Maldives—What Country?
The Maldives is known for its stunning beaches and luxury resorts. Few know its whereabouts. It may be in South America or the Pacific. All are wrong. Maldives are where?
Maldives is 470 miles (750 km) from India’s southernmost point in the Indian Ocean. Its highest natural point is 7.9 feet (2.4 m) above sea level, making it one of the world’s lowest countries, with more than 26 atolls encompassing 35,000 square miles (90,000 km2).
This page covers Maldive’s geography and FAQs. Discussing Maldives travel safety.
Maldives: Where?
The Republic of Maldives is a group of 20 Indian Ocean atolls 470 miles (750 km) south of Asia. Its nearest neighbors are India and Sri Lanka. The Maldives has 35,000 square miles (90,000 km2) but only 115 square miles (298 km2). Capital Malé.
Few know about the Maldives. The Maldives is known for its beautiful beaches, turquoise water, and coconut trees.
However, few could locate it. Many would guess they’re in the Pacific Ocean or the Mediterranean Sea in North Africa if asked where the Maldives are. Some even think it’s in the Caribbean.
The Maldives is 470 miles south of India in the Indian Ocean. It comprises 35,000 square miles of atolls (90,000 km2). Malé is the Maldives’ capital.
Maldives: What’s Famous?
Tropical Maldives are famous. Tourists like its many atoll resorts. Its pleasant climate, green water, and white sand beaches are famous. Its abundant aquatic life attracts divers and snorkelers.
Maldives tourism is famous. Tourists flock to the atolls’ resorts and bungalows to enjoy the Maldives’ tropical atmosphere. Maldives beaches are famous for their pristine sand and crystal blue ocean.
Sheraton, Marriott, Four Seasons, Hilton, and Hard Rock have resorts in the Maldives. In addition to these luxurious resorts, tourists can enjoy the Maldives in modest villas.
Besides its beaches, the Maldives is famous for its coral reefs and aquatic life. Thus, the Maldives attracts underwater explorers like divers and snorkelers.
However, the 2004 Indian Ocean Earthquake seriously damaged the Maldives’ infrastructure. Several people died. This catastrophe introduced many to the Maldives.
Are the Maldives Indian?
The Maldives are neither Sri Lanka nor India. The Maldives are independent. Maldivians elect a president and senate every five years. Despite having considerable innate Indianness, most Maldivians are Muslims.
Since India is the Maldives’ closest neighbor in the Indian Ocean, many people think India includes them.
The Maldives, however, is sovereign. The Republic of Maldives is a presidential republic. A president and 77 representatives are elected every five years. Maldives gained independence from Britain in 1965.
Maldives are neither politically nor culturally Indian. Maldivians are neither Hindus nor Buddhists despite their Indian heritage. The 13th-century conversion to Islam made most Maldivians Muslims.
However, Indian culture still permeates Maldivians’ lifestyles. The country drinks tea and has culinary traditions comparable to India.
Languages Spoken in Maldives
The majority of Maldivians are Dhivehi. Though incomprehensible, it derives from Southern Indian languages like Sinhalese. Language is written in Arabic-derived Thaana script. English is widely used.
The Maldives’ official language is Maldivian, sometimes called Dhivehi. The Indo-European language family comprises Hindi, Arabic, Farsi, English, and German.
Sinhalese, Sri Lanka’s language, may have been its predecessor. Historians say Maldivians spoke Sinhalese until the 12th century when it branched off.
The language is written in the Arabic-derived Thanaa script. Dhivehi was written in the Dhives Akuru script before the 13th-century Maldivian conversion to Islam. Arabic script and Thanaa script were adopted.
The Maldives speak and write English due to decades of British occupation. Ads and English-language TV news are allowed.
Does the Maldives require a passport?
Non-Maldivians require a passport to enter. Entry requires a visa. Visas-on-arrival is available for all foreign visitors visiting the Maldives.
The Maldives has its own immigration laws that foreigners must obey.
All travelers receive visas upon arrival, according to Maldivian immigration website research. Thus, you must submit your passport at the border crossing to receive a stamp allowing you to enter the Maldives for a particular duration.
A visiting visa requires several conditions:
*A month-old passport is required.
*An itinerary of your hotel stays is required.
*Money for your Maldives holiday.
*A confirmed Maldives return flight ticket. If your Maldives flight goes somewhere other than your passport’s country, you must show evidence of entry. Bring your entry visa.
*You need Covid-19 and yellow fever vaccinations.
*Tourist visas prolong US passport holders’ free 30-day Maldives stay.
Maldives safety
Maldives tourism is safe. According to the US Department of State website, visitors should watch out for terrorist attacks and rioting. US travelers should also enroll in STEP to receive emergency consular assistance before arriving.
The Maldives is safe for travelers due to strict gun control laws. Due to the country’s predominantly Muslim population, alcohol is scarce in Maldivian population centers, reducing drunken offenses.
Most Maldivian tourists stay in resorts and chalets, separating them from locals. This reduces stealing and pickpocketing.
Some Maldivians are unfriendly to outsiders. Because of this, the US Department of State may have warned US travelers visiting the Maldives.
US Department of State advises Maldives visitors to:
- Avoid protests and crowds.
- Local media may report unrest.
- Be vigilant, especially in foreigner-heavy areas.
- Emergency trip plans.
- US citizens should enroll in STEP when they arrive. You can notify the US Department of State of your presence. They know you’re in the Maldives and may help if something happens.
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