USEFUL INFO

The Geography

The Geography

A Unique Archipelago in the Indian Ocean

The Maldives is a vast archipelago located in the Indian Ocean, consisting of approximately 1,190 coral islands spread across 26 natural atolls, 20 of which are administratively recognized. Determining the exact number of islands is challenging, as many change over time: some merge, others divide, and sandbars and coral outcrops appear and disappear depending on tides and currents. If temporary formations were included, the count could easily exceed 2,000 islands. Of these islands, only about 200 have permanent settlements, while more than a hundred are dedicated exclusively to tourism in the Maldives. Most of the islands are small, allowing you to walk across them in just a few minutes. The geography of the Maldives is almost entirely flat, with a maximum altitude of no more than three meters above sea level, making the islands particularly vulnerable to coastal erosion, a natural phenomenon that constantly reshapes the beaches. During certain periods, entire stretches of sand may shift from one side of an island to the other, forcing Maldives resorts to find solutions to protect the coastlines.

The term "atoll" originates from the Maldivian language, Dhivehi, where atholhu refers to a coral formation enclosing lagoons and barriers, interrupted by natural passages that connect the open ocean to the internal ecosystems. The origin of these structures is still debated. In the 19th century, Charles Darwin hypothesized that atolls formed after the sinking of ancient volcanoes, around which corals developed over millions of years. While this theory has been widely accepted, another hypothesis proposed by Hans Hass suggests that coral reefs developed on submerged mountain ranges, eventually forming the characteristic ring-shaped structures.

The geological evolution of the Maldives remains a mystery, but it is this ever-changing nature that makes the archipelago so fascinating. While navigating its waters, it is not uncommon to come across undiscovered islands, nameless and absent from maps, where nature reigns supreme. Many of these islands are owned by the local government and leased to Maldivian families. Tourist access is regulated: visiting these islands requires obtaining a permit, preserving the balance between traditional life and Maldives tourism.

Time Zone

Time Zone

Malé Time and Resort Differences

In Malé, the capital of the Maldives, the time zone is four hours ahead of Italy during standard time and three hours ahead during daylight saving time. However, not all islands follow the same time. Some Maldives resorts and tourist villages adopt a differentiated time zone, setting the clock forward by one or two hours compared to Malé. This unofficial but widely adopted practice allows guests to make the most of the daylight hours, offering later sunsets and a more relaxed experience.

The advantage of this adjusted time is that it gives the impression of an extended day, without actually changing the length of the day. This allows visitors to spend more time on the white sandy beaches of the Maldives and in the crystal-clear waters of the ocean.

Customs Regulations

Customs Regulations

What You Can and Cannot Bring

In the Maldives, it is allowed to bring in a maximum of 200 cigarettes exclusively for personal use. However, the importation of alcoholic beverages, narcotics, psychotropic substances, pork products, drugs, pornography, underwater rifles, weapons, ammunition, and explosives of any kind is strictly prohibited. The distribution of leaflets, pamphlets, or publications promoting a religion different from the local one is also not allowed. If you need to carry specific medications, you must have a medical certificate translated into English.

Export Restrictions from Malé: What You Cannot Bring Back to Italy

When returning to Italy, it is important to remember that it is strictly prohibited to export coral, mother-of-pearl, seashells, and sand, whether collected from the sea or beaches. However, in shops in Malé or local fishing villages, it is possible to purchase common Maldives seashells, except for the “triton shell”.

Il clima

Il clima

Temperatures, Seasons, and Best Time to Visit Maldives

The temperature in the Maldives remains stable throughout the year, ranging from 29 to 32°C during the day and between 25 and 26°C at night. The climate can be divided into two main seasons, driven by the influence of two monsoon winds. The Hulhangu monsoon, blowing from the southwest, occurs from May to November, bringing humid weather with frequent rainfall, sometimes heavy and persistent. During this period, the sea can be rough and winds strong. The Iruvai monsoon, blowing from the northeast from December to April, brings generally drier weather, with sunny days and occasional short rain showers.

The best time to visit the Maldives, which coincides with the high season and higher prices, is from the second week of January until mid-April. During the rest of the year, the weather can be more variable, with periods of rain alternating with sunny days. In recent years, due to climate change, the distinction between the dry and wet seasons has become less pronounced. As a result, it is not uncommon to experience a rainy day even during the dry season or prolonged periods of sunshine during the rainy season. Being located near the equator, the Maldives enjoys about 12 hours of daylight each day, with sunset around 6:00 PM. To make the most of the sunlight, many Maldives resorts adopt an internal time zone, setting the clock one hour ahead of Malé.

When planning your trip, consider your preferences and needs but be prepared for unpredictable tropical weather. The water temperature remains constant between 28 and 30°C. The best period for diving, when visibility is at its best, is from November to March. In other months, visibility may decrease due to the abundance of plankton carried by the currents. For fans of water sports and sailing, the best months for these activities are from October to January, when the winds are more consistent.

Population and Culture

Population and Culture

Demographics, Language, and History

The Maldives has a population of approximately 395,000 people, with around 85,000 residents living in the capital, Malé. The population is composed of about 229,000 men and 166,000 women, with an average life expectancy of 72 years for men and 77 years for women. Approximately 35% of the inhabited islands have fewer than 500 people, highlighting the demographic fragmentation across this vast archipelago.

The origin of the Maldivian people remains a mystery, but it is known that the islands have been inhabited for over 3,000 years. The first settlers came from southern India and Sri Lanka, following ancient trade routes, and over the centuries, they came into contact with peoples from East Africa and the Arab countries. This cultural blend has resulted in a population with diverse physical features, with traits reminiscent of Indian, Sinhalese, Arab, and African ancestry. The Maldivian people are known for their hospitality, creating a warm and friendly atmosphere for visitors. Their deep connection to nature and the sea makes it easy for tourists to feel welcomed and at ease in the Maldives. The official language of the Maldives is Dhivehi, a language with influences from Arabic and Indostani, and it may vary slightly in pronunciation and vocabulary from one atoll to another. Dhivehi is used in administrative offices and daily life. English, widely spoken in the Maldives, is taught in schools and spoken by most of the population, especially in Malé and fishing villages, making communication with tourists easier. In tourist resorts, in addition to English, it is common to find staff who also speak other languages, such as Italian, French, German, and Japanese, making the tourism experience even more comfortable and accessible.

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