Introduction to the Maldives

The Maldives Islands are located in the northern part of the Indian Ocean, and there are around 1200 islands in the country, among which 200 are inhabited. India is one of its closest neighbours to the north and Sri Lanka to the northeast, to the South is the Chagos group of islands.
We are not able to obtain the exact figure of the islands as they form and deform, but we do know that the 26 islands that form the Maldives archipelago are situated on top of a volcanic ridge and this runs from north to south., and almost all the islands are enclosed by a coral reef

The weather is sub-tropical, and there are two seasons in the Maldives, these are known as the monsoon periods. Iruvai, the northeast monsoon is from November to April which is the hot, dry and humid season. Hulhangu, the southwest monsoon which is from May to September is the rainy season, this brings occasional winds and storms. On these beautiful islands the temperature ranges from 26'C TO 29'C throughout the year. There are no mountains or rivers in the Maldives, and with the climate being warm and humid the constant seas breeze helps to keep the air moving.

The findings of historical information shows that there was civilization as early as BC, but the origin of the first people to settle in the Maldives is unknown. The first language spoken on these islands was called 'Ellu' which is an ancient form of Singhalese which is spoken in Sri Lanka. However the language spoken today in the Maldives is called Dhivehi, and is only spoken in the Maldives, the language is said to be derived from Sanskrit and a mix of Arab and Singhalese.
They have twenty four letters in the alphabet and the script is called Thaana, and is written from right to left. Arabic and English is instructed in schools, English being widely used in business. They are of the Muslim faith.

The Maldives have limited resources for their economy, fishing and tourism being the main two resources for generating foreign currency.
Because of the coral reef surrounding the islands, which is considered to be probably the most beautiful in the world, creates a natural haven for an abundance of marine life. Agriculture is limited on the Maldives because of its highly alkaline and sandy soil, and its deficiency in nitrogen, potash and iron limits its agricultural potential, so only ten percent of the island is cultivated mostly with coconuts, breadfruit trees, bananas and other tropical fruits.

The Maldives islands have had several influences, being at the cross roads of the ancient sea trade routes, Arabian, India, Sri Lanka (Ceylon), Portugal, and even as a British protectorate, the sailors and travelers from these countries all left their influence, but for the most part of their history the Maldives have managed to preserve their own independence.