The island nation of Maldives, which constitutes of 1,190 islands lies across the equator in the middle of Indian ocean. These islands which rarely reaches two meter above sea level spreads over an area of 20,000 square kilometers. Maldives has a population of 269,010 living in the 202 inhabited islands. Even though Maldives does not have common borders with any other countries, Sri Lanka and India are it's closest neighbors.

Male' the capital of Maldives, is the commercial center, seat of government and a site of many important historical and religious landmarks. When you look around Male' you can feel the pulse of the Maldives. Male' International Airport is an island naturally set as an airport. It is only a boat ride away 1 mile from the capital island of Male'. The Airport is normally your first destination to the Maldives, from where you will be transported to your final destination island.

Maldives at a Glance

Area: 90,000 sq.kms (1,190 islands)
Geographical Neighbors: India and Sri Lanka (both located northest of Maldives)
Latitude: 07° 06'30" N to 00° 41'48" S.
Longitude: 72° 32'30" E to 73° 45'54" E.
Status: Republic
Population: Approx. 270,000
Capital: Male' (Area: 1.77 sq. kms.)
Airport: Male' International Airport on Hulhule Island, two kilometers east of Male'
Maldives Standard Time: +5 hrs GMT.
Religion: 100% Sunni Muslim.
Language: Dhivehi is national language. English is widely spoken in business sectors.
Literacy Rate: 98.2% (Age group 10-45 yrs)
Temperature: 30.4°C (Mean Max), 25.4°C (Mean Min)
Monsoons: South-West: May-Octorber, North-East: November-April.
Average Annual Rainfall: 1948.2mm
Clothing: Light weight cotton and linens.