Facts and figures

Language: ‘Dhivehi’ is the native language of the Maldives. However, English is widely spoken throughout the country, and in the resorts, a variety of languages including English, German, Italian, French and Japanese are spoken by the staff.

Economy: The Maldivian economy has been growing at an annual average of over 10 percent during the past two decades. Tourism, the main industry, contributes close to 20 percent of the GDP, and traditional fisheries and trade follow close behind. The Maldivian economy is regarded as exemplary in the region, and welcomes foreign investment. Per capita income for 1997 was recorded at US$ 900.00.

Currency: The Maldivian currency is the ‘Rufiyaa’, with an exchange rate of 11.72 to the US Dollar (1999). The Rufiyaa comes in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 500. The smaller denomination of the currency is called the Laaree and one Rufiyaa is equivalent to 100 Laarees. The US Dollar is the most commonly used foreign currency; however, payments in the resorts can be made in most hard currency, Travelers’ Cheques, or credit cards. Commonly used credit cards are American Express, Visa, Master Card, Diners Club, and JCB.

Education: The functional literacy rate is 98 per cent. Educational standards are among the highest in the region, and schools follow the British education system.

Health: Health care facilities are continually improving. The Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital in Male' is the biggest hospital in the country, providing sophisticated medical care. Additionally, ADK Hospital is the biggest private health care provider, and follows high medical standards; experienced European doctors work at the AMDC Clinic; and some resorts have an in-house doctor. Decompression chambers are within reach of most resorts in case of a diving emergency.

Local time: GMT +5 hours.

Business hours: These are from Sunday to Thursday 7:30 - 14:30 in the government sector, and generally from 9:00 - 5:00 in the private sector. Friday and Saturday constitute the weekend.

Communication: Up-to-date technology and international satellite links allow Maldives to have a sophisticated communications system. IDD facilities are available on all resorts, and card phone facilities are available on all islands. ‘Dhiraagu’, the Maldives telecommunications company, and an affiliate of Cable and Wireless, of Britain, provides mobile telephones for rental on a daily basis. Dhiraagu is also the Internet Service Provider.