The Republic of Maldives is a state of 20 atolls located south of India. The Maldives are washed by the equatorial waters of the Indian Ocean. They are 700 km away from Sri Lanka. The atolls include more than 1190 coral islands, the height of which is insignificant. The highest point - 2.4 m, is located on the Addu atoll.
The total area of the Maldives is 90 thousand square meters. km. The land occupies only 298 sq. km. The only city and port of the country is the city of Male, which occupies the atoll of the same name. The population of the Maldives is represented by Africans, Maldivians and Arabs. People live on 201 islands. There are 88 islands as tourist resorts.
Local residents are engaged in tourist services and fishing. Agriculture on the islands is very poorly developed. Food products are supplied here from other countries. Local crops include coconut, banana, sweet potato, fruits, breadfruit and some types of vegetables.
Geographic features
Centuries ago, there were volcanoes in the Maldives region. In their place, coral reefs formed, which turned into islands. The Maldives has gained popularity for its wonderful white sand beaches.
The islands have differences in relief and natural world. Among them there are areas of land, the surface of which consists only of sand. Some of the islands are covered with tropical vegetation.
Weather
The Maldives are located in the area of influence of the monsoon subequatorial climate. The dry season is formed from November to early spring, as the northeastern monsoons prevail during this period. The rainy season lasts all summer thanks to the action of the southwest monsoons. Hot weather is observed on the islands all year round. The air temperature here does not fall below +17 degrees in January. Average temperatures: from +24 to +30 degrees.
Maldives Monthly Weather Forecast
Nature on the islands
The Maldives has a rich fauna and flora. There are no animals dangerous to humans or poisonous snakes. There are no dogs in the country, since according to local laws, keeping them is prohibited.
The islands are inhabited by turtles, flying foxes and others. Among the birds there are terns, gulls, sea frigates, pink parrots.
How to get to the Maldives
The bulk of tourists arrive in the country by plane. The airport is located on the island of Hulule, 2 km from the capital. This is the only airport on the planet with a runway, the beginning and end of which are in the ocean.
After arriving, tourists continue their journey to the islands using boats and seaplanes.
