The Maldives is a separate state, consisting territorially of scattered land areas. They are not part of another country, but have an independent status. The state has become famous for its islands with white beaches, unique nature and resorts with a high level of service.
What the Maldives looks like - a map of the islands with a detailed description is presented below.
Where are the Maldives islands on the world map
The Maldives is one of the countries located on the equator. The territory of the state is located between the South and North Poles. It washes the atoll-islands of the Indian Ocean between the continents of Asia and Africa. The state is located near Sri Lanka and the Hindustan Peninsula. To the southwest are the Seychelles Islands. Crossed by the equatorial waters of the island of Fuvahmulah, which is home to rare species of birds and other animals not found on other land areas of the Maldives. The border also passes through Addu, Gaafa Dhaala and Gaafa Alif atolls.
The total area of the Maldives is 90,000 sq.m., all of them are surrounded by the waters of the Indian Ocean. The state has 1,196 coral islands with a length of more than 1,000 km. They are united into 26 “atolls,” so named because of the peculiarities of their formation. Most of them have a home reef to protect them from destruction by water, others have an external one, which allows them to maintain the territory unchanged.
There is a version according to which the atolls were formed from extinct volcanoes, since the islands inside them are shaped like a circle.
The islands of the Maldives on the world map are viewed on Google maps in two modes: Satellite - satellite photos from Space, Earth - with the option to search for a specific atoll, hotel or city.
A map of the Maldives islands with designation is available in the Hybrid function with highway numbers, public transport stops, administrative buildings, hotel names and infrastructure.
Maldives: map of islands with hotels
A special feature of the Maldives is that almost every island is occupied by a separate hotel. This creates the impression of complete isolation from the world and solitude. The business center - the capital of Male - is also located on separate islands of natural origin: South Male and Kaafu.
Only 10 atolls of the Maldives are inhabited:
- Faadhihpolhu - Lhaviyani (Laviana);
- Maalhosmadulu Dhekunuburi- Baa ( Baa);
- Maalhosmadulu Uthuruburi - Raa ( Raa);
- Ari(Alif-Alif) - Alifu(Ari) Vaavu(To Felid) - Vaavu(Felidhu);
- Nilandhe Atholhu Uthuruburi - Faafu (Faafu);
- Meemu(Mulak) - Meemu(Mulak);
- Nilandhe Atholhu Dhekunuburi - Dhaalu(Daalu);
- Seenu(Addu) - Addu(Siena).
There is virtually no local life on the atolls, but the best hotel complexes are based on them: Gaafu Alifu , Haa Alifu, Gaafu Dhaalu, Gnaviyani, Nyavinani, Seenu, Haa Dhaalu , Laamu, Shaviyani (Noonu) and Thaa.
The local names of the atolls are very complex, so it is customary to use abbreviated names.
It is quite difficult to show the islands of the Maldives on a map, since the land areas are very small and difficult to distinguish. When you zoom in on Google Maps, the islands stretching out in a chain from north to south are clearly visible.
And this is the Maldives - a world map in Russian. It is very easy to understand where you are going to go or where you are along the route.
The Maldives are probably the most remote corner of Asia, but despite this, hundreds of thousands of tourists from all over the world fly there every year to enjoy a holiday in this exotic paradise. Be prepared that in the Maldives you will be greeted by the warm Indian Ocean with clear water (in which you will see amazingly beautiful corals), as well as snow-white sandy beaches surrounded by groves of coconut palms and fruit trees.
Geography of the Maldives
The island nation of Maldives is located in the Indian Ocean about 700 km southwest of Sri Lanka and 400 km from India. The Maldives covers an area of 26 atolls. The total area of this country, including all the islands (and there are more than a hundred of them) is 298 km.
There are no mountains in the Maldives. In general, the highest point of the Maldives does not exceed 2.4 meters. Also, there are no rivers or lakes in the Maldives.
Capital
The capital of the Maldives is Male, which is now home to more than 100 thousand people. Male was built in the Middle Ages as the residence of the Maldivian Sultan.
Official language of the Maldives
The official language of the Maldives is Dhivehi, which belongs to the Indo-Iranian branch of the Indo-European language family.
Religion
The majority of the population of the Maldives is Sunni Muslim.
Government of the Maldives
According to the current Constitution, the Maldives is a parliamentary republic. Its head is the President, who has been elected for a 5-year term since 2008. The President appoints the Prime Minister and members of the Cabinet of Ministers.
The parliament in the Maldives is unicameral - the People's Majlis. Mejlis deputies are also elected for a 5-year term (their number may vary).
Climate and weather
The climate in the Maldives is subequatorial monsoon. There are two monsoon periods - the northeast monsoon (dry season) from November to March and the southwest monsoon (rainy season) from June to August. In other words, the dry season in the Maldives lasts from November to April (March and April are the hottest months of the year), and the wet season lasts from May to early November.
The air temperature in the Maldives ranges from +23C to +33C, and tends closer to +30C.
Air temperature in the Maldives (average):
January - +27C
- February - +28C
- March - +29C
- April - +29C
- May - +28C
- June - +28C
- July - +28C
- August - +28C
- September - +27C
- October - +27C
- November - +27C
- December - +27C
Ocean
The shores of the Maldives are washed by the Indian Ocean. The sea temperature near the Maldives ranges from +24C to +33C, so you can swim there all year round.
History of the Maldives
The Maldives were formed 65 million years ago as a result of the eruption of underwater volcanoes. The first people appeared in the Maldives 4 thousand years ago (these were sailors sailing the Indian Ocean). The Maldives were inhabited by people from Sri Lanka and India, and later by Arabs.
Around the middle of the 12th century, Islam began to spread in the Maldives.
Since the mid-16th century, Europeans (Portuguese, Dutch and English) made numerous attempts to colonize the Maldives. Eventually, in 1887, the Maldives came under British protectorate.
It was not until 1965 that the Maldives gained independence.
Culture
The culture of the people of the Maldives has been greatly influenced by Indian culture, as well as Islam. Since Islam is the main religion in the Maldives, it is understandable that local residents celebrate all Muslim holidays (Eid al-Fitr and Kuda-Eid).
In addition, the Maldives also has national holidays - Independence Day (July 26) and Republic Day.
Kitchen
The cuisine of the Maldives was formed under the influence of Indian and Arab culinary traditions. The main foods are fish (mainly tuna), rice, seafood, vegetables, and, of course, spices (due to the proximity of Sri Lanka and India). In addition, it is impossible to imagine Maldivian cuisine without coconut.
Coconut is the main ingredient in most local desserts. Residents of the Maldives often make various sweet puddings.
The main non-alcoholic drinks are tea, to which milk and sugar are added, as well as coffee, palm juice and sweet milk.
Residents of the Maldives make a low-alcohol drink from fermented palm milk.
If you don't like Maldivian cuisine, the restaurant of any local hotel will offer a variety of international dishes.
Sights of the Maldives
The Maldives is a small island nation located on 26 atolls. The largest of them is Male, whose population exceeds 100 thousand people. It is clear that there are very few attractions in the Maldives. However, there are places in this country that are still worth visiting.
To introduce the history of the Maldives, we recommend that tourists visit the Male National Museum. It contains artifacts representing all eras of the history of the Maldives. This museum is part of the Royal Palace, built in the 17th century.
Check out the Hukuru Miskiy Mosque in Male. It was built in 1656. The interior of the mosque is famous for its wood carvings. One of its panels was carved in the 13th century to commemorate the introduction of Islam in the country.
Cities and resorts
The largest city in the Maldives is its capital Male, which is now home to more than 100 thousand people.
The Republic of Maldives is located on 26 small atolls. Each atoll usually has one hotel. Please note that some hotels specialize in spa services, combining Asian and European spa programs.
The white sandy beaches of the Maldives are considered to be some of the best in the world. The Maldivian Islands are literally “drowning” in corals. Therefore, we recommend that tourists in those places where coral reefs come close to the shore swim in special sandals.
You should know that you can only be topless on the beaches of the Maldives on one island - Kuramati. Drinking alcohol on the beaches is also prohibited.
The legislation of the Republic of Maldives prohibits the collection of corals and any marine fauna.
Perhaps the best beach in the Maldives is in South Ari Atoll. We are talking about Nalaguraidhoo beach. Also check out the beaches on Banyan Tree Island, Nika and Cocoa Island.
The Maldives is considered an excellent place for diving. This is quite expected, given the presence of a huge amount of corals and amazingly beautiful underwater world in this region.
Souvenirs/shopping
After a holiday in the Maldives, tourists usually bring home folk art products, bright local fabrics, rugs with original patterns, black coral jewelry, and stamps. Make sure that the souvenirs you buy are actually made in the Maldives, and not in Thailand or Indonesia.
Office hours
This question is asked by those who have already bought the long-awaited one or are just going to look for tickets and prepare for the trip. Everyone has heard about this stunning resort, the leader among the giants of beach holidays, and have probably seen photos from the best beaches and hotels more than once. The Maldives are 8.5 hours away by direct flight from Moscow to Male. This island nation is located in South Asia in the middle of the Indian Ocean near the equator. It is this geographical location of the Maldives and the equatorial climate that provide excellent weather for a beach holiday all year round in any season.
To choose the best hotel, it is worth understanding where the Maldives are, where the capital Male and the international airport are located, and where you will go on vacation. I hope I have already convinced you of the importance of understanding the geographical location of the Maldives? Then let's go!
The geography of the Maldives is so interesting that when you start studying it, you immediately understand why the widespread “lostness” of the Maldives is not accidental. They are so small that they are practically invisible on a geographical map. And many people often don't know what the Maldives is. Some of them quite seriously think that this is not a whole country, but one small island (for example, as part of Chile) with magnificent beaches and hotels.
Where is Male
Male(Male) is the capital of the Republic of Maldives. Male is located in the very center of the country on a fairly large and densely populated island. It is part of the North Male Atoll (Kaafu). Thousands of tourists fly to the Maldives every day at Male International Airport (its code is MLE), located on the island of Hulule, neighboring the capital.
Good to know:
- See cheap flights to Male follow the link →
- A ready-made tour to the Maldives can be selected on the website
Male City is the financial, administrative and transport center of the Maldives. It is home to many significant cultural attractions, modern hospitals, shops, restaurants, banks and a post office.
Male Island It is connected to many of the inhabited islands in the Maldives by various means of transport - ferries, speedboats and local air travel by conventional aircraft and seaplanes.
Male on the world map
Where are the Maldives resort islands?
Not all islands in the Maldives are inhabited. Of the nearly 1,200 individual islands, only about 200 are inhabited or used as resorts. The Maldives are located both south and north of the capital Male. Some of them can be reached by speedboat or ferry, while others are located so far away that tourists fly to them either by seaplane (air taxi) or by regular domestic flights.
If you have already chosen your hotel, then on the map of the atolls you can understand where it is approximately located (see map). And for those who are still choosing, it will be interesting to keep in mind:
- The closest resort island to the airport in the Maldives is a famous hotel Kurumba. It is very popular among Russian tourists, and for good reason, because the holiday there, judging by the reviews, is simply magnificent!
- The furthest island in the south where the local population lives is Gan(Addu Atoll). Maldivian Airlines flies there from Male. Near the island of Gan there is a magnificent resort on the equator. Who hasn't dreamed of relaxing right under the sun? There is such an opportunity in the Maldives. Look at Villingili Island Shangri-La.
- The most distant resort from the capital in the Maldives is located in the north of the Maldives archipelago on the island of Manafaru: JA Manafaru
The farthest island in the Maldives is Manafaru
To summarize my article, I hope that now you know exactly where the Maldives is located and what special geographical features are characteristic of this country. Therefore, when you are planning to relax in the Maldives, you will know exactly where you are flying and will never get lost!
- the dream of all beach, sand and water lovers. This place amazes with its tranquility, beauty, and privacy. Tourists in this country spend their days on the beach, feeling the silky white sand while looking out over the clear blue water.
Despite the diversity of the animal world, there are no dangerous, poisonous animals in the country.
The Maldives has an excellent climate with temperatures ranging from +17°C to +32°C all year round. It is impossible to imagine this strange thing without coconuts, fish and rice, as well as various types of spices. In each establishment, tourists are offered national dishes such as “hikimas”, “rihaukuru”, and “kuli borkiba” pies. And many hotels offer such entertainment as allowing tourists to catch their own dinner! Peace of mind and harmony are guaranteed in this place. They often say about the Maldives: This is heaven on earth!
Maldives on the world map
Below is an interactive map of the Maldives in Russian from Google. You can move the map left and right, up and down with the mouse, and also change the scale of the map using the “+” and “-” icons, which are located at the bottom on the right side of the map, or using the mouse wheel. In order to find out where the Maldives are located on the world map, use the same method to reduce the map scale even further.
In addition to the map with the names of objects, you can look at the Maldives from a satellite if you click on the “Show satellite map” switch in the lower left corner of the map.
Below is another map of the Maldives. You can print it out and take it with you on the road.
You have been presented with the most basic and detailed maps of the Maldives, which you can always use to search for an object of interest to you or for any other purposes. Have a nice trip!
Detailed information about the Maldives, the location of the islands on the world map, how to get to them, whether a visa is needed, what prices, which hotels to choose and how to book. And also everything about types of recreation for complete Maldivian relaxation, information about national dishes, climate, weather, currency and Maldivians
The coast of the Indian Ocean with its picturesque atolls - Maldives. Beautiful nature, top-class hotels, beaches that are impossible to take in with your eyes. The Maldives is the best exotic holiday for tourists who want to swim in the Indian Ocean. Lagoons with blue shimmering atolls, golden sandy beaches, exotics, beautiful flora and fauna, and most importantly, high-class hotels with excellent service.
Not everyone can afford to go to the Maldives, as the prices here are not low. The tours are not cheap. But having paid so much money, tourists are usually completely satisfied.
Maldives- this is a paradise for maniac divers who do not get out of the water for days on end. They don’t care where or how to live, just to dive. This is also a great place to hold honeymoon. The memories will remain for the rest of your life. This is a place for those who want to completely relax and forget that there is another life somewhere with problems and troubles.
General information about the islands
Where are the Maldives on the world map
The Maldives, located south of the Indian subcontinent, is a magnificent island chain in the Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea, consisting of 26 atolls. The Maldives was once a British colony. Gained independence in 1965.
State capital: Male city
Form of government: The President rules the country. The highest legislative body is the Mejlis.
Religion: Islam
National currency: Rufia
Population: The Maldives has a population of 436,330 in 2017, ranking 175th in the world. The Maldives has a high population density of 1,102 people per square kilometer, making it the 11th most populous country on earth.
Maldives dialing code: +960
Official website of the country: http://www.visitmaldives.com/en
Excellent episode of Heads and Tails about the Maldives
Climate in the Maldives, or when is the best time to go
The Maldives has a subequatorial monsoon climate. All year round the temperature ranges from + 24 to + 30 degrees. The rainy season starts from June and ends in August.
The best time of year to visit the Maldives is during the dry season, which lasts from January to April
Visa and customs regulations
Citizens of the Russian Federation and the CIS are exempt from receiving visas. You just need to apply for medical insurance. Currency import and export without restrictions. The import of alcoholic beverages into the country is prohibited. This also applies to goods purchased at airport stores. There are some restrictions forimport of products: salami sausage and pork. If the cost of the goods is above $200, it must be declared. You cannot carry items for underwater fishing. You cannot export individuals from the country's underwater world. The ban has been lifted only from souvenirs sold legally.
There is no Tax free system in the Maldives
How to get to the islands
The Maldives has one airport at its disposal. It is located at a distance of 2 km. from Male on Hulwle Island.
There are flights from Moscow to the Maldives from airports : Sheremetyevo, Vnukovo, Domodedovo. There are direct and connecting flights. Ticket prices one way: from 240 to 525 US dollars. Travel time without transfers is 8 hours 45 minutes. With transfers up to 13 hours. When departing from the islands, you must pay a fee of 25 USD. Only children under 2 years of age are exempt from the fee.
From Maldives Airport to Male ferries operate, the ticket will cost 15 MVR. For 20 MVR you can by boate get to other Maldives. They fly to very remote islands on seaplanes. Usually all Maldivian tour operators have their representatives at the airport. They meet and dispatch tourists.
Resorts of the Maldives
Capital of the Maldives Male occupies an area of 5.8 square meters. km. Can be considered one of the smallest capitals in the world. Located on the island of the same name, it accommodates a third of the population of the entire country. Arriving travelers are amazed by the views of skyscrapers and highways. The main embankment is also the central street of the capital. Here government buildings, banks and offices various companies. The city is divided by a park with piers. On one side is the presidential pier. On the other hand, ferries depart to the airport. But all around there is a real paradise of exotic islands, to which tourists go. All other islands are for rent.
Islands, their features and what makes them remarkable
The best entertainment on the islands is diving. The beauty of the seabed and clear water attracts a huge number of fans of this sport. The main areas of the islands have not yet been developed. Only 28 of them were turned into expensive resorts.
Ari Atoll
They treat tourists very carefully here. There is plenty to do: windsurfing, snorkeling, water skiing, canoeing, catamarans, boat diving, scooter riding and diving.
Vaavu
There are a huge number of small islands, but only 5 of them are accessible for tourism. Population - 2000 people. The archipelago is untouched nature and an amazing underwater world. Here you can watch stingrays, see reef sharks, hammerhead fish and many other representatives of the underwater world. All these pristine delights attract a large influx of tourists.
Laviani
An amazingly beautiful atoll. A great place for scuba diving. Reef protrusions from the water are overgrown with coral formations. Ocean water abounds with tropical fish. You can see moray eels and large sharks. These are 63 small islands. Its length is 30 km. There are 2 hotels here, a small hotel and a luxury hut. Wealthy tourists like to spend their holidays here.
Miimu
Miimu - size in length - 47 km. Fabulously beautiful and almost uninhabited. The silver surface of the ocean, green islands, amazing customs, very tasty food. Miimu is shaped like a shark's jaws when they are open. There are a huge number of places on it where no human has ever set foot. This naturally attracts lovers of active tourism. Despite some wild nature, it is fully equipped to receive tourists. There is everything here, including a diving center.
Shiinu Atoll
Siinu Atoll is almost the equator. Includes a large number of coral islands. Six islands are inhabited. They are connected to the ocean by straits. There was once a naval base here.
Gan Island
Gan Island is famous for its airport with daily flights to the capital.
Hithadhoo Island
Hithadhoo Island, which is the second largest city, has a highway. This is an unprecedented rarity for the island.
Matirah
Matheerah is a skeleton with an ancient mausoleum containing a sacred tomb. Sufi Muslim pilgrims come here. “Noble” - that’s what they call it in the Maldives.
Oh well
The hotels located here can be reached by seaplane. This will take about 45 minutes. There is clean water, amazing flora and fauna. There are a lot of reef rocks, it is better to dive with an instructor.
Male
Locations of 3 luxury hotels. The island is not big, there are not many places to visit with excursions. This is understandable, since people come here on vacation. But there is something and it needs to be seen. Click on the name Male, where we tell you a lot more about the capital!
Good Friday Mosque- main attraction. The golden domed mosque is visible when the plane lands. Orthodox Christians are allowed entry. Women need special clothing. If you go up to the second floor you need to take off your shoes. Historical National Museum located in a beautiful building. The exhibits in the museum include personal belongings of the sultans, outfits, jewelry, coral sculptures, and weapons.
Closed-code monument to tsunami victims. Erected in memory of the victims of the prices in 2004. It is a spiral wrapping around a stele. Very reminiscent of DNA molecules, which are characterized as something eternal and living. So the sculptor wanted to show that people remember the dead and they are always alive in their hearts. They mourn for them. Friday old mosque erected on the remains of the foundation of the pagan temple. Its architectural design is an interweaving of Hinduism and Islamism. At the entrance there is a minaret shaped like a lighthouse. The sultans and their entourage are buried nearby. Everyone is allowed in, just not during prayer. The mosque blocks are made of corals that fit perfectly together. No type of mortar was used during construction. This causes genuine amazement!
Timu Palace. The place where the country's first sultan was born. In 1986 it was restored and opened to the public. It is a place of pilgrimage for local nationalists.
National Maldivian cuisine
Tourists coming to the Maldives eat fish with rice and sauce. Rarely do people decide to try traditional Maldivian cuisine. Such an experience can be an excursion to the capital of the country, where you can try national dishes of local cuisine in restaurants. Fish is the main dish in the Maldives. This is not surprising when you consider that the entire island is an ocean.
Most of all, the islanders love tuna. This is their main dish. It can be fresh, boiled, dried, dried, smoked or canned. There is no gas in the houses here. Cooked on wood-fired stoves. To prevent smoke from entering the house, the kitchen is located separately from the main living space.
It is hardly worth listing the names of local dishes. You won't remember them anyway. Let's focus on the main products from which these dishes are prepared. This is coconut, onion, chili, lime juice, maize, salt, flour. Various types of flatbreads and fillings are very popular here. The products we listed above are placed inside, the dough is pinched and baked, just as we bake pies in a frying pan.
They love tuna broth here. Tourists enjoy eating it as a first course. The islanders use this broth when stewing rice, to which they also add coconut milk, lime, chili and onions. The diet of local residents here also includes concentrated tuna paste. It is used to prepare dishes from already cooked rice. This dish is called here - rihaakuru. You can buy it ready-made in the store and try it by spreading it on bread. That is, make yourself a sandwich.
There is a dish here that is prepared from dried fish and curry sauce. It's terribly spicy. Rice is also a staple food. Breadfruit is also used. Breadfruit is sliced, fried and considered a snack. Taro and sweet potato are local vegetables. They are also widely used in the local diet. Chicken - this should already be some kind of big celebration: a wedding, a religious holiday.
Meals in the Maldives are traditional - thinly sliced nuts, betel leaves, and paste are served. You just need to chew all this. Locals believe that this chewing aids digestion. This is such a simple food. For us, this is just the ideal diet. Anyone who wants to lose weight, go to the Maldives. This diet, plus swimming, lying in the sun, traveling around the country, snorkeling and the kilograms disappeared.
Local drinking water, by our standards, is not suitable for drinking, so buy purified drinking water.
Some drinks in the Maldives are locally made. Coca-Cola is produced here by purifying sea water using special equipment. They also produce their own mineral water. If you want something stronger, you can only afford it in bars at resorts. Alcohol is not sold in stores. You will also be pleased here with the food that we are all accustomed to.
Based on all of the above, the Maldives can be safely classified as a paradise for relaxation; any person who loves beach holidays and solitude with nature absolutely needs to go there.
Video review from tourists about their trip to the Maldives
