Location of The Maldives

The Maldives are a group of tiny islands, or atolls, that are stretched across the Indian Ocean for 820 kilometers. It has been said that from the air it looks like a string of pearls scattered over the deep blue ocean.  The closest countries to the Maldives are north of it are India and Sri Lanka. The Maldives is on the equator.

There are about 1,190 separate islands in the Maldives and only 202 of these are inhabited, and 87 of the islands are resort islands. The rest of the islands are uninhabited, some of which are used for drying fish or for agricultural activities. The actual number of islands varies as new islands are always being formed and older ones are being washed away. The highest level on the islands is six feet above sea level.

Atolls

The atolls are rings of coral formations, many of which form paradise perfect lagoons. These are some of the most beautiful tropical islands in the world. And interesting enough, 99% of the country is covered by water. There are ongoing land reclamation projects in progress to increase the amount of space on the island of Male. The atolls are part of a greater structure known as the Laccadives-Chagos Ridge, which stretches over 2000 kilometers. 'Faru' or ring-shaped reef structures form the atolls and these reefs provide natural defense against wind and wave action on these delicate islands.

Male, the Capital

Male, located in the middle of the atoll chain, is the capital of the Maldives and is the centre of trade, commerce, business and health and education. It is the place where almost all visitors will arrive into and leave from the country. Although most visitors don’t spend a night on Male, many visitors take a day trip that has been organized by the resort. Male is fairly small, and you can walk around the island in just a little over an hour.

It is the most densely populated island and to some feels very crowded since it holds about one third of the Maldivian population, about 75,000 people. But while Male, it seems, is simply bursting at the seams, there certainly are no space problems on the other islands.

Male offers a post office, internet access, bookshops, travel agents, and a countless number of eateries and other things you would expect in a capital city.

If you are looking for activities and sights that will give you a hint of the culture, there are a few places you shouldn’t miss.

  Hukuru Miskiiy is a grand structure and the most ancient Islamic mosque in Male and dates back to the 1650’s.

There is also a National Museum that displays objects once owned by the Sultans, such as clothing and weapons. The Muleeaage was originally built as a palace and also has been used as presidential residence in the past.

You’ll find several places for shopping in Male.  Chandanee Magu and Orchid Magu have a cluster of souvenir shops & cafes that are favorites of visitors.

Male doesn’t condone bars or clubs but there are a couple of cinemas (the Star & Olympus on Majeedi Magu). There are also opportunities to catch an outdoor concert at New Harbour.

The National Stadium has regular football and cricket games for those interested in spectator sports.

You can enjoy a wide range of eateries serving many different types of international cuisine in Male. Small tea shops offer non-alcoholic drinks and small snacks or “short eats”, while other tea shops also offer “long eats”, which tend to be larger more filling dishes. There are also several restaurants to choose,.which include cuisines such as Italian, Thai, Indian, American & Chinese. There should be something for even the pickiest eater.