Maldives is a chain of atolls in the Indian Ocean spanning 900 kms

This simple sentence can be the beginning of a brochure. Maldives consists of low lying island with the most magnificent white beaches and sparkling blue seas. The climate is refreshing sunny with an average temperature of 32 degrees Celsius.
Maldives consists of 19 atolls with about 1190 islands. The biggest is 13 km2; and it is just 3 meters above sea level. The group of islands are situated in the Indian Ocean about 770 km southwest of Sri Lanka and 685 of India. The total surface is 289 km2; (with low tide!) and 107,500 km2 water! On the Maldives you can't find lakes, rivers, or mountains, just a nice flat country. The only "mountains" you van find are underwater.

The beginning
The name Maldives comes from the Hindu words ""mahal" (palace) and "Diva" (island). The islands of the Maldives consists of a two rows of atolls. These atolls are the result of thousands of years coral growing. Each year the coral colonies grow 1-4 cm and at least they come to the surface. The inner part of the coral dies and after some (long) time there is a beginning of a lagoon. There is always an opening to the ocean and erosion turns the coral into the nice white sand the beaches are famous for. After a few more years (few hundred perhaps) there is a nice new island. Maldives consists out of 19 atolls and to these atolls belong one or more islands.

History
The first people must have lived on the Maldives before the 9th century. The first ones were probably Buddhist Singhalese who must have been ship wrecked and than set foot on one of the atoll in the 4/5 th century before Christ. Later came Arabs and brought with the Islam. In 1153 the Islam became the official religion. In 1558 there were fights between Indian and Portuguese, to conquer the Maldives. In 1645 the Maldiven people paid taxes to the Dutch in favor for protection. This "relationship" lasted till 1754. Than the Maldives were attacked and the people asked the French for help and the French were allowed to garrison at the Maldives.
In 1887 the British and the Maldives made a protectorate pact. The British promised to protect the Maldives against an enemy. In 1932 the Maldives had their first constitution. In 1953 the first president was a fact. After a coup the Maldives returned to a sultanate.
July 26th 1965 is a very important date in the history of the Maldives. The Maldives became independent. In 1968 the country adopted a Republican constitution, the name was changed from maldive Islands into Republic of Maldives. The republic became member 117 of the United Nations. In 1988 there was a third try to a coup, but this one didn't succeed either.

Religion
The Islam is the state religion. The way of live of the Maldiven people are very much influenced by the Koran. Moslems are not allowed to eat pork and may not drink alcohol. So please do remember when you travel to the Maldives and don't try to import pork or alcohol. On the tourists resort it is possible to buy and drink alcohol.

The rules of the Koran are interpreted on their own way. Men deal with religious and judical affairs. women can't be a judge. women say different p[rayers and have their own mosque. Women are entitled to a job and don't have to wear a burugaa, but nowadays more and more women do. Most tourists resort have a small mosque for the men who work there.

Climate
As the Maldives are situated almost on the equator the is tropic. All year round the temperature is about 28 degrees Celsius. So no cold winters and you can enjoy those lovely temperatures all year. The southwest monsoon (from April - September) and the northeast monsoon (December - April) "make" the weather. The northeast monsoon are responsible for the "hot and dry" season. This is the best time to visit the Maldives. Especially the scuba divers will love the terrific views underwater. The sights are spectacular.
During the southwest monsoon it really can rain cats and dogs. In this time you will notice the advantages of being in the tropics and not in Europe. Though it does rain the temperature will not drop as most Europeans are used to.
For a good impression please take a look at the table. But remember these are the averages. We have been on Embudu in April with almost no rain, and in August with more than average rain. For the transportation from and to the airport is wise to take with you a lightweight rain jacket. Better to be prepared than to be sorry.