History of The Maldives : - Maldives is a small Islamic Island Nation, with its own history , culture and language. There are two periods in the history of the Maldives one is before conversion of Islam and One is after in 1153 AD. The invasion of Maldives is from people of Sri Lanka and South India in 500 BC. The expeditions done by the Buddhist people from Sri Lanka , the Hindus from South India and the Britishers in 1920 - 22. In 1153 the Maldivians Culture and Customs changed into Islam by North African Arab A A Barakat. In 16th century the Portuguese got the permission to build a fort and factory in Male, as this is the more profitable sector in trade routes.The first constitution of Maldives was imposed on Sultan Shamsuddin in 1932. In 1965 Maldives island is known for sovereign and independent sate by the Britishers.
Government & Politics :- The government and parliament is know as Majlis or Citizen in Maldives and which are council members 48. The candidate is elected for 5 years for President and make a nomination , which is put to a national vote.
Foreign Exchange / Currency :- The rufiya ( Rf ) currency is mainly used in Maldives, which is divided into 100 larees. The denominations of notes are 500 , 100 , 50 , 20 10 , 5 and 2 rifiya. Coins are also available in denomination of 2 and one rufiya.
Maldives Population :- Maldives population is around 300,500 in 1999. The annual rate of growth in population is about 3.4%. The population of Male the capital of Maldives is around 65,000.
Religion of Maldives :- The religion of Maldives is Islam and generally people called Muslims. Muslims again divided into two Sunni and Shi'ia. No other religion is permitted or present in the country. There are mosques for men and for women for the prayers.
Language :- Divehi know as Dhivehi is the main and national language of Maldives , which is drived from the Sri Lankan language called Sinhala. English is also spoken by the majority of educated peoples of the country.
Visa :- Valid passport is essential for your stay in Maldives. Visa is not required. Foreigners are given a 30 days visitors permit on arrival in Male. Indian , Pakistani , Bangladesh and Sri Lankan are given a 90 days permit. Approx US$.25 per day is essential for your stay in Male.
Time :- Maldives is 5 Hrs ahead of Greenwich Mean Time and Half hour behind India & Sri Lanka. Two and half hours behind Singapore and 5 hrs behind Australia.
Climate :- There are generally divided into two monsoon periods. The north east monsoon from December to March , which is hot and south west monsoon from May to November which is cold. Beaches are clear and clean water in April and November.
Cities of Maldives :- Maldives is a small island famous for Beach Holidays and Adventure water sports. Places to visit Male , Atolls and small islands around Male.
Restrictions :- All the foreigners must have an Inter - Atoll special permits to visit other islands other than Male. Permits to be taken for Resorts island and uninhabited island out side the tourism zone.
