Facts and figures

Location: South West of Sri Lanka, on the equator.

Geography: Formed above peaks emerging from the depths of the ocean, upon layers of both living and dead coral, and remnants of other marine life, most of the islands are covered with dense tropical vegetation. Coconut palms towering above dense shrubs and hardy plants protecting the shores from erosion are natural features on most islands. The smaller islands and sandbanks under formation are also wonders in themselves. They embody living entities in various stages of formation, interdependent elements in a food chain in which birds, fish, and other marine life co-exist. Humans form the apex, as caretakers.

Out of a total of 1190 islands, 200 are inhabited, and 88 are set aside for exclusive tourist resort development. Measuring 820 kilometers north to south and 120 kilometers east to west at its greatest width, the closest neighbors are India and Sri Lanka.

Climate: Generally warm and humid, the sun shines all year through. Average temperature is around 29 - 32 degrees Celsius.

What to wear: Dress is generally casual, and T-shirts and cotton clothing are most suitable. In Male', the capital island, and in other inhabited islands, it is recommended that you wear modest, non-revealing clothes.

Population: This is about 0.3 million, according to the 1997 estimate. The origin of the Moldavians is lost in antiquity, but history reveals that the islands have been populated for more than 5,000 years. According to some observers, travelers who explored the world in reed ships discovered the islands.

Culture: A proud history and rich culture evolved from the time of the first settlers, who were from various parts of the world and came here while traveling the seas in ancient times. The Maldives has been a melting pot of different cultures as people from different parts of the world came here and settled down. Some of the local music and dance, for instance, show African influences, with the beating of drums, and songs in a language that is not known to any, but certainly represents that of East African countries. As one would expect, there is great South Asian influence in some of the music and dancing and especially in the traditional food of the Moldavians. However, many of the South Asian customs, especially with regard to women - for instance the Indian tradition of secluding women from public view - are not tenets of life here. In fact, women play a major role in society - not surprising considering the fact that men spend the whole day out at sea, fishing. Many of the traditions are strongly related to the seas and the fact that life is dependent on the seas around us.