The atolls that make up the Maldives have a land area approximately 298 km2 but are spread over approximately 90,000 km2. The country is so famous for these atolls that the English word ‘atoll’, was actually derived from the Maldivian word ‘atholhu’. The Maldives also has the lowest elevation of any country in the world which contributes to its hot and humid climate.
An island nation located off the southwest coast of India in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is made up of 26 different ring-shaped reefs called, atolls. These 26 atolls are located above a massive underwater mountain range and are comprised of more than 1,100 coral islands and sandbanks. The Maldives also boasts clear, warm waters, blue lagoons, extensive coral reefs, white sand beaches, and an incredible variety of marine life, some of which you will not find anywhere else on earth. For these reasons, the Maldives has become one of the best and most sought after diving destinations in the world.
| Languages | en |
|---|---|
| Currency | MVR |
| Timezone | UTC+05:00 |
| Tipping | 0-10% / Restaurant Staff / Service charges are typically added to restaurant bills, eliminating the need to tip. |
| Network Provider | Ooredo/Wataniya |
|---|---|
| Dial Code | 960 |
| Electricity | 230 V / 50 Hz |
| Power Plug Type | C, D, G, J, K, L |
IMAGE © iStock/mahos
IMAGE © iStock/Anna-Om
IMAGE © iStock/Ingalvanova
Diving is a sport in nature. Learn more about the creatures, ecology, and conditions of our oceans.
