The location of the Maldives on the map is in the northern islands of the central Indian Ocean. The Republic of Maldives has recently become famous for being one of the most visited places by tourists, due to its charming nature and distinguished geographical location, which has made it a center for global trade in the continent of Asia and the Indian Ocean. .
Where are the Maldives located?
- The Maldives is located in the northern part of the central Indian Ocean. It is one of the islands in the southern part of the continent of Asia. It is considered the smallest country on the continent of Asia, and is bordered to the south by India.
- The Maldives are located in the northeastern part of the Earth, very close to the equator. Its coordinates are 3.2028 degrees to the north, and 73.2207 degrees to the east.
- Given its astronomical location, it is located at longitude 73.080 and latitude -0.700, and it is considered one of the most geographically spread countries in the world.
See also: Information about the Maldives, where it is located
إقرأ أيضا:معلومات عن لنكاوي بالتفصيل – -انظر حولكPolitical borders of the Maldives
- To the north, it is bordered by a group of Indian islands, called the Indian Lakshadweep Islands group, while to the northeast, it is bordered by the Republic of Sri Lanka, in addition to the Indian subcontinent.
- To the east, it is bordered by the state of Malaysia, which is about 2,600 kilometers away, while to the west, it is bordered by the countries of the Horn of Africa, and to the south, it is bordered by the Indian Ocean region.
Advantages of the geographical location of the Maldives
- The Maldives is distinguished by its distinct strategic location, and although it is the smallest country in Asia, it is known for its scattered cities, but these cities are spread along a sea reef.
- The Maldives overlooks the southern and northern parts of the atoll chain, and they are the only safe passage for ships to pass through this region. Thus, the Maldives has become the gateway for international trade in the Indian Ocean.
- The Maldives consists of a large number of a series of coral islands scattered in rings, and the number of these islands reaches 1,200 islands, which can be grouped into 26 large atolls.
- The atolls are distributed over an area of about 90,000 square kilometers arranged along the coast of the Indian Ocean, with an extension of up to 800 kilometres, so it is difficult to determine the end of their coastal borders.
- Among the large number of islands of the Republic of Maldives, it includes the Republic of four main islands, which are: Male Island, Fomalek Island, Villingili Island, and Hulhumale Island.
The geographical nature of the Maldives
- Many studies and research have addressed the reason for the formation of these islands, one of which indicates that they were formed as a result of the cracking of the continental crust of the Indian Ocean.
- By researching the origins and formation of the Maldives, it was found that the bottom of the Indian Ocean and the Maldives were formed approximately 65-255 million years ago, that is, since the Mesozoic Era.
- The Maldives is formed by rings of coral reefs that support small islands. The area of most of the islands is between 1 km and 2 km, and there are no hills and plateaus in the Maldives’ terrain.
The nature of the soil and land in the Maldives
- Basically, the geography of the Maldives consists of coral reefs and rocks, while the surface layer of the islands consists of shallow soil, and the fertility of this soil is concentrated in the northern islands.
- According to studies and statistics, the Maldives is considered the lowest country in the world, as the maximum elevation reached by the land is about 2.3 meters above sea level.
- The Maldives is famous for the abundance and prosperity of coral islands with dunes and white sand banks, which take on different shapes and different gathering places, due to the air currents that pass through.
- Enjoying a beautiful, green island is not a dream or a fantasy, but rather the soil and land of the Maldives, the stunning beaches, white sand, and water that sparkle like blue crystal beads.
The nature of the weather and climate in the Maldives
- The climate in the Maldives is tropical, due to its close proximity to the equator, so it has two seasons throughout the year.
- Northeast winds blow in the dry season, forming the southwest monsoon from late April to September
- Dry periods are accompanied by winds that can make the sea rough, and thus may stop water activities. They are also accompanied by high humidity and dense fog.
- While in the wet seasons from October to December, they are calmer as the winds come from the northeast, leading to thunderstorms at intermittent periods.
- Weather in the Maldives, temperatures range between 23 degrees Celsius at night and 31 degrees Celsius during the day, and the equator makes it bright all year round with sunlight.
- Statistics recorded the highest amount of rain in 2002, which amounted to 219.8 mm within 24 hours.
- However, the general climate of the Maldives is dominated by a moderate atmosphere accompanied by a cool sea breeze dominating the atmosphere of hot days in the Maldives, because the sea borders it on all sides.
Organisms in the Maldives environment
- The diversity of the different environments found on the Maldives Island has led to its biological diversity and the diversity of its biological systems, as it has diverse marine environments and coral reef colonies spread in many areas.
- Due to its climatic conditions, which are dominated by a tropical climate, it leads to a diversity of plant and animal life, and large areas of palm trees and tropical trees are spread over it, in addition to herbs and shrubs.
- Due to the nature of the climate and soil, in addition to the terrain, there may be some islands that are sandy, while on the other side tropical trees grow on other islands and various crops are grown.
- In terms of the animal environment, the Maldives enjoys a diversity of creatures, including colorful birds and lizards, and the presence of reptiles and rodents is widespread.
- The diversity of marine life on a large scale has contributed to the presence of many unfamiliar and unknown fish, in addition to dolphins, whales, and 400 species of molluscs and echinoderms.
See also: Information about the Maldives, where it is located
إقرأ أيضا:دوله الهند ومناطقها – -انظر حولكTourism in the Maldives
- The tourism experience in the Maldives is distinguished and unique, as these islands enjoy a warm climate and beaches of a special nature.
- It is one of the most important places visited by marine sports enthusiasts and recreation on the beaches. It is characterized by the activities of many beach sports such as surfing and sea paragliding.
- The Maldives is distinguished as a global diving destination due to its crystal blue waters and diverse marine life. It is also a great travel destination for recreation and relaxation among the white sandy beaches.
- The capital of the Maldives is Male, which is considered the most touristic island, as it has cultural attractions, such as the Great Friday Mosque, the Islamic Center and the National Museum.
- Male is characterized by many markets and museums, in addition to being the hub of all commercial and industrial businesses in the Maldives, it is more than just a place to enjoy nature.
- Most tourist visits aim to dive, see and explore the islands’ wonderful coral reefs, and participate in sports or fishing trips.
- A major attraction for many tourists is traditional Maldivian food, which is largely fish-based.
See also: Maldives and their prices
إقرأ أيضا:أين تقع كوالالمبور ماليزيا – -انظر حولكPopulation of the Maldives
- According to 2022 estimates, the population of the Republic of Maldives (Maldives) is approximately 521,000 people.
Number of Maldives islands
- The Republic of Maldives consists of a large group of islands and coral reefs.
- The total number of islands varies between dry tides and tides based on environmental conditions.
- Historically, there were more than 1,000 inhabited islands in the Republic of Maldives, and most of these islands feature sandy beaches and beautiful blue waters, and are popular tourist destinations.
- Of these islands, some have been developed into luxury tourist resorts, while residents live on other islands.
- The total number of islands in the Republic of Maldives can vary between sources and estimates, but the approximate number ranges from 1,190 to 1,200 islands.
Maldives and the Equator
- The Maldives is a group of islands and atolls distributed in the Indian Ocean. The Maldives are located in the northern Indian Ocean between the equator and latitude 7°N to 0.7°N.
- This means that most of the islands in the Maldives are located north of the equator, so the climate there tends to be tropical and warm throughout the year.
- The geographical location of the Maldives makes it a distinctive tourist destination thanks to its beautiful beaches, clear blue waters, and water activities available in the region.
The system of government in the Maldives
The Republic of Maldives is a republican country. The government system in the Maldives follows the constitution that was adopted in 2008. According to this constitution, the president is the head of the republic and the head of government.
Here are some key points about the Maldives system of government:
- President: The president is elected in a general election. He begins his term after winning the election and can last for 5 years. The President is the head of state and head of government at the same time.
- the National Council: The National Council is the legislative body of the Maldives. It consists of members elected by voters. Its main function is to formulate and pass laws.
- Judiciary: The judicial system in the Maldives is independent and stable. It is characterized by the presence of a Supreme Court and lower courts that deal with various cases.
- ruling party: Historically, one party controlled the government in the Maldives, but following political reforms in the last decade, other political parties have been able to become politically active.
- International Relations: The Maldives maintains close international relations with various countries and international organizations, and is involved in global climate and environmental issues.
The most beautiful islands of the Maldives
The Republic of Maldives includes hundreds of beautiful islands, and occupies a wonderful place among tropical travel destinations. Here is a list of some of the most beautiful islands in the Maldives that are considered distinctive tourist destinations:
- Parah Island:
- Barah Island is considered one of the most beautiful islands in the Maldives, famous for its white sandy beaches and clear blue waters.
- Bora Bora Island:
- Located in the vicinity of Male, it features luxury resorts, diving and water sports facilities.
- Male Island:
- The capital and largest city of the Republic of Maldives. It includes many historical and cultural places.
- Mauna Island:
- It is located in the Indian Ocean and is distinguished by its stunning beaches and excellent diving.
- Veli Male Island:
- It is one of the largest islands in the Maldives and includes a group of luxury resorts.
- Hulhule Island:
- Located in Ari Atoll, it offers a tranquil tropical experience with white sandy beaches and clear waters.
The best hotels in the Maldives
The Republic of Maldives includes many luxury hotels and resorts that provide wonderful accommodation and an exceptional experience for visitors. Here is a list of some of the best hotels and resorts in the Maldives:
- John Dalivaro (Joali Maldives): A luxury resort on Morawa Island, offering a unique and luxurious experience.
- Ferretto Maldives: An ideal place for diving enthusiasts, located on Ragi Island.
- Velaa Makhinjili (Velaa Private Island): A luxurious private island that provides an exceptional experience for guests.
- Joseph’s Island Retreat: It offers stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere on the island of Mare Bodø.
- Gili Lankanfushi: An overwater resort that promises privacy and luxury.
The best beaches in the Maldives
The Maldives is full of stunning beaches and clear blue waters. Here are some of the best beaches in the Maldives:
- Addu Atoll: This beach is part of Adaro Atoll and is famous for its stunning views and pleasant climate.
- Hulhule Beach: It is located near Male International Airport and is a great destination for a break before leaving the country.
- Bikini Beach: It is located on the island of Male and is famous for its white sand and clear waters.
- Hanifaru Bay: Great place to watch whales, whales and big fish.
- Veligandu Island Beach: It is located on Veli Mago Island and is known for its soft sand and excellent diving.
The best time to visit the Maldives
The best time to visit the Maldives depends on visitors’ preferences and the activities they want to do. However, the year can be divided into main chapters:
- Dry season (November – April):
- This is the most popular season to visit the Maldives.
- The days are sunny and the weather is mild with little rain.
- Temperatures range between 25-30 degrees Celsius.
- An ideal period for diving and snorkeling due to good underwater visibility.
- Monsoon season (May – October):
- This period is considered quiet in terms of tourism and coincides with the monsoon season.
- There will be variable rain and strong winds.
- Temperatures are still moderate.
- This can be an ideal time to try lower hotel rates.
Frequently asked questions about the Maldives
What is the official language in the Maldives?
The official language is Dhivehi, and English is widely used, especially in the tourism sector.
Is there a specific season that is best to visit the Maldives?
The Maldives is an all-year-round destination, but the dry season from November to April is most popular with visitors.
Is a visa required to visit the Maldives?
Most visitors can enter the Maldives without a visa for a period of up to 30 days. But they must have a valid passport.
What is the currency in Maldives?
The official currency is the Maldivian rufiyaa, and exchange offices and ATMs can be found at airports and resorts.
What are the best marine activities in the Maldives?
Diving and snorkeling are the most popular activities, but there are many other marine activities such as jet skiing, fishing and glass boat trips.