Where are the Maldives on the world map. Republic of Maldives. Maldives on the world map. Maldives - sea Where are the Maldives islands

Where, in what country are these amazingly beautiful islands, the Maldives? How to find them on the world map, what country do they belong to? What form of government? What part of the world do they belong to? How many of these islands are there? On what ocean are the islands located? Maldives, giving unforgettable moments of paradise - these and other questions arise in many people who are planning their vacation.

This is where the beaches, enchanting landscapes and eternal summer are located. White, soft sand and tall palm trees, gentle surf - all this will make your vacation complete, your impressions bright and positive.

For vacationers, there is everything they need - magnificent nature, secluded bays where you can spend the evenings, warm weather and bright sun overhead. The picturesque picture is complemented by bright coral shallows and lagoons with clear, clean water.

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Geographical location

Situated on a picturesque site. On the world map, look for the Indian Ocean, and among its waters there are islands stretching thousands of kilometers north of the equator.

They occupy the territory between the continents of Asia and Africa, 700 km southwest of Sri Lanka and the Hindustan Peninsula. The exact coordinates are 3°28′36″ N. w. and 72°50′12″ E. etc., so it’s not difficult to find them with a regular paper map. The width of the archipelago is more than 120 km.

Includes:

  • 19 coral reefs;
  • 88 resort islands;
  • 1000 small islands (most of them are not inhabited by people).

You can visit “wild” places on your own using a boat. The most famous atolls among tourists are:

  • Kaafu, or, as it is also called, North Male, includes 27 resorts and 8 islands specializing in fishing;
  • South Male, consisting of 19 islands with excellent conditions. Only three of them are inhabited;
  • Vaavu;
  • Meemu;
  • Seenu;
  • Faafu.

This is interesting: The Maldives are considered the lowest in the world. At the highest point of the state, which is Addu Atoll, a person will be only 2.4 meters above sea level. Scientists predict that within the next 50 years there may be a flood that will destroy most of the land.

Everywhere travelers will find magnificent nature with picturesque views.

Brief information about the country

It would be useful for any educated person to know that:

  • this modern state is a presidential republic in form of government;
  • The area is 298 km2;
  • The Maldives is washed by the Indian Ocean;
  • The capital is Male. The city's area is small, only 5.8 km2, but the total population exceeds 133,000 people, making it one of the most densely populated not only in the country, but also in the world. The total population is 338.5 thousand;
  • The official language is Maldivian;
  • The main type of transport is boats, both sailing and motor. You can also see seaplanes and boats. Taxis and regular buses are developed only in the capital and on the island. Hulhumale. Local transport - dhoni - a small boat equipped with a diesel engine;
  • The main religion is Islam (Sunni);
  • The currency is called the rupee;
  • The time difference with Moscow is +2 hours;
  • Visas are not required for a tourist trip, but if the purpose of the visit is business or private, then execution of the document is mandatory for everyone, as well as an invitation. The visa is valid for 90 days;
  • It is prohibited to import into the territory of the state:
  • Weapons (including explosives);
  • Narcotic drugs;
  • Magazines and items for specific purposes (category 18+);
  • Animals;
  • Alcohol;
  • Devices for spearfishing;
  • Things and objects of an anti-Islamic nature (including pork and products containing it);
  • Even military uniforms and paraphernalia are prohibited.


You can't take it home
:

  • Black corals and jewelry made from them;
  • Turtle shells;
  • Local currency (remaining cash must be exchanged);
  • Items found at the bottom of the ocean/sea.

It is important to know: Israeli citizens are prohibited from entering here.

Permitted for export from the territory are:

  • Souvenir products;
  • Postcards with views and landscapes;
  • Coconut oil;
  • Interior items.

Climate

The best season is considered to be from November to April. It is at this time that the weather is dry and sunny, and the likelihood of rain is minimal.

Weather and climate in general are fundamental factors in determining where to go on holiday. Travelers can expect eternal summer, as the air temperature here is always above +20 degrees at night and about +30 during the day.

Air humidity is on average 81%. The main amount of precipitation falls between May and January. Hurricanes and storms are rare, but heavy rains come from the Arabian Sea or Bay of Bengal.

In general, the climate of the resort state is hot and tropical. Separately, I would like to note that a trip here is not recommended for people with high blood pressure, since high temperatures are a constant occurrence.

Popular resorts

A map of the Maldives with all resorts will be offered to guests in any tourist center. Tour operators also have detailed maps with hotels. The following resorts are widely known among travelers around the world:

  • Male, the capital, is ready to offer various excursion programs and entertainment. There are numerous markets, a mosque, a museum and a presidential palace;
  • Faafu is a resort ideal for gourmets, offering a variety of restaurants and spa centers;
  • Dhaalu is a resort area that offers everything for extreme sports. It is chosen by divers and scuba divers;
  • Ari - created for nature lovers. You can enjoy a variety of flora and fauna, and the famous turtle bays are located here. Entertainment - water skiing, sea fishing.

Note: Despite the diversity of the animal world, there are no dangerous predators or poisonous snakes in the Maldives. In the immediate vicinity you can see dolphins, white sharks or foxes. Bats appear in the evening.

An interesting feature is the absolute absence of dogs.

The best beaches

Beaches are the main attraction of the state. Travelers come precisely to enjoy the sand and warm waves. That is why it is very important to know the main ones:

  • O. Fulhadhu - the settlement of residents occupies a small territory, everything else is a paradise for tourists;
  • Finolhu Kanifushi is a beach located on Baa Atoll;

Keep in mind: a special feature is the presence of a sand spit, which allows you to walk to several small islands in the ocean. There is a picturesque lagoon and palm trees.

  • Amilla Fushi has sloping beaches of varied beauty. Here you can find expensive and modern ones, as well as classic ones with dense vegetation. Feature: coral bottom;
  • Dhigurah - designed for those who love solitude and the beauty of nature. The feature is an excellent opportunity to observe whale sharks. Swimming in a bikini is allowed.

Each resort land has its own hotel. Also, some resorts cannot bring children under 12 years of age.

Glowing beach Mudhdhoo Island

A real landmark and natural wonder worth seeing with your own eyes is the glowing beach located on Baa Atoll - Mudhdhoo Island.

In the evening and at night, hundreds of neon lights flash along the shore, creating a picturesque picture.

Advice: the glow effect is most noticeable from June to February, so you need to choose this particular time period to observe it.

The secret of the phenomenon lies in the fact that bioluminescent phytoplankton lives here, capable of glowing during the surf. By visiting this place, you can admire the beauty of nature for a long period, as the lights glow throughout the dark.

What to do for vacationers

You need to know that there are some restrictions for guests and residents - you cannot drink alcoholic beverages or sunbathe topless or even in a bikini (except in specially designated areas).

Despite all this, the holiday will not be overshadowed. Tourists are offered a variety of water attractions and water sports, including parasailing, snorkeling, and kayaking.

Catamaran rides are perfect for a romantic pastime, and sailing is ideal for extreme sports enthusiasts. Swimming and fishing (the fish must be released into the ocean) are activities that are in demand among most tourists. There are special excursions that allow you to observe the life of marine life up close. There are special entertainment programs for children.

Map in Russian

In order to make it convenient for tourists to navigate among the various atolls and vacation spots, a map of the islands with symbols in Russian has been created.

Here are the most popular destinations and tourist routes that you should choose for a good holiday. The largest areas intended for recreation are indicated, where there is everything that a tourist might need during a trip. There is also a general view of the archipelago in the area.

Using this simple but detailed map, you can comfortably navigate the Maldives without knowing English or local dialects. “Uninhabited” territories are not indicated on the map.

How to get there

The most convenient way to get to your chosen resort is by plane. There are direct flights from Moscow - their duration is from 10 hours. There are also charters in major cities. There are flights from Kyiv or Astana that include transfers or refueling to or.

There are also flights with refueling in Sri Lanka or. Flights to the Maldives operate from the city of Trivandrum, so it is convenient to get to the holiday destination for those who decide to combine a trip with a visit to India. Ticket prices range from $500 to $1,000 on average.

Take note: In order to fly from the capital of the Maldives, you will need to pay an exit fee, which is 10–15 dollars; in most cases, it is not included in the price of tickets.

For those flying from the Far East, there are flights with transfers in Seoul, Tianjin or. There are no direct flights from Belarus - you must fly through Moscow.

Exotic flora and fauna

The nature of the archipelago is unusual and amazing. The national symbol and plant that is found throughout the state is the coconut palm.

You can also see bamboo and eucalyptus brought here. Among the crops that can be classified as exotic are bananas, papaya, mangoes, pineapples and sweet potatoes.

The flora is also represented by flowers - roses, plumerias, hibiscus, orchids. You can also see the Alexandrian laurel.

Animals that will seem amazing to tourists:

    • The bats;
    • Flying foxes;
    • Geckos;

  • Seagulls;
  • Herons;
  • Brahmin's blinders;
  • Wolftooth brownie.

Marine inhabitants are presented in a wide variety:

  • Sea stars;
  • Echinoderms;
  • Dolphins;
  • Whale sharks;
  • Stingrays;
  • Variety of fish species.

Interesting fact: Citrus fruits do not grow on the territory - they disappeared after the fungus epidemic.

There are also turtles. The main attraction is the coral reefs.

Local kitchen

The peculiarity of the national cuisine is the abundance of dishes based on fish and seafood. It was formed under the influence of Indian and Arab culinary traditions. Recipes with tuna are presented in every restaurant or cafe.

Rice is also served as a side dish with all dishes. A popular Maldivian drink is green tea. National snacks - hedikaa - are baked goods with various fillings.

Desserts – various fresh fruits, juices, nuts and dishes with these ingredients. One of the popular desserts among tourists is fresh coconut, as well as coconut milk and Raa palm juice.

What you need to know before purchasing a tour

Before you buy a tour to the Maldives, you should consider that.

Mira, first you need to find India on it. This is not difficult - the peninsula on which this state is located is located in the south of Asia and has the outline of a triangle. From the southernmost point of this exotic country, you need to mentally draw a line to the southwest. It is there that there is a large group of atolls - coral islands, which are called the Maldives.

Atolls are a closed or broken ring formed by the crater of an extinct volcano, that is, in the middle of such an “island” there is a lagoon filled with sea water.

The distance to India is approximately 700 km; it is worth noting that the atolls are located over a fairly large area, so the southernmost ones are 1,000 km away. The Maldives is washed by the waters of the Indian Ocean and, due to its proximity to the equator, has a unique climate with an almost constant temperature throughout the year and only two distinct seasons - dry and rainy.

Due to their volcanic origin, the islands have a low altitude above sea level (only about two meters) and a rather sparse fauna - only a few species of mammals live here. But the underwater world is very diverse.

State of Maldives

All atolls located in this part of the Indian Ocean are united into the state of the Republic of Maldives. It is worth noting that its history began in 1965, when Britain, under whose protectorate the islands were, generously granted them independence, however, not just like that, but after violent uprisings of the population against the power of the empire.

However, much remains from the British, including the name; it is a distortion of the words in Hindi: “” - palace and “diva” - island. The capital of the state of the Republic of Maldives is the city of Male; by the way, it is the only settlement with such status.

Maldivians are Muslims, or rather Sunnis. In the 12th century, a Muslim preacher landed on the islands, who founded a dynasty that ruled until the arrival of the Portuguese, Dutch, and subsequently the British.

How to get to the Maldives

Traveling to the Maldives will require a tourist not only to spend time and money, but also patience, because a direct flight from Moscow to the capital of Male lasts more than 8 hours. If a non-stop flight is unavailable for some reason, you will have to plan a route with a connection at an intermediate airport, usually Colombo in Sri Lanka, Abu Dhabi in the UAE or Dubai in Saudi Arabia. In any case, it is worth considering that you will have to get from Male to the desired island by water transport or by seaplane.

The Maldives archipelago consists of 26 atolls and 1192 coral islands. More than 100 islands have been converted into first-class resorts, 198 are uninhabited, and the rest are occupied by local residents. Each resort is a separate private island with excellent infrastructure, snow-white beaches and palm groves. A holiday in the Maldives will appeal to avid divers, newlyweds, and families with children. If heaven on earth exists, then most likely it is located here.

North Male Atoll

North Male is often called the main atoll of the Maldives archipelago. Firstly, on its territory is the capital of the Republic of Maldives - the city of Male and Khulule International Airport. Secondly, in 1972, the first Maldivian hotels appeared on the islands of Kurumba and Bandos.

The atoll includes 50 islands, of which 27 are resorts.

Proximity to the airport is one of the advantages of North Male. The journey to the most remote corners of paradise takes 20-40 minutes by seaplane and up to 4 hours by boat. Travelers can enjoy 3, 4 and 5 star hotels with excellent service, diving schools, water sports centers, spas and other entertainment.

Every year, the prestigious O’Neill Deep Blue Open surfing tournament is held on the island of Lohifushi.

South Male Atoll

South Male Atoll unites 30 islands, of which 17 are luxury resorts, 10 are uninhabited and three are inhabited by local residents.

The administrative center of the atoll is located on the island of Maafushi. The Kandooma Resort, popular among surfers, is also located here, off the coast of which you can catch excellent waves. The best time for surfing is considered to be from March to September: during this period, tours to the Maldives are cheaper.

South Male's resorts are great for diving and snorkeling. The islands have house reefs and excellent dive sites. Near the atoll there are marine reserves Guraidhoo Kandu and Embudhu Kandu.

Most resorts are a 45-minute speedboat ride from Male Airport.



Baa Atoll

Baa Atoll has many advantages. First of all, it is located on the territory of a UNESCO biosphere reserve, for which Divers love him. The expanses of water in Baa are home to magnificent coral reefs. Here you can see playful dolphins and sea turtles, and admire whale sharks.

Baa is ideal for a secluded luxury getaway.

On the island of Kunfunadhoo lies one of the best hotels in the Maldives, Soneva Fushi Resort & Spa, awarded a prestigious award from Conde Nast Traveler magazine. Vegetables and fruits are grown in the hotel's own garden and vegetable garden without the use of chemicals. The cuisine is varied and excellent, with a huge selection of wines. And life goes on under the motto “No news and no shoes.”

Ari Atoll

Ari Atoll is one of the largest atolls in the Maldives archipelago. Its dimensions are 89 km long and 30 km wide.

The atoll includes 70 islands, of which 28 are resorts.

Ari is perfect for snorkeling, windsurfing, water skiing and other sports. The presence of reefs and several nature reserves make Ari an attractive diving destination. In its waters you can find moray eels, napoleons, giant snails, tuna, turtles and reef sharks. Those who want to learn to dive will love Rangali Island, where there is a good diving center.



Lhaviyani Atoll

Lhaviani Atoll is one of the best places for diving and snorkeling in the Maldives. The local waters are home to colorful tropical fish, nurse sharks, angelfish and moray eels. During a diving trip, you can see sunken ships that have become overgrown with colorful corals.

Not far from Kuredu Island, a long sand spit has formed on top of the reef. Walking along it at sunset, you can admire the glowing particles of plankton.

The journey to Lhaviani Resorts from Male International Airport takes 3.5 hours by speedboat.

Shaviyani Atoll and Noonu Atoll

Shaviyani Atoll is located 270 km from the capital Male and is part of the large Thiladunmati Atoll - the largest coral structure with an area of ​​1400 sq.m. For lovers of solitude and experienced divers, this is a real paradise. The islands of Shaviani Atoll are quite far from each other, so every tourist here feels free. Night dives are organized on Velidhoo Island, which is quite rare for the Maldives.

Nunu (Noonu) Atoll is located 150 km from Male Airport and unites 71 islands.

The resorts of Nunu Atoll are especially popular among divers, who are attracted by the local Christmas Rock reef. Its inhabitants include stingrays, moray eels, sharks and Napoleon fish.



Raa Atoll

Raa atoll or Northern Maalhosmadulu Atoll is one of the northern, most visited atolls of the Maldives.

This is a real paradise for lovers.

The atoll and its infrastructure offer a variety of spa services, water and beach sports, as well as an amazing, relaxing holiday away from the hustle and bustle of the world. The area is almost 70 km in size. in length and 30 km. in width, bounded by an island chain on the western side, it is strewn with a scattering of 88 islands, 15 of which are inhabited. The rich abundance of uninhabited and unexplored scenic islands of Raa Atoll provides travelers and tourists with fantastic opportunities for an unforgettable holiday in the Maldives. The atoll is located 130 km from the airport of the state capital, Male.

Dhaalu Atoll

Dhaalu Atoll was recently opened for tourism. The atoll is 38 km long and 23 km wide. It consists of 46 islands, many of which are uninhabited.

The main island of Dhaalu Atoll is Kudahuvadhoo Island, which has a fairly well developed infrastructure and is home to 1,500 people. Not all islands are open to tourists, but only those located in the northern part of the atoll.

The atoll's picturesque coral reefs are great for scuba diving. In addition, there is the opportunity to practice other sports: windsurfing, sailing, volleyball, ping-pong, badminton. You can calmly go fishing or have a fun ride on a catamaran or scooter



Seenu Atoll/Addu

Siinu Atoll is located on the equator and is the southernmost atoll of the archipelago. Shiinu has 23 islands, of which only 6 are inhabited. Some of them are densely populated and connected by causeways that can be ridden by bicycle. These include Gan, Maradu, Hithadu and Fidu.

This corner of the Maldives archipelago is especially attractive in terms of diving. During the Second World War, a British naval base was located in these territories, from which the local airport on the island of Gan remains. And a torpedoed British tanker attracts local underwater wildlife and drivers.

Vaavu Atoll

Vaavu – least populated atoll Maldives archipelago. Of the 19 islands, only 5 are inhabited and are home to about 2,000 people. The virgin nature and rich underwater world attract divers and fishermen to this region. Off the coast of Vaavu there are reef sharks, hammerhead fish, and stingrays. Those who dream of catching big prey have a chance to catch blue marlin, tuna or sailfish.

Divers will delight in exploring the house reefs, including the famous Fottheyo Falhu. There are diving schools on the islands where you can undergo training and obtain a PADI certificate.

This is not a complete list of atolls in the Maldives archipelago. Some are just beginning to open their possibilities to tourists, for example, Daalu, Faafu, Haa Alif and others.


The Maldives are located in the Indian Ocean near Sri Lanka, geographically crossing the equator. Tourists associate the concept of the equator with unbearable heat, however, the average annual temperature there is 25-30 degrees. In other resorts in Italy, Spain or Egypt, the temperature during the season can be much higher, and most importantly, it is much worse to tolerate.

Among all the island groups, the Maldives, being a 100% Islamic state, have created perhaps the most original recreation system for their guests. Protecting the population from the bad influence of tourism, the government allocated 200 previously uninhabited islands for vacationers, on which there are no indigenous inhabitants.

Map of the Maldives online interactive from satellite
(to enlarge or reduce the map use + and -)

Residents of India and Sri Lanka are involved in the service sector there. Therefore, the rare opportunity to see an indigenous inhabitant of the islands does not come often. An interesting and important feature is that you don’t pay for anything on the spot, but collect bills that you will have to pay when leaving the country. And therefore, by chance, you may not calculate your material capabilities. The islands can be recommended to those who want to spend their entire vacation on the beach.
You can get there by direct flight from Moscow. You will be taken from the airport by boat or helicopter.

Pros: This is one of the best places for diving and snorkeling. Experienced instructors will make you a pro in a week.
Disadvantages - you cannot import alcohol, swim naked and have contact with local women. The last two points are prosecuted under Islamic law.

The Maldives is a separate state, consisting territorially of scattered land areas. They are not part of another country, but have an independent status. The state has become famous for its islands with white beaches, unique nature and resorts with a high level of service.

What the Maldives looks like - a map of the islands with a detailed description is presented below.

Where are the Maldives islands on the world map

The Maldives is one of the countries located on the equator. The territory of the state is located between the South and North Poles. It washes the atoll-islands of the Indian Ocean between the continents of Asia and Africa. The state is located near Sri Lanka and the Hindustan Peninsula. To the southwest are the Seychelles Islands. Crossed by the equatorial waters of the island of Fuvahmulah, which is home to rare species of birds and other animals not found on other land areas of the Maldives. The border also passes through Addu, Gaafa Dhaala and Gaafa Alif atolls.

The total area of ​​the Maldives is 90,000 sq.m., all of them are surrounded by the waters of the Indian Ocean. The state has 1,196 coral islands with a length of more than 1,000 km. They are united into 26 “atolls,” so named because of the peculiarities of their formation. Most of them have a home reef to protect them from destruction by water, others have an external one, which allows them to maintain the territory unchanged.

There is a version according to which the atolls were formed from extinct volcanoes, since the islands inside them are shaped like a circle.

The islands of the Maldives on the world map are viewed on Google maps in two modes: Satellite - satellite photos from Space, Earth - with the option to search for a specific atoll, hotel or city.

A map of the Maldives islands with designation is available in the Hybrid function with highway numbers, public transport stops, administrative buildings, hotel names and infrastructure.

Maldives: map of islands with hotels

A special feature of the Maldives is that almost every island is occupied by a separate hotel. This creates the impression of complete isolation from the world and solitude. The business center - the capital of Male - is also located on separate islands of natural origin: South Male and Kaafu.

Only 10 atolls of the Maldives are inhabited:

  • Faadhihpolhu - Lhaviyani (Laviana);
  • Maalhosmadulu Dhekunuburi- Baa ( Baa);
  • Maalhosmadulu Uthuruburi - Raa ( Raa);
  • Ari(Alif-Alif) - Alifu(Ari) Vaavu(To Felid) - Vaavu(Felidhu);
  • Nilandhe Atholhu Uthuruburi - Faafu (Faafu);
  • Meemu(Mulak) - Meemu(Mulak);
  • Nilandhe Atholhu Dhekunuburi - Dhaalu(Daalu);
  • Seenu(Addu) - Addu(Siena).

There is virtually no local life on the atolls, but the best hotel complexes are based on them: Gaafu Alifu , Haa Alifu, Gaafu Dhaalu, Gnaviyani, Nyavinani, Seenu, Haa Dhaalu , Laamu, Shaviyani (Noonu) and Thaa.

The local names of the atolls are very complex, so it is customary to use abbreviated names.

It is quite difficult to show the islands of the Maldives on a map, since the land areas are very small and difficult to distinguish. When you zoom in on Google Maps, the islands stretching out in a chain from north to south are clearly visible.

And this is the Maldives - a world map in Russian. It is very easy to understand where you are going to go or where you are along the route.

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