MALDIVES AN NITRODUCTION
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NOTE 01
NOTE 02
MALDIVES
RESORTS OF MALDIVES
Slide_show
The Maldivian archipelago located 300 miles southwest of the southern tip of India and 450 miles west of Sri Lanka is a beautiful string of 1,1 90 low-lying coral islands scattered across the equator in the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean, giving us a rare glimpse of what is aptly described as a tropical paradise. Just consider this - sparkling white sun-kissed beaches; crystal-clear lagoons studded with profusely-coloured corals; azure warm seas with an undisturbed, exotic marine life; palm-fringed islands; the pervading serenity; all of it summarised by the famous Moroccan traveler Ibn Battuta on describing Maldives as "One of the wonders of the world".
There are also indications that the Maldives, being on an important trade route, was settled by people from all over the world. This leaves the origins of the people enshrined in mystery. However, the main stock of the Maldivian people, as seen from physical features and supported by historical evidence of migration, are predominantly Aryan or Dravidian.
Throughout the Maldives a language which belongs to the Indo-Iranian group, Dhivehi, is spoken. It shows a strong Arabic influence. Dhivehi written from right to left is the official language of the country. As a second working language, English is widely used in government offices. Other foreign languages, however, are widely used within the tourism industry. Foreign languages, mainly English, are also frequently used in commerce.
The Maldives has been an independent country, except for a brief period of 15 years and 6 months of Portuguese rule in the middle of the 16th century. Between 1887 and 1965, the Maldives was a British protectorate though Britain did not interfere with the internal affairs of the country.
Maldives regained her full sovereignty in 1965. The newly independent country changed from a sultanate to a republic on 11 November 1968.
The Sun, the Sand and the Sea. These are just the three simple realities beckoning tourists from far and wide to these little islets, giving as a result, a glorious sense of happiness and proving to be a heavenly getaway from the world and its worries. The Maldives teaches the visitors the pleasurable art of doing nothing, simply lazing around and enjoying some of the most spectacular and colourful vistas offered by Nature. No wonder then that tourists flock in large numbers to the 70-odd self-contained island resorts provided with all the comforts and warmth exuded by traditional Maldivian hospitality. Which is why Maldives is considered to be the ultimate destination, the future world for holiday-makers.
THE origins of the Maldivians are lost in history. Archaeological finds indicate that the islands were inhabited as early as 1500 BC, and there are tales of a legendary people called the Redin who may have been among the earliest of explorers. Attempts to investigate the origins of human settlement have been difficult, as little or no data exists and there is a lack of facilities or personnel to carry out research among a group of widely distributed islands. It is believed that permanent settlements were established around 500 BC by Aryan immigrants from the Indian subcontinent.
The early Maldivians were probably Buddhists or Hindus migrating from the Indian subcontinent. However, the archaeologist Thor Heyerdahl has stated that some of the figures unearthed from ancient mounds bore a striking resemblance to figures he had investigated on Easter Island in the Pacific Ocean, almost twelve time zones away. He has added to the theories of the origins of the Maldivians and a book has been published on his findings. These theories are a matter of controversy and it can be said that the solution to The Maldive Mystery is still many years away.
Since the Maldives is located along the ancient marine trade routes from the West to the East, it was inevitable that early explorers and traders found themselves stopping either willingly (for supplies) or unwillingly (as a result of shipwrecks on the many reefs), and their influence can be seen to this day. Their records serve as a useful guide to the history of these islands. Among these travellers were the Chinese historian Ma Huan and the famous Arab traveller Ibn Batuta. It is known that Maldivians themselves ventured far beyond their shores, for Pliny records that Maldivian emissaries bore gifts for the Roman Emperor.
As trade along the sea routes blossomed, the Maldives became an important stop for Arab traders on the way to the Far East, and along with these traders came the influence of Islam. The legend of the conversion to Islam remains a popular tale and a matter of recent controversy. It is believed that a Moroccan traveller, Abu Barakaat Yusuf al-Barbary was responsible for this conversion, but another version credits Sheikh Yusuf Shamsuddin of Tabriz, a renowned scholar, for this deed.
From very early times, these islands were famous for two products, the money cowrie cyprea moneta and Maldive Fish. The cowrie was prized as a form of currency in many areas of the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent, and the maldives was the Mint of the region. Large quantities of the cowrie were exported all over the world, and traders would call over to collect shiploads in exchange for rice, spices and luxury items. Maldive Fish was produced by boiling, smoking, curing and drying tuna to yield a nutritious, ebony-coloured and textured fillet with astonishing keeping qualities. It was an ideal source of protein for carrying on long sea voyages, and its rarity made it a prized delicacy in most of the Indian subcontinent, where it is a major ingredient in many dishes.
The importance of the Maldives to early explorers in the 16th and 17th centuries can be seen in the grossly exaggerated size of the islands in relation to nearby Sri Lanka and India on maps of the time. The tranquility of the islands was often disturbed by pirates and the superpowers of the day. A Portuguese invasion resulted in their capture of the Maldives for a period of fifteen years after which they were overthrown by a mixture of early guerilla tactics and the difficulty of logistical support for the occupying forces. Events around this time are recounted by the French sailor Francois Pyrard de Laval, who was shipwrecked in the Maldives in 1602 and lived there for five years.
With the growth of British influence with the expansion of their Empire, the Maldives became a British protectorate, in an unusual arrangement where the British ensured the defence of the islands yet were not involved in any way with the running of the country. The close relationships with the British ensured a period of peace and freedom from foreign interference. During the Second World War, The British had forward bases in the north and south of the archipelago and, in 1957, the RAF established a base in Gan in the south. This airbase closed in 1976.
The Maldives became a fully independent nation on July 26, 1965, and a Republic on November 11, 1968.
The early Maldivians were probably Buddhists or Hindus migrating from the Indian subcontinent. However, the archaeologist Thor Heyerdahl has stated that some of the figures unearthed from ancient mounds bore a striking resemblance to figures he had investigated on Easter Island in the Pacific Ocean, almost twelve time zones away. He has added to the theories of the origins of the Maldivians and a book has been published on his findings. These theories are a matter of controversy and it can be said that the solution to The Maldive Mystery is still many years away.
Since the Maldives is located along the ancient marine trade routes from the West to the East, it was inevitable that early explorers and traders found themselves stopping either willingly (for supplies) or unwillingly (as a result of shipwrecks on the many reefs), and their influence can be seen to this day. Their records serve as a useful guide to the history of these islands. Among these travellers were the Chinese historian Ma Huan and the famous Arab traveller Ibn Batuta. It is known that Maldivians themselves ventured far beyond their shores, for Pliny records that Maldivian emissaries bore gifts for the Roman Emperor.
As trade along the sea routes blossomed, the Maldives became an important stop for Arab traders on the way to the Far East, and along with these traders came the influence of Islam. The legend of the conversion to Islam remains a popular tale and a matter of recent controversy. It is believed that a Moroccan traveller, Abu Barakaat Yusuf al-Barbary was responsible for this conversion, but another version credits Sheikh Yusuf Shamsuddin of Tabriz, a renowned scholar, for this deed.
From very early times, these islands were famous for two products, the money cowrie cyprea moneta and Maldive Fish. The cowrie was prized as a form of currency in many areas of the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent, and the maldives was the Mint of the region. Large quantities of the cowrie were exported all over the world, and traders would call over to collect shiploads in exchange for rice, spices and luxury items. Maldive Fish was produced by boiling, smoking, curing and drying tuna to yield a nutritious, ebony-coloured and textured fillet with astonishing keeping qualities. It was an ideal source of protein for carrying on long sea voyages, and its rarity made it a prized delicacy in most of the Indian subcontinent, where it is a major ingredient in many dishes.
The importance of the Maldives to early explorers in the 16th and 17th centuries can be seen in the grossly exaggerated size of the islands in relation to nearby Sri Lanka and India on maps of the time. The tranquility of the islands was often disturbed by pirates and the superpowers of the day. A Portuguese invasion resulted in their capture of the Maldives for a period of fifteen years after which they were overthrown by a mixture of early guerilla tactics and the difficulty of logistical support for the occupying forces. Events around this time are recounted by the French sailor Francois Pyrard de Laval, who was shipwrecked in the Maldives in 1602 and lived there for five years.
With the growth of British influence with the expansion of their Empire, the Maldives became a British protectorate, in an unusual arrangement where the British ensured the defence of the islands yet were not involved in any way with the running of the country. The close relationships with the British ensured a period of peace and freedom from foreign interference. During the Second World War, The British had forward bases in the north and south of the archipelago and, in 1957, the RAF established a base in Gan in the south. This airbase closed in 1976.
The Maldives became a fully independent nation on July 26, 1965, and a Republic on November 11, 1968.
Important Dates
Important Dates
400 BC Buddhist Kingdom
Discovery of ruined temples on some islands indicate an early Buddhist reign.
1153
Conversion from Buddhism to Islam
Foundation of the first Sultanate
Islam becomes the national religion
The first Sultan of the Maldives was Mohamed Bin Ibnu Abdulla (1141 - 1156, he disappeared during a pilgrimage to Mecca)
1344
Ibnu Batuta, Arabian historian and scholar travelled around the Maldives and worked as a Judge.
1558
The Portuguese capture Male'. Sultan Ali VI falls in battle.
1573
Under the leadership of Mohamed Thakurfaanu and his two brothers, the Maldives frees itself after 15 years of Portuguese rule.
Sultan Thakurufaanu (from 1573 - 1583) is honoured as national hero.
1887
On December 16, 1887 the Sultan of the Maldives signs a Protectorate Treaty with England. The Sultan receives protective rights for the Maldives, and is obliged to pay a tribute to the English Crown.
1932
The first written constitution comes into force. (Constitutional Sultanate)
1947
The last tribute payment to England.
1953
January 1 - After 800 years as a Sultanate (between 1153 - 1953), the first Republic is declared. The first President is Mohamed Amin Didi who dies only one year later.
1953, August 21
Return to Sultanate.
1959
Secession of the Southern Atolls and deceleration of the Republic of Suvadhuva.
1965
On July 26, 1965 the Maldives becomes independent and in the same year, a full member of the United Nations.
1968
On November 11, 1968 the second Republic comes into force (Presidential Republic by plebiscite). The first President is Ibrahim Nasir.
1972
The beginnings of tourism came after Hans Hass with his boat Xarifa. Produced the first film on the Maldives, both over and underwater in 1957/58.
1976
Accepted in the group of Non-Aligned States. The British leave the airbase at Gan.
1978
The current President, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom is elected for the first time and is confirmed in office in 1983, 1988 and again in 1993.
1988
Failed attempted coup by Tamil separatists on 3 November 1988. The President asks for foreign support. On the same evening, 1600 Indian parachutists land on the main island and suppress the rebellion.
400 BC Buddhist Kingdom
Discovery of ruined temples on some islands indicate an early Buddhist reign.
1153
Conversion from Buddhism to Islam
Foundation of the first Sultanate
Islam becomes the national religion
The first Sultan of the Maldives was Mohamed Bin Ibnu Abdulla (1141 - 1156, he disappeared during a pilgrimage to Mecca)
1344
Ibnu Batuta, Arabian historian and scholar travelled around the Maldives and worked as a Judge.
1558
The Portuguese capture Male'. Sultan Ali VI falls in battle.
1573
Under the leadership of Mohamed Thakurfaanu and his two brothers, the Maldives frees itself after 15 years of Portuguese rule.
Sultan Thakurufaanu (from 1573 - 1583) is honoured as national hero.
1887
On December 16, 1887 the Sultan of the Maldives signs a Protectorate Treaty with England. The Sultan receives protective rights for the Maldives, and is obliged to pay a tribute to the English Crown.
1932
The first written constitution comes into force. (Constitutional Sultanate)
1947
The last tribute payment to England.
1953
January 1 - After 800 years as a Sultanate (between 1153 - 1953), the first Republic is declared. The first President is Mohamed Amin Didi who dies only one year later.
1953, August 21
Return to Sultanate.
1959
Secession of the Southern Atolls and deceleration of the Republic of Suvadhuva.
1965
On July 26, 1965 the Maldives becomes independent and in the same year, a full member of the United Nations.
1968
On November 11, 1968 the second Republic comes into force (Presidential Republic by plebiscite). The first President is Ibrahim Nasir.
1972
The beginnings of tourism came after Hans Hass with his boat Xarifa. Produced the first film on the Maldives, both over and underwater in 1957/58.
1976
Accepted in the group of Non-Aligned States. The British leave the airbase at Gan.
1978
The current President, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom is elected for the first time and is confirmed in office in 1983, 1988 and again in 1993.
1988
Failed attempted coup by Tamil separatists on 3 November 1988. The President asks for foreign support. On the same evening, 1600 Indian parachutists land on the main island and suppress the rebellion.
People
The current population of the country is 263,189. Over 50 percent of the country's population are youth, and 36 percent are students. 98 percent of the whole population are functionally literate.
The people of the Maldives are sincerely friendly, their smiles are genuinely warm. The accelerating economic growth rate is driving the people to explore new horizons in development. Changes are happening, and the people are moving ahead in the world. However, the simple, self-sufficient and contented life style of the Maldivian islanders still remain as appealing as since when the first mariners began to settle downThe current population of the country is 263,189. Over 50 percent of the country's population are youth, and 36 percent are students. 98 percent of the whole population are functionally literate.
The people of the Maldives are sincerely friendly, their smiles are genuinely warm. The accelerating economic growth rate is driving the people to explore new horizons in development. Changes are happening, and the people are moving ahead in the world. However, the simple, self-sufficient and contented life style of the Maldivian islanders still remain as appealing as since when the first mariners began to settle downThe current population of the country is 263,189. Over 50 percent of the country's population are youth, and 36 percent are students. 98 percent of the whole population are functionally literate.
Location: South West of Sri Lanka, on the equator.
Geography: 1,190 coral reef islands, forming an archipelago of 26 major atolls. Stretches 820 km north to south and 120 km east to west. 200 islands are inhabited, 74 are exclusive resort islands.
Climate: Generally warm and humid. Sun shines all year through. Average temperature around 29 - 32 degrees Celsius.
What to wear: Dress is generally casual. T-shirts and cotton clothing are most suitable. In Male', the capital island, it is recommended that women wear modest clothing without baring too much.
Population: 263,189 people according to the 1997 estimate. Origins of the Maldivians are lost in antiquity, but history reveals that the islands have been populated since 3,000 years ago. Early settlers were travellers on the Silk Route, and from the Indus Valley civilization. Inherently warm, friendly and hospitable by nature, it is to feel comfortable and relaxed with the Maldivians.
Culture: A proud history and rich culture evolved from the time of the first settlers who were from various parts of the world travelling the sea in ancient times.
Language: Dhivehi is the language spoken in all parts of the Maldives. English is widely spoken by the Maldivians, and every visitor can make himself understood when getting around the capital island. In the resorts, a variety of languages are spoken by the staff including English, German, Italian, French and Japanese.
Economy: The Maldives economy is growing at an average of over 10 percent since the past two decades. Tourism is the main industry, contributing close to 20 percent to the GDP. Fisheries and trade follow close behind. The Maldivian economy is regarded as exemplary in the region, and welcomes foreign investment.
Currency: The Maldivian currency is Rufiyas and Laaris. The exchange rate for US Dollars is Rufiya 11.72 for one US Dollar (1998). A Rufiya is equal to 100 laarees (coins). The Rufiyaa comes in denominations of 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 500. The American Dollar is the most common foreign currency. Payments in the resorts can be made in most hard currencies in cash, traveller's cheques or credit cards. The most commonly used credit cards are American Express, Visa, Master Card, Diners Club, JCB and Euro Card.
Education: The functional literacy rate is 98 percent. Educational standards are among the highest in the region, and schools follow the British education system.
Health: Health care facilities are improving on a daily basis. The Indhira Gandhi Memorial Hospital in Male' is the biggest hospital in the country providing sophisticated medical care. ADK Hospital is the biggest private health care facility, 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: From Sunday to Thursday 7:30 - 14:30 in the government sector, and generally from 9:00 to 17:00 in the private sector. Weekend falls on Friday and Saturday
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, an affiliate of the British Cable and Wireless Company, provides mobile telephones for rental on a daily basis. Dhiraagu is also the Internet service provider.
Air Transport : Apart from international flights operated by South Africa, Malaysia, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Singapore, the U.A.E., and a number of European countries to and from Malé International Airport (Tel : 322073), there are also regular domestic flights operated by Air Maldives to Hanimaadhoo, Kadhdhoo, Kaadhedhdhoo, and Gan. Inter-island services are operated by Hummingbird Helicopters and the Maldivian Air Taxi, the latter having the largest air fleet. Sight-seeing trips, photo-shooting trips, and medevac operations are also carried out by them.
Road Transport : Travel on most of the islands takes no more than half-an-hour on foot. Bicycles and motorbikes are popular modes of transport. Taxis are unmetered, charging Rf 15, if hailed on the road or Rf 10, if called on phone from the taxi services, (325656, 323132, etc.).
Water Transport : Local boats, or dhoanis (average speed 7 knots), are the most common means of water transport. One can make use of the regular ferry service operating between Male'© and the International Airport, two kilometers to the east on the Hulule Island. Modern speedboats are also available for hire.
Geography: 1,190 coral reef islands, forming an archipelago of 26 major atolls. Stretches 820 km north to south and 120 km east to west. 200 islands are inhabited, 74 are exclusive resort islands.
Climate: Generally warm and humid. Sun shines all year through. Average temperature around 29 - 32 degrees Celsius.
What to wear: Dress is generally casual. T-shirts and cotton clothing are most suitable. In Male', the capital island, it is recommended that women wear modest clothing without baring too much.
Population: 263,189 people according to the 1997 estimate. Origins of the Maldivians are lost in antiquity, but history reveals that the islands have been populated since 3,000 years ago. Early settlers were travellers on the Silk Route, and from the Indus Valley civilization. Inherently warm, friendly and hospitable by nature, it is to feel comfortable and relaxed with the Maldivians.
Culture: A proud history and rich culture evolved from the time of the first settlers who were from various parts of the world travelling the sea in ancient times.
Language: Dhivehi is the language spoken in all parts of the Maldives. English is widely spoken by the Maldivians, and every visitor can make himself understood when getting around the capital island. In the resorts, a variety of languages are spoken by the staff including English, German, Italian, French and Japanese.
Economy: The Maldives economy is growing at an average of over 10 percent since the past two decades. Tourism is the main industry, contributing close to 20 percent to the GDP. Fisheries and trade follow close behind. The Maldivian economy is regarded as exemplary in the region, and welcomes foreign investment.
Currency: The Maldivian currency is Rufiyas and Laaris. The exchange rate for US Dollars is Rufiya 11.72 for one US Dollar (1998). A Rufiya is equal to 100 laarees (coins). The Rufiyaa comes in denominations of 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 500. The American Dollar is the most common foreign currency. Payments in the resorts can be made in most hard currencies in cash, traveller's cheques or credit cards. The most commonly used credit cards are American Express, Visa, Master Card, Diners Club, JCB and Euro Card.
Education: The functional literacy rate is 98 percent. Educational standards are among the highest in the region, and schools follow the British education system.
Health: Health care facilities are improving on a daily basis. The Indhira Gandhi Memorial Hospital in Male' is the biggest hospital in the country providing sophisticated medical care. ADK Hospital is the biggest private health care facility, 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: From Sunday to Thursday 7:30 - 14:30 in the government sector, and generally from 9:00 to 17:00 in the private sector. Weekend falls on Friday and Saturday
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, an affiliate of the British Cable and Wireless Company, provides mobile telephones for rental on a daily basis. Dhiraagu is also the Internet service provider.
Air Transport : Apart from international flights operated by South Africa, Malaysia, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Singapore, the U.A.E., and a number of European countries to and from Malé International Airport (Tel : 322073), there are also regular domestic flights operated by Air Maldives to Hanimaadhoo, Kadhdhoo, Kaadhedhdhoo, and Gan. Inter-island services are operated by Hummingbird Helicopters and the Maldivian Air Taxi, the latter having the largest air fleet. Sight-seeing trips, photo-shooting trips, and medevac operations are also carried out by them.
Road Transport : Travel on most of the islands takes no more than half-an-hour on foot. Bicycles and motorbikes are popular modes of transport. Taxis are unmetered, charging Rf 15, if hailed on the road or Rf 10, if called on phone from the taxi services, (325656, 323132, etc.).
Water Transport : Local boats, or dhoanis (average speed 7 knots), are the most common means of water transport. One can make use of the regular ferry service operating between Male'© and the International Airport, two kilometers to the east on the Hulule Island. Modern speedboats are also available for hire.
TIPS AND FACTS:
Hassan Nizar
BY: BOND
