REPUBLIC OF MALDIVES

Reason to visit

The highest point of Maldives is just 2.4 meters from the sea-level while the average is 1.5 meters. Reports says that 80% of the Maldives will be disappeared in the water grave if the sea-level rise just 1.5 meters. Currently there are 386,000 inhabitants in Maldives and all of them shall be relocated in India, Srilanka and Australia.

In 2009, the Maldives cabinet held a meeting underwater with the president Mohamed Nasheed to highlight the threat of global warming and rise in sea-level to Maldives. While underwater, they communicated through white boards and hand signals. 

Location

The Maldives archipelago is located on top of the Chagos-Maldives-Laccadive Ridge, a vast submarine mountain range in the Indian Ocean. Maldives also form a terrestrial ecoregion together with the Chagos and the Lakshadweep.The Maldives atolls encompass a territory spread over roughly 90,000 square kilometres (35,000 sq mi), making the country one of the world's most geographically dispersed. Its population of 328,536 (2012) inhabits 192 of its 1,192 islands. In 2006, Maldives' capital and largest city Malé, located at the southern edge of North Malé Atoll, had a population of 103,693. Malé is one of the Maldives' administrative divisions and, traditionally, it was the "King's Island" where the ancient Maldives royal dynasties were enthroned.

The Maldives is the smallest Asian country in both population and land area. With an average ground level elevation of 1.5 metres (4 ft 11 in) above sea level, it is the planet's lowest country. It is also the country with the lowest natural highest point in the world, at 2.4 metres (7 ft 10 in).Forecasts of Maldives' inundation is a great concern for the Maldivian people.

Ways to get there

By air: The international airport is located on the island of Hulhule. There are more than 2 dozens of international schedule flights flying into Maldives from major cities in asia, middle east and Europe. These include SriLankan Airways, Qatar airways, Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Indian Airlines, Balkan, Bulgarian Airlines, LTU, Condor, AOM French, Austrian Airlines and Malaysian Airlines, with some of these airlines flying daily, weekly or twice a week.

Another 14 companies offers regular charters, among them include Britannia Airways, Balair, Monarch Airlines, Lauda Air, Air Europe of Italy, Sterling Airways, Air Holland, South African Airways, Air Tours International connecting the Maldives to many centers of the world.

Things to do

Ten things you must do in the Maldives:

1. Swim with whale sharks or manta rays. The Maldives is one of the few places where you can snorkel alongside these gentle giants. 

2. Visit a traditional Maldivian village to meet the locals.

3. Explore the country’s capital, Malé.

4. Join local fishermen on a deep-sea fishing trip. 

5. Take to the sea on board a dhoni, a traditional wooden sailboat.

6. For the ultimate romantic treat, enjoy a sunset champagne cruise while spotting dolphins and flying fish.

7. Adopt your own coral reef at the Beach House Iruveli.

8. Be a castaway. Most resorts offer the option of time on a deserted island. 

9. Try an invigorating Maldivian massage at the Beach House Iruveli’s De’ Spa complex.

10. Get married. The Maldives is one of the world’s most popular spots to renew vows or have a wedding blessing.