position
The Maldives are the peaks of the underwater Chagos-Laccadive Range, which stretches for almost 2500 km. However, the Maldives is not represented by volcanic rocks. All the islands of the archipelago are made up of sand and coral formations. Therefore, the Maldives state is considered the lowest located state of the planet.
The highest point in the country is located on the island of Gan and is only 2.4 meters above sea level. Most of the archipelago is uninhabited. Only about 200 islands are inhabited. Due to the great length of the Maldives, there are several large straits that separate groups of atolls. On the map of the Maldives in Russian, you can find the largest of them - the equatorial strait. Its width is about 95 km, and its depth exceeds 2500 m.
Animal and plant world
Due to the small size of the islands and the dense population of the largest of them, the terrestrial flora and fauna of the archipelago is not rich. Several varieties of palm trees and rare mangrove forests are all that the Maldives can boast of. The fauna of the islands also does not shine with diversity - Achatina, hermit crabs, gray herons and flying foxes. But the underwater world of the country is incommensurably richer.
Hundreds of giant living coral ecosystems contain about 200 species of corals, more than 1,000 species of fish, 250 species of crustaceans, and up to 500 species of mollusks and echinoderms. Also, the local fauna boasts two dozen species of various whales and dolphins. The straits between the atolls are abundantly inhabited by plankton.
Climate
The subequatorial climate of the Maldives is formed by seasonal northeast monsoons. The average temperature throughout the year is approximately the same - from 23-30°C. Although there are no distinct seasons in the country, spring is somewhat hotter and drier. With the advent of the monsoons, the temperature and humidity rise slightly. The average rainfall is about 2000 mm per year.
Map of Maldives with cities. Administrative division of the country
The Maldives is divided into 21 administrative divisions. Together they form 8 regions, formed according to the principle of geographical proximity. The population of the country is about 405,000 people. A map of the Maldives with cities in Russian shows that with a small area, this makes the Maldives one of the most densely populated states in the world. The average population density here is 1135 people per km2.
Male is the capital and largest city of the country. Located in the central part of the Maldives. Almost a quarter of the population of the archipelago lives here. It is included in the list of the most densely populated cities in the world and occupies the entire territory of the island of the same name, the area of \u200b\u200bwhich does not exceed 6 km 2.
Kuramati Island located 50 km west of the capital. Despite its small size, the island is the most popular tourist destination in the country.
Eidhafushi- one of the largest inhabited islands of the Maldives. It is located in the northern part of the archipelago, 100 km northwest of Male. Notable for its absolute height of 0 meters above sea level.
