 | Maldives today Maldives has been the most sought after beach holiday destination since it started concentrating on developing its resorts to boost tourism. Having suffered a series of natural disasters in the past few years, Maldives is currently enjoying incredible growth again. It has bounced back from major setbacks like the coral bleaching wrought by el Niño and the horror of the 2004 tsunami. With its beautiful white beaches, sapphire blue waters and friendly atmosphere, the country has become the epitome of paradise for honeymooners, sightseers and diving/surfing enthusiasts. Formed of 26 atoll |
 | Maldives back then The earliest settlers in The Republic of Maldives probably hailed from southern India and they were later followed by Indo-European speakers from Sri Lanka between the fourth and fifth centuries BC. In the 12th century AD, sailors from East Africa and other Arab countries discovered the islands and began settling there. As a result, Maldivian ethnic identity today is a mixture of these cultures, and this is reinforced by religion and language. The early history of the Maldives is unclear but a popular legend is that a Sinhalese prince named KoiMale was stranded with his bride, a Sri Lan |
 | Four Seasons Resort The Four Seasons Resort offers luxurious and quality accommodation with its 106 bungalows and villas |  | Hilton Maldives Rangali Hilton Maldives Resort and Spa, Rangali Island is a flagship of the Hilton Hotels. The resort has be |
 | One & Only Reethy Rah This breathtaking resort is surrounded by clear blue water, consists of villas and offers its custom |  | Shangri La’s Villingili Resort & Spa If you wish to stay on Villingili Island, your first choice should be Shangri-La's Villingili Resort |
 | Sun Island Resort Sun Island Resort is one of the most remarkable resorts in Maldives, with its deep blue lagoon and l |  | Taj Exotica Maldives The villas at Taj Exotica Maldives are constructed in the traditional Maldivian style, complete with |
 | Le Cute Jewellery Jewellery Shop Address : Fareedhee Magu, Maafannu, Male' Phone : +960 3316133 F |  | The Majeedhee Magu Located on the main road of Male, the Majeedhee Magu houses numerous shops selling goods ranging fro |
 | Too Cute Shop (Jewellery Shop) Address : Chandhanee Magu, Machchan Goalhi, Male' Phone : +960 3334847 Fax : +960 3312 |  | Le Cute Duty Free Address : Male' International Airport Hulhule Island Phone : +960 3328925 Fax : +960 3 |
 | STO Peoples Choice Supermart Address : STO Trade Center, Orchid Magu, Maafannu, Male' Phone : +960 3324373 Fax : +9 |  | Chaandanee Magu Chaandanee Magu is the best place for souvenir shopping. The shops are stocked with an abundance of |
 | Republic Day of Maldives Maldives had been ruled by a monarchy for about a century and on January 1 1953, became a republic. |  | Independence Day of Maldives After being a British Colony for about 78 years, Maldives attained independence on July 26, 1965. On |
 | National Day of Maldives The National Day is celebrated in honour of Mohammed Thakurufannu and commemorates his victory over |  | Eid ul Al Adhaa Eid ul-Al Adha is celebrated approximately 70 days after Eid ul Fitr. It falls on the 10th day of th |
 | Thai Wok The Thai Wok is just a block away from the busy main street of Male. The food here is very tasty. Th |  | The Sea House This restaurant gives you the opportunity to enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner sitting right in fron |
 | Athamaa Palace An Indian restaurant, specializing in chicken Biryani that is served with gravy. |  | Sala Thai As the name implies this is a Thai food restaurant in Male. It is a small in size with traditional T |
 | Olive Garden If you are confused about what to eat, at the Olive Garden you can choose from delicious and mouth-w |  | Pizza Italiano Pizza Italiano is located on Orchid de Magu Street. It’s a walking distance away from jetty no.1 o |
 | Fast Facts Location: The Republic of Maldives, is an island country consisting of 26 atolls (or islands of coral and within these atolls are 1,192 islets, out of which only 200 are inhabited. It is geographically located at the south-west of Sri Lanka and it stretches out from India's Lakshadweep islands to Minicoy Island and the Chagos Archipelago. The Maldives is surrounded by the Indian Ocean. Capital: Male Population: 360,000 Dialing code: 960 Currency: Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) Ethnic mix: Most Maldivians are descendants of Sinhalese people who came from Sri Lanka. Some are descendants of people from southern India and Arab traders and sailors. The predominant religion of Maldives is Islam. Most Maldivians belong to the Sunni Muslim sect. Languages: Dhivehi, English Time zone: UTC +5 Average January Temperatures: 86 F˚ Average July Temperatures: 86 F˚ Annual Rainfall: 250 cm Maldives International telephone code The international country calling code of the Maldives is +960. Maldives City Area Telephone Codes +960 331, 2, 3 - Male Emergency Nos: Medical Aid: 102 Police/emergency: 119 Fire: 118 If you need to contact the police whilst you are at the airport then you should dial 3329354. Alternatively, you can contact the police command centre directly by dialing |
