Geography
The Republic of Maldives, about 420 miles south west of Sri Lanka, consists of a chain of 26 natural coral atolls comprising some 1,190 islands. There are 198 islands currently inhabited, 87 of which are tourist resorts. The islands are small: the capital Malé is an area of under 2 square kilometres.

Climate
The Maldives have a hot tropical climate. There are two monsoons, the southwest from May to October and the northeast from November to April. Generally the southwest brings more wind and rain in June and July. The temperature rarely falls below 25°C (77°F). The best time to visit is November to Easter.

Population
There are approximately 270,100 people living in the Maldives, of mixed descent. Malé is home to over one quarter of the total population (27.4%) and the neighbouring island of Viligili with its regular ferry service is now considered one of the districts or wards of Malé. Around 80% of islands have less than 1000 people living on them.

Language
The national language is Dhivehi which derives from languages spoken in Sri Lanka, South East Asia and Northern India. It contains many Arabic, Hindi and English words.

During the 1960s English was adopted for teaching and hence is widely spoken, read and written by locals today.

Currency
Maldivian Rufiyaa, (Short form Mrf / Notes) divided into 100 larees.

Time Difference
Five hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

Visa Requirements
You do not require a Visa prior to arrival in the Maldives . All tourists are granted a free 30 day visa upon arrival providing you have :

- a valid passport
- valid travel documents (usually provided during the inbound flight)
- a return air ticket
- at least USD $50 per day of your stay

Any amount of Foreign currency can be brought in without declaring and can be taken out without any restriction. 

Imports
The following are strictly prohibited and should not be brought into the country :

• Weapons and Gunpowder of any kind. 

• All addictive drugs. (the penalty for importing of such drugs is severe, usually life imprisonment). 

• Spear Gun, Harpoons, or Hazardous Chemicals. 

• All types of Poison and Acids. 

• Dangerous Animals, Dogs Pigs/Pork & Liquor. (It is advised not to purchase Liquor on the Flight to Maldives. If liquor is imported without an official license it should be declared at the customs and will be returned to you on departure. Liquor and Pork products are available at the Resort Hotel for visitors) 

• Pornographic materials in any form. 

• Products made out of Endangered Species. 

Exports
The Maldives have imposed a strict reef conservation policy which prohibits the export of tortoise and turtle shells and products made of turtle shell (the Government has banned the killing of turtles), and black coral in whole form.