The Maldives is a colony of which country. How many islands are there in the maldives

The Maldives is a small Asian Island state. The territory of the republic consists of a chain of small coral islands, 80% of which are still uninhabited. Let's find out how many islands there are in the Maldives and find out the names of at least the largest among them.

Territorial structure of the Maldives: islands and their number

How many islands are there in the Maldives?

Among the 1192 islands that are part of one of the 20 atolls, only 202 islands are inhabited, which is 1/6 of the entire land territory of the republic. Tourists and guests of the country are allowed only half of them.

Islands of the Maldives and their names

We will not list and describe all the islands of the Maldives and their names, since their number exceeds 1000.

Let's take a closer look at the most significant and largest islands of the Maldives. The name of these islands dates back to ancient times. They are part of the atolls.

So, let's get acquainted with the 9 largest and most significant islands and atolls of the Maldives:

North and South Male Atolls- these are atolls, consisting of more than 100 islands of various sizes (50 northern and 30 southern). The capital of the country is located in North Male - a beautiful city Male. Of the 80 islands of 2 atolls, only 11 are inhabited, 44 are beautiful high-level resorts, and the remaining 25 are rented or uninhabited;

Gann- an island that is located on the southern atoll of Sienu (Addu). This island was once one of the English colonies. Its streets still retain the stiffness of that time. In the clear coastal waters of the island, you can go diving, exploring the rich underwater world;

Ari Atoll- includes more than 30 islands, of which 18 are inhabited, and 26 are luxurious exotic resorts. It's just perfect for lovers of underwater tourism. There are 4 marine reserves on the islands of the atoll: Maya Tila, Oramis Tila, Fish Head and Kudara Tila;

Baa Atoll- consists of 51 islands, of which only 10 are inhabited by people, and 5 are resorts;

Velavatu- This is an island that is part of the Dhaalu (Dhaalu) atoll. The locals used to call it "Turtle Island". This island is simply beautiful, because in a small area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe land managed to accommodate various types of green spaces, magnificent palm trees, the tops of which rest against the sky and magnificent pristine sandy beaches. This place is just a paradise for lovers;

Filitheo (Filiheeo)- the only one of all the islands of Fafu Atoll, which has become a resort. In addition to it, the atoll includes 15 inhabited and the same number of wild islands. The island has a very lush and rich vegetation, which, combined with white sand beach and warm ocean waters, makes this place unforgettable;

Laviani Atoll- located north of North Male, truly a paradise on earth. It consists of 63 islands, most of which make up the beach area. Within its limits are some of the most beautiful barrier reefs with the richest life of underwater inhabitants. This is a wonderful place for lovers of scuba diving;

Kuramachi- this is one of the islands of the Maldives, known for the fact that three hotels are located on its territory at once, which is unusual for this republic. The combination of lush vegetation and pristine beaches makes this place unique.

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 equatorial waters 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 Addu (Siena) atoll - 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 palms, 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. Average bottle mineral water with a volume of 1.5 liters. costs $5, glass of wine $6, 1 lunch per type buffet- 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- network voltage Maldives: 220-240 V, 50 Hz (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 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. public transport as such does not exist. 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.

Precautionary measures

The Republic of Maldives is nothing more than a group of atolls - rings covering the sea lagoons. The archipelago is located south of India, and the sea of ​​the Maldives is the majestic and huge Indian Ocean, which merges with the sky here, making the horizon line almost invisible.

Paradise vacation

Which sea borders the Maldives? This question is asked by one of the first happy owners of tours to luxury Maldivian resorts. The Indian Ocean is the third largest among the world's oceans, and it was its waters that made beach holiday on the islands so amazing and memorable. The main visitors to the local resorts can be divided into three groups:

• Newlyweds who decide to spend Honeymoon royally. The sea of ​​the Maldives, the white sand of the beaches and the bright sun, complete with magnificent hotels and the opportunity to retire together on the whole island are weighty arguments in favor of choosing this particular tourist destination.
• Divers for whom the first and only place is the rich underwater world of the Indian Ocean in the area of ​​the Maldives. Other aspects do not bother them much, and diving in the local resorts is possible in any season.
• Fans of high-class rest and perfect service, for whom the price of the issue does not matter.

ocean of dreams

The Indian Ocean in the area of ​​the Maldives can be called ideal. It has a beautiful color, the water is clean and transparent, the underwater world is striking in its diversity, and the water temperature makes swimming pleasant and comfortable. The thermometer in its waters at the local resorts does not fall below +26 degrees throughout the year, from which both beachgoers and divers stay in full of delight.
The question of what kind of seas are in the Maldives is usually puzzled by those who like to go out on yachts. In the archipelago, there is even an opportunity to stay on a yacht, and its rent will not exceed the cost of a good room in a local hotel. This type of holiday allows you to see many new islands and get a real ocean of impressions.
The Indian Ocean is rich in a wide variety of fauna. Here you can meet not only sea turtles and dolphins, but even blue whales and sperm whales. In the Maldives area, the ocean waters are inhabited by plankton, some of which can glow at night, which makes the waves especially picturesque. There are no dangerous animals on land on the islands, and whale sharks, which can swim close enough to the coast, feed only on plankton and do not pose a threat to swimmers.

The Maldives is a scattering of picturesque atolls in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Everything here is conducive to bliss: kilometers of secluded beaches, high-class hotels and very beautiful nature. All about the Maldives: diving and surfing, photos, prices, weather and tours.

• Hot tours to the Maldives
• Tours for May around the world

The Maldives, the famous "residents" of the equatorial waters of the Indian Ocean, are rightfully considered one of the best exotic destinations. There are 1190 islands (or rather, atolls) here, and all of them are like a selection: from blue lagoons, sandy beaches and unique vegetation. There is everything for rest: peace and quiet, beautiful nature, rich underwater world. And also something without which any advantages of any resort immediately fade in the eyes of modern tourists - good hotels and a high level of service.

Prices, I must say, in the Maldives are also quite “at the level”: vacations here can be afforded mainly by travelers whose income level is defined by marketers as “above average”. Having paid a significant amount for the trip, the following categories of vacationers will be 100% satisfied with their vacation. Maniac divers who dive three times a day. This is the most trouble-free subtype of tourists: they will still be delighted, diving like ducklings from morning to night. Happy married (or out of it) couples who need no one but each other. They can pick up a hotel with the appropriate environment - there are plenty of those on the islands. And, of course, seekers of an absolutely relaxed holiday in the entourage of a tropical paradise.

Regions and resorts of the Maldives

Time difference with Moscow

2 hours

• with Kaliningrad

• with Samara

• with Yekaterinburg

• with Omsk

• with Krasnoyarsk

• with Irkutsk

• with Yakutsk

• with Vladivostok

• with Severo-Kurilsk

• with Kamchatka

History and legend

According to legend, once life in the Maldives was not at all as cloudless as glossy catalogs inspire us. The sea genie Rannamaari, to the misfortune of the local residents, settled in their territorial waters, demanded regular human sacrifices every full moon, and only in the form of virgins from the island of Male. The poor fellow was taken to a certain temple, and the next morning they were found dead.

But not everything is Shrove Tuesday for the cat: once a traveler from the distant Maghreb, Abdul-Barakat ul-Barbari, arrived on the atoll. The stranger took pity on the girls (whom his compatriots apparently did not care about) and on the full moon he himself sat down in the temple in the place of the sacrifice. All night he read the Koran, and in the morning it turned out that the genie had fled, unable to withstand the power of the holy book. So the women were saved, and the Maldivians converted to Islam to celebrate - so now there are mosques everywhere, a ban on the import of alcohol and no topless (presumably, they are afraid that the genie would not return). However, this did not affect the amazing nature of the archipelago - and hence its attractiveness for tourists.

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Climate

The climate of the Maldives is warm and humid. Air temperature during the day is about +30 °C, at night +26 °C, water +26 °C. Due to its proximity to the equator, seasonal changes associated with the monsoons are almost imperceptible. During the southwest monsoon (May to October) it rains more often and the weather is more windy. The northeast monsoon season (November to February) is considered less humid.

Maps of Maldives

Visa and customs

Police: 119, fire department: 118, ambulance: 102.

Beaches in the Maldives

In the Maldives, all roads lead to the beach: fine white sand, perfectly blue waves, tall palm trees - wherever you look, pictures from advertising posters come to life everywhere. The coast is almost everywhere wide, spacious, equipped with amenities and umbrellas that save from the scorching sun. Most of the beaches belong to hotels, and the areas accountable to the modest "three rubles" are not much inferior in terms of grooming and comfort to the fashionable five-star zones.

On the Maldivian beaches it is strictly forbidden to sunbathe topless and drink alcohol.

The list of the most famous beaches of the archipelago includes Naladu and Banyan Tree on Male Atoll, San and Nika on Ari Atoll. Turtles nest on the banks of the Laviani, and dolphins splash around the coast of Maafushi. A wealthy public relaxes on the islands of Hadahaa (Gaafu Alif Atoll), Kunfunadu (Baa Atoll) and Veligandu (Ari Atoll). There is an equipped beach even in the capital: of course, it is not as spectacular as the recreation areas in luxury resorts, but it is quite suitable for surfing and sunbathing. And the most vivid impressions will be given by night swimming on the “glowing” beach: underwater microorganisms and luminescent algae on the coast of Vaadu (South Male) shimmer in the dark with blue lights, creating the effect of a starry sky descending to earth.

Diving in the Maldives

The Maldives... how much this word has merged for the diver's heart: comfortable water temperature (+27 °C at a depth of up to 40 m), excellent visibility up to 30 m and, of course, professional dive centers. The disadvantages of the direction include strong currents outside the reefs. best season for scuba diving in the archipelago - the period from January to April, when the weather is sunny and the water is clear. Giraavaru Island Resort, on the North Atoll, has over 20 sites known to divers from all over the world.

For beginners, diving on reefs is ideal: on their inner slopes or inside the atoll. Advanced divers will be interested in the outer surface of the reef (there are amazing ocean fish living in caves with ledges and terraces), but do not forget about strong currents and breaking waves. The underwater coral slides are very interesting - their tops are at a depth of 5 to 25 m, and the base is up to 40 m.

In addition, there are several interesting wrecks in the Maldives, for example, the Victoria cargo ship with the remains of goods brought to the islands or the Chaika steamer, which sank at the end of the 19th century - its hull is completely split in two. Some popular sites: national reserve Embudu with amazingly diverse underwater world, Feliwaru and Halaveli wrecks (here you can see giant stingrays), Maaya Reef, a cozy channel between the reefs of Fushi, teeming with many inhabitants, Rakido secluded dive site, Guraidhoo Marine Protected Area, Miyaru "shark" site .

Read more about local diving in the article by our permanent expert charming Veronica Birman "Diving without lyrics - 13. The soul of the Maldives".

Surfing

Board riding on the waves is a relatively recent entertainment in the Maldives: only in the late 80s. the first surfers came here. Today, the islands are considered one of the most popular surf spots in the world: they are never crowded (the number of people going out to sea is regulated by a special service), and the waves are just a feast for the eyes: high, stable, and ideally shaped. Lohifushi Island regularly hosts the prestigious O'Neill Deep Blue Open international tournament.

There are 7 popular surf spots in the Maldives, including Sultans, Pasta Point (with the exclusive right to “hire” waves by the Atoll Adventures club) and the so-called “Police Island”. The most wonderful surfing is from June to September, the height of local waves is from 1 to 2.5 m.

Surfing can also be practiced in the capital Male: there is a sandy bottom, and there is no risk of cutting yourself on corals at low tide. True, the landscapes are not as picturesque as in the atoll resorts.

Wedding in the Maldives

A wedding in the Maldives is already a classic, a legend, a standard: there is hardly a more beautiful place to unite two loving hearts. No boring photos from the registry office, no vulgar contests and unfamiliar second cousins ​​on the guest list: only the splash of gentle waves of the Indian Ocean, the rustle of palm leaves overhead, soft sand under bare feet and flower garlands around the neck.

The combination of bonds of Hymen in the Maldives is purely symbolic: the atmosphere of a tropical fairy tale is more important than a stamp in the passport.

Wedding ceremonies are held in most hotels according to a script worked out to the smallest detail: the newlyweds are preening in the spa, driven on “doni” or horse-drawn carriages to an impromptu altar, showered with flower petals and rice, and touched by the speech of the manager. Continuation - a romantic picnic or a cruise on a yacht and the first wedding night in a secluded bungalow with the obligatory champagne for breakfast. More intricate options are underwater weddings (even in a white dress, even in a wetsuit) under the guidance of dive instructors and ceremonies on board seaplanes swaying on the waves. Newly made spouses are awarded certificates, a standard set of services costs from 12,500 MVR, a diving wedding - from 16,500 MVR.

• Which of the atolls of the Maldives to choose for honeymoon
• Maldives or Seychelles: what to choose for a wedding ceremony

Shopping in the Maldives

From the Maldives they bring lacquered black boxes with yellow, green and red flowers, mats made from local natural palm fiber, miniature traditional fishing boats, scary shark jaws, tender coconut oil, colorful shells, sarongs, crafts made of wood and coconut “monkeys”.

Fans of exotic outfits will be interested in national dresses with embroidery around the neck. Fans of large-sized souvenirs should pay attention to traditional drums, including a rather big “bodu-beru”: it is 100% authentic and will give you many unforgettable minutes in the process of being transported to your homeland. From edible souvenirs, it is worth buying such an amazing thing as coconut sausage.

The best choice of souvenirs is in Male, where there are many shops and shops. By the way, you can also profitably buy high-quality foreign-made diving equipment there.

Prices for souvenirs in the Maldives bite, and bargaining is not accepted.

Maldives in the rays of the setting sun

Cuisine and restaurants of the Maldives

The cuisine of the Maldives has borrowed a lot from Indian and Sri Lankan gastronomy: spicy curry sauces, an abundance of spices, the use of a lot of fruits in cooking and an almost complete disregard for vegetables and herbs. Everything here revolves around two products: fish (especially tuna) and rice, served in different variations with all sorts of gravies and sauces. Among the ways of cooking marine life: grilling, in oil or breading, smoking, drying and boiling. Snack options: the same fish, only in the form of a filling for a variety of pies, butter balls and a fair size kulebyak. Often they are fried to impossibility. Any meal is completed with unleavened bread "roshi" or crispy flatbread "papadu".

It is also worth trying rice dishes with the addition of fish curry and coconut milk. At the Male fish market or in all kinds of supermarkets, you can buy canned fish (tuna is a favorite among the local public and visitors), dried and dried fish. The traditional drink is “raa” made from palm milk, the local population almost does not drink alcohol (mainly due to religious prohibitions).

Almost all fruits in the Maldives, except for bananas and coconuts, are imported.

It is better to try local gastronomic masterpieces in "tee-shops" - small budget cafes scattered along city streets. Most food is concentrated in Male, on the resort islands, 1-2 restaurants are most often open, where they offer a variety of dishes of the Maldivian, European and international cuisines. In the capital, breakfast costs 60-95 MVR, lunch - 105-160 MVR, dinner with wine - 500-800 MVR per person (alcohol is not served everywhere), prices are higher at the "resorts". The bill includes state tax and service charge (10%).

Cruise yachts in the Maldives

(excursion from 40 USD), a lot of uninhabited islands similar to each other, where they like to have picnics (from 35 USD), as well as a kind of "action" - a fishing excursion. Perhaps the only notable surface excursion is the Photo Flight, a seaplane flight over the islands. It costs a lot: for 15-20 minutes in the air you will have to pay about 150-250 USD. Other popular excursions are a yacht cruise (from 80-90 USD) or a submarine dive (from 45-50 USD).

Do you know how an atoll differs from "just an island"? Just in case, we give a certificate: the atoll is coral island in the form of a continuous or discontinuous ring surrounding the lagoon. If you look from under the water, the atoll is likely to be long extinct volcano, on the slopes of which a coral reef once began to grow - yes, it grew so much that it gradually appeared on the surface. But the top of the volcano, on the contrary, over the long centuries collapsed and sank under water. You know the rest: people came from somewhere to the formed ring, built hotels with restaurants and spas, and opened diving centers.

If the soul still requires a cultural program, we recommend visiting National Museum on the territory of the picturesque Sultan Park, the Islamic Center under the golden dome and the Presidential Palace in Male. The country's oldest Old Friday Mosque with a unique minaret (1656) and the tomb of Mohammed Takurufanu, legends of national resistance, are also located here. There are ruins of a Buddhist temple from 90 BC on Ari Atoll. e., on the island of Matirah (Haa Alif atoll) - a mausoleum with a sacred tomb, a place of pilgrimage for Muslims.

Holidays and events

The main holidays in the Maldives are patriotic and religious in nature. The most magnificent celebrations take place on Independence Day, July 26: the islanders have fun in honor of the long-awaited exit from the protectorate of Britain and the declaration of sovereignty. On the first day of the month of Rabi al-awwal, the Day of the Nation is celebrated in honor of the liberation from the Portuguese invaders by the troops of Mohammed Takurufanu. On the 12th day of the same month, the birth of the Prophet Muhammad is celebrated.

The end of the holy Ramadan marks Eid al-Fitr: three days of plentiful meals, visits and other amusements. After 70 days, Eid al-Adha arrives with traditional worship and sacrifices. November 3 - Victory Day in honor of the coup d'état prevented in 1988. In the first month of the Muslim calendar, Muharram, religious celebrations are held to celebrate the Islamic New Year.

December 10 is one of the most colorful local holidays: Fisherman's Day with folk festivals and noisy fairs. Adored by foreign tourists New Year(January 1) and Christmas (December 25) arrange bright celebrations in hotels and on city streets: the degree of fun depends only on the thickness of the wallet.

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 construction international airport 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 held on to power for 6 years 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.