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Maldives today

Maldives has been the most sought after beach holiday destination since it started concentrating on developing its resorts to boost tourism. Having suffered a series of natural disasters in the past few years, Maldives is currently enjoying incredible growth again. It has bounced back from major setbacks like the coral bleaching wrought by el Niño and the horror of the 2004 tsunami. With its beautiful white beaches, sapphire blue waters and friendly atmosphere, the country has become the epitome of paradise for honeymooners, sightseers and diving/surfing enthusiasts. Formed of 26 atolls, Maldives is a geological peculiarity nestled in the middle of the Indian Ocean. These atolls are a series of ancient coral reefs that grew up around the sides of towering prehistoric volcanoes. These immense structures have long since sunk into the ocean, leaving behind coral islands of incredible natural beauty. These islands are now being occupied by travelers seeking unmatched pampering and romance, from the modernity and hustle and bustle of Male’ to the tranquil ambience of the Southern Atolls.

Overview

Maldives today

Maldives has been the most sought after beach holiday destination since it started concentrating on developing its resorts to boost tourism. Having suffered a series of natural disasters in the past few years, Maldives is currently enjoying incredible growth again. It has bounced back from major setbacks like the coral bleaching wrought by el Niño and the horror of the 2004 tsunami. With its beautiful white beaches, sapphire blue waters and friendly atmosphere, the country has become the epitome of paradise for honeymooners, sightseers and diving/surfing enthusiasts. Formed of 26 atolls, Maldives is a geological peculiarity nestled in the middle of the Indian Ocean. These atolls are a series of ancient coral reefs that grew up around the sides of towering prehistoric volcanoes. These immense structures have long since sunk into the ocean, leaving behind coral islands of incredible natural beauty. These islands are now being occupied by travelers seeking unmatched pampering and romance, from the modernity and hustle and bustle of Male’ to the tranquil ambience of the Southern Atolls.

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Public Holidays

Religious holidays vary annually in accordance to the lunar calendar.; 1 Jan New Year's Day.: 26 Feb National Day. -Mawlid al-Nabi (Birth of the Prophet). in Malé. 29 Mar The Day Maldives Embraced Islam. 26-27 Jul Independence Day. -Ramadan begins. Eid al-Fitr (Ramadan ends). 3 Nov Victory Day. -Hajj. 11 Nov Republic Day. -Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice). -Islamic New Year.

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Visa Information

No pre-arrival visa is required to enter Maldives. A 30 day free visa is issued on arrival for all nationalities, provided the following conditions are met (a) they possess a valid passport (with 6 months minimum validity) and (b) they have a valid ticket to continue the journey out of Maldives. Citizens of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal are given a 90-day free visa. To stay longer visitors need to apply for a visa or leave the country when the 90 days are up, then return. Visitors are officially supposed to show US$30 for every day’s stay though this is not usually enforced, and showing a credit card will usually placate concerns. However, if asked by immigration officials, one should know the name of the hotel where ones residing and be able to show a return air ticket out of the country. For further information, please contact Honorary Consulate of Maldives in UAE Office No. 13, Medina Road PO Box 5995 Zip code 21432 Jeddah Saudi Arabia (+966-2) 6608411, 6612151) (+966-2) 6611755) [email protected]

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Fast Facts

Location: The Republic of Maldives, is an island country consisting of 26 atolls (or islands of coral and within these atolls are 1,192 islets, out of which only 200 are inhabited. It is geographically located at the south-west of Sri Lanka and it stretches out from India's Lakshadweep islands to Minicoy Island and the Chagos Archipelago. The Maldives is surrounded by the Indian Ocean. Capital: Male

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