About The Maldives The Maldives is situated in the heart of the Indian Ocean. There are 1,190 islands within the archipelago-consisting of 26 atolls and spread around a 90,000 m²area. The islands are a few metres above sea level and only about 199 islands are inhabited.

Marco Polo has called the islands "the flower of the Indies..." There is an abundance of marine flora and fauna, with over 200 species of coral. The ocean-has a great variety of fish, grey reef sharks, dolphins, butterflyfish, parrotfish, surgeonfish, Vermillion rock cod, giant leatherback turtles, moray eels, lionfish, scorpionfish... and the list goes on.

There are historical and archaeological records which indicate the Maldives have been inhabited for well over 5,000 years. The Maldives is a free independent country.

Getting There Many major airlines fly to the Maldives. It is 11 hours flying time from London, one hour from Colombo and around four hours from Dubai, Karach'i, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.

Entry All visitors must have a valid passport. For visitors from yellow fever infected areas, an international certificate of inoculation is required. No visa is required in advance. A tourist visa of 30 days will be issued to all visitors with valid travel documents. All Visitors who enter the Maldives should be in possession of a return air ticket and at least US$30 ,per intended day of stay.

It is advisable that all visitors have confirmed hotel reservations before arrival.

Language Divehi is the official language of the Maldives, and English is the working language used-by the government offices and within the tourism industry.

Climate The Maldives enjoys a warm tropical climate all year round with temperatures varying from 33 .3°C to 26.3°C. The annual rainfall is around 29 cm. This is a destination that is always in season.

Time The Maldives is five hours ahead, of Greenwich Mean Time, and half an hour behind India and Sri Lanka.

Currency The Maldivian currency is Rufiyaa (RF) which is divided into 100 Laari (L). Coins in use are 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, 50 Laari and one Rufiyaa. The notes in denominations of 2, 5;10, 20, 50, 100 and 500 Rufiyaas.

Dress Light cotton cloth-es are recommended when you visit local islands.