The Maldives is an island country located in the Indian Ocean consisting of 26 atolls between India and Sri Lanka. The capital and largest city is Malé, located on an island of the same name. The country has over 1,000 coral islands grouped into atolls. Culturally, the Maldives has been influenced by Indians, Sri Lankans, Arabs and Africans. The majority religion is Islam and the most widely spoken language is Dhivehi. Popular tourist attractions include the National Museum in Malé, the historic Malé Friday Mosque, and resort islands like Vakarufalhi.

1. MALDIVES

2. MALDIVES
officially the Republic of
Maldives, is an island
nation in the Indian Ocean–
Arabian Sea area, consisting
of a double chain of twenty-
six atolls, oriented north-
south, that lie
between Minicoy Island (the
southernmost part
of Lakshadweep, India) and
the Chagos Archipelago. The
chains stand in the Laccadive
Sea, and the capital, Malé, is
about 600 kilometres
(370 mi) southwest of India
and 750 kilometres (470 mi)
southwest of Sri Lanka.

3. Capital : Male
Airport : Male International Airport
Currency : Maldivian Rufiyya (MVR)
Language - Dhivehi is local language of Maldives.
However English is commonly spoken.
Visa : All nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival in
Maldives (Arriving by air). Entry permit is granted to
visitors on arrival, FREE of COST. Indian nationals need
to procure POE if passport reads ECR.
Religion : Islam
Government : Unitary Presidential Constitution Republic
President : Abdulla Yameen
Population : 341,356

4. FLAG OF MALDIVES
Red Rectangle
represents the boldness
of the nation's heroes,
and their willingness to
sacrifice their every
drop of blood in
defense of their
country.
Green Rectangle in
the center symbolizes
peace and prosperity.
White Crescent
Moon symbolizes a
state of
unified Islamic faith.

5. CULTURE
The customs and social behaviour of the Maldivians have been greatly
influenced by the Indians, Sri Lankans, Arabs and North Africans who visited
the Maldives while traversing through the trading routes of the central Indian
Ocean. The Maldivian culture is rich and vibrant due to the infusion of various
other cultural elements.
Though Maldives was culturally influenced by other traditions, Maldivians have
built and preserved an exclusive cultural identity.
Accordingly the Maldivians converse using a language of their own; called
Dhivehi. In 1153 AD Maldivians converted to Islam and the religion has
transformed and introduced new fundamentals to the Maldivian culture.

6. Traditional and Modern Clothing

7. CUISINE
Traditional Maldivian
breakfast "Roshi &
Mashuni"
Dhon Riha 'fair curry' -
Maldivian tuna with
pandan & curry leaves,
tamarind, coconut,
fennel seeds, turmeric &
chillies

8. ATTRACTIONS
National Museum
The three-storied museum (old building) is
located in the Sultan Park in Malé, which is
part of the site of the Maldivian Royal Palace
compound dating back to the 17th century.
The two-storey Us-gēkolhu is also the only
remaining structure of the palace demolished
by fire in 1968.
The new building of the museum is also
located in Sultan Park. The building was
designed, built and financed by the Chinese
government. The building was presented to
the Maldives by the Chinese government on
10 July 2010, but was officially opened and
declared as the national museum two weeks
later on Maldives' Independence Day, 26 July
2010.
The interior of the museum has been retained
from the days of the Sultanate, including the
handwritten Qur'an engraved on the walls of
the building.

9. Malé Friday Mosque
Malé Hukuru Miskiy or Malé
Friday Mosque is an ancient
decorated mosque located in the city
of Malé, Kaafu Atoll, Maldives.
The mosque was originally
constructed in 1658 under the reign
of Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar I over two
years time, and was constructed
mostly out of coral stone. The
building is surrounded by a 17th-
century cemetery, whose coral
stone headstones are intricately and
uniquely carved. The site also
includes a coral stone minaret.
Hukuru Miskiy (Friday Mosque) has a
perimeter of 199 ft. The main
building which is still used for
conducting the daily prayers is
divided into three sections:
Mihuraabuge: The room or section
used by the Imam in leading the
prayers.
Medhu Miskiy: The middle Mosque.
Fahu Miskiy: The back Mosque.

10. Vakarufalhi Island
Resort
One of the best Four Star Maldives resorts,
tucked away in the remote corner of South
Ari atoll, 90km away from the airport,
Vakarufalhi is among the pearls that make
up the amazing Maldives Islands.
Vakarufalhi, better known as Vakaru is a
tropical island enhanced by swaying
coconut palms and white sandy beaches.
Surrounding the island is a pristine lagoon
enriched by a stunningly beautiful living
house reef. These features combined with
traditional Maldivian building concepts,
makes Vakarufalhi a haven of nature and
tranquility. Almost a quarter of a square
kilometer of land area with 50 sea front
Beach Villas spread evenly around the
island and 25 Water Villas creates an
atmosphere which rejuvenates your body
and mind.

11. ACCOMMODATION
KAM Hotel Malé, Maldives

12. Festivals
National Day
The National Day celebrates the
great victory of Mohamed
Thakurufaanu over the
Portuguese in 1573. The
National Day is celebrate on the
1st of Rabee ul Awwal, the third
month in the Islamic Calendar.
Ramadan
Ramadan is the ninth month in the Muslim
calendar, a month during which Muslims
mark 30 days of fasting. The working
hours altered for the month, the
government offices being open from
9.00a.m. to 1.30p.m. and the private
sector also closing for the day at 3.00 in
the afternoon.

13. THANK YOU