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Overview
Simply paradise! That's
what you get to think we you see pictures from the Maldives. This
archipelago in the Indian Ocean is one of the finest
beach destinations in the world. Every one of the 1,200 islands offers
the picturesque postcard view of super-soft, white sandy beaches between
lush coconut palm
groves and a colourful coral lagoon... the absolute perfect surroundings to kick off your
shoes, drown your laptop and leave your worries far behind you. And when
the sun has set over the Indian Ocean, there is time to savour the exquisite
local cuisine with a never-ending variety of seafood and unwind in your romantic room or
over-water villa. And for
the more active traveller, there is of course a wide range of water
sports. And what's more, the Maldives are just a 4h hop from Bangkok.
A bit of History
The Maldives has long been a
sultanate, later under Dutch and British protection. It
became a republic in 1968, three years after the country reached full independence. Since 1978,
President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom
has dominated the islands' political scene. He been in office for 6
consecutive terms. Following street riots in the
capital Male in 2004, the president pledged to
embrace democratic reforms, including the establishment of a more representative
political system and the expansion of political liberties.
Unsurprisingly, progress has been
slow and many reforms that have been promised have been delayed indefinitely.
Today, tourism and fishing are the main money-makers for the Maldives.
The Highlights
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Relax and daydream
at the fantastic sandy beaches |
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Go snorkeling or
diving and be amazed by the colourful underwater world |
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Visit the capital
city Male with its bustling harbour |
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Visit other islands
by boat or helicopter |
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Enjoy a romantic
dinner at the beach while the sun sets into the Indian Ocean |
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Country Profile
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Country Name |
Maldives |
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Capital City |
Male |
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Major Gateways |
Male (MLE)
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Population |
300,000 |
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Languages |
Divehi |
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Main Religions |
Muslim |
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Currency
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Rufiyaa (MVR) |
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Time Difference with Thailand |
-2h |
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Calling Code |
+960 |
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Best Time to Visit |
September - May |
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Visa Requirement for Thai Citizens |
Visa on arrival |
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Travel Time from
Bangkok |
5h (nonstop) |
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More info |
www.visitmaldives.com
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Map |
Click here
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National Flag |
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