The colony of which state was Maldives. History of the Maldives Islands

Maldives - Tropical Paradise, where the beach season lasts 365 days a year, where the serene blue sky is reflected in the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean. It seems that this idyllic corner is created only in order to enjoy the joys of life - problems and political intrigues bypass him. But this is a deceptive impression. The history of the Maldives Islands is saturated with events.

From redes to the British

Unlike nearby India and Sri Lanka, the history of Maldives has been little studied. If you believe research, civilization on the islands has existed more than 3000 years. This theory in the 1980s was confirmed by the Norwegian archaeologist and writer Tour Heyerdal. After excavations on the atolls of Addu and Huvadu, he found out that the Aryan tribes were once inhabited. High white-skinned people with blue eyes and eagle noses called themselves the films and worshiped the sun.

Found fragments of ceramics make it possible to argue that the filines lived on the islands in 2000 BC.

At about the same time, Niland inhalled Holina. However, practically nothing is known about their origin.

The title of the oldest Aborigines, the Maldives claims the community to Giravaru. For centuries, its representatives dwell on the island of the same name, but with the beginning of the construction of the international airport were forced to move on Male.

According to one of the versions, the ancestors of Giravaru from South India, on the other, from Australia.

In 500 BC In Maldives, the second wave of settlement began. On the islands settled people from Sri Lanka, which distributed Buddhism.

Until the XVI century, the population of the islands consisted mainly of Indians, Malayans and Singalov. But in 1507, the archipelago attracted the attention of Portuguese. The French, Dutch and British came for them, who in turn set their protectorate.

Taking Islam

Up to the XII century - more than 1000 years - the Maldives professed Buddhism. But in 1153, the Arabic trader Abu Al-Bakarat landed on the islands, who convinced the local king to accept Islam.

According to legend, every month islanders sacrificed Ginna Rannamari innocent girl. She was led to the temple and left for the night. The next day, unfortunate was found dead. Remarking by the cruelty of the ritual, Abu Al-Bakar decided to put the end of him. At the appointed hour, he himself came to the sanctuary and spent all night for reading the Quran. The sacred suras scared the evil spirit that disappeared in the seabed and no longer disturbed the inhabitants of the island.

From this time, the Maldives began the era of Islam and the Sultanates, for which six dynasties and 90 rulers changed.

Maldives in the twentieth century

At the end of the XIX century, fearing expansion from India, the Maldives signed an agreement with Britain. According to the document, the British provided their military assistance in the event of a foreign invasion, but at the same time they did not interfere in the internal affairs of the country.

British presence continued until 1965.
On July 26, 1965, Maldives received independence.

In 1932, the British supported Mohammed ShamSuddin III, who adopted the first constitution of the country. The new law limited the sole power of Sultan and ensured free elections. And in 1953, the ruler Amin Didi abolished Sultanat, adopted a new constitution and became the first president of the Maldives. He introduced universal primary education and selective law for women. At the end of 1953, as a result of hungry riots, Amin Didi was overthrown.

Mohammed Fari Didi came to replace him, who restored the Sultanat and became the last, 94th Sultan of the Maldives. True, by that time the title turned into a certain honorary title, and the real authorities moved to the Prime Minister.

The Maldives accepted its third Constitution in 1968 during the referendum. Instead of the Maldives, the country became officially called the Maldives. President Ibrahim Nasir lasted 6 years old and in 1978 during a national protest against the rise ran from the country.

Since 1978, for 30 years (6 five-year-old terms in a row), Moomun President Abdul Gayum is solely ruled by Maldives. After 2004 unrest, I promised to expand political freedoms. In 2008, the first presidential elections were held with the participation of several candidates, as a result of which Mohamed Nadad became the new president of Maldives.

Since 2018, the country is headed by President Abdullah Yamin.

Maldives - Coral Archipelago, located in the Indian Ocean 640 kilometers south-west of Ceylon, almost at the equator, 99.669% of the Maldives is the sea. Maldives land (that is, 0.331% of the country's territory) consists of 19 coral atolls that unite 1.196 islands. The population of 200-thousand people lives on 202 islands, the remaining 994 uninhabited, tourist resorts are located on 88 islands.

The length of the Maldives Archipelago from north to south is 820 km, from the east to West - 120 km. The total area of \u200b\u200bMaldives together with land and sea is about 90 thousand square meters.

The name "Maldives" comes from the Hindu words "Mahal" (Palace) and "Diva" (island).

Maldives consist of two rows of atolls. These atolls are the result of a millennial growth of corals. Each year, coral colonies grow at 1-4 cm and finally go to the surface of the water space. The inner part of the coral dies, and after some (rather long) time begins to form a lagoon. It is always advantageous for the ocean, because erosion turns corals into tender white sand, which is so famous for the Maldives. A few years later (perhaps a few hundred) a new island is formed.

Maldives are considered one of the safest holiday destinations in the world. The calm and beauty of the islands are unique. White beaches and gorgeous lagoon with crystal clear water. In the world, according to experts, there are only two wonderful spaces for snorkeling: the Red Sea and Maldives. That is why here at each resort there are scuba diving schools that give international certificates at the end of the courses.

Climate of Maldives Islands

Since Maldives are located almost at the equator, the climate here is tropical. All year round, the temperature keeps about 28-30 ° C.

Thus, there are no cold winters here, and you can enjoy such a pleasant weather for a whole year. The South-West Musson (April - September) and the Northeast Monsoon (December - April) are determined here.

Northeast Musson brings a hot and dry period.

The southwest monsoon can bring short-term rains, high humidity and restless sea. However, during this period it is the least hot.

Middle day maximum - 28-30.4 ° C.
Middle night minimum - 25.4 ° C.
Water temperature - 24-27 all year round.

Visa to Maldives

Maldives - a visa-free country.

Tourist visa is affixed to the passport upon arrival for free and operates within 30 days from the date of entry into the country. Israel passport holders are not allowed. Inhabited formalities and airport fees

When passing customs control at the airport, Male must be remembered that in line with the laws of the Maldives

PROHIBITED:
1. Import of any narcotic substances, including psychotropic
2. Import of pornographic materials recorded to view video cassettes with films, etc. It is allowed to join only sealed cassettes.
3. Import of anti-Islamic literature.
4. Import of military attributes.
5. Import of any pork products.
6. Import of alcohol
7. Entrance animals
8. Import of powder / explosives / firearms / stitching, cutting items and weapons for underwater hunting

In accordance with the laws of the Maldives and the rules established in hotels

Strictly prohibited:
1. Breaking, tear live and dead corals in the ocean and near the shore, damage the sinks and lift them on the surface. All these actions are prohibited by law! For violations charged fines!
2. Catch the fish near the islands. For this purpose, fishing is organized in hotels both on the usual and large unsophisticated fish.
3. Underwater hunt is strictly prohibited.
4. Throw empty cans, bottles of tin, glass and plastic and other garbage on the islands - use trash bins designed for this.
4. It is forbidden to visit the capital of Male and Islands, where local residents live, in beachwear. It is recommended to wear things, covering shoulders and knees.
5. Nudism and Topless (Topless) is prohibited by law! For violations charged fines!

Nudism and topless (TOPLESS) are prohibited by law! For violations charged fines!

Currency of Maldives Islands

The Maldives Monetary Unit is Rufia and Laari.

1 Maldives Rufia is 100 Laari.

1 US dollar is approximately 12 Rufiyami.

In the Maldives, banknotes go to 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 500 of Rufi and coins of 2 and 1 Rufiye, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2, and 1 Laari.

However, virtually universally accepted for payment of US dollars and major credit cards (American Express, Visa, Master Card, Diners Club and Euro Card).

Therefore, it is not necessary to exchange dollars on the local currency upon arrival.

The capital of the Maldives - Male

Male is the smallest capital of the world (length 2.5 km, width - 1 km). The main attraction is the Mosque "Great Friday", decorated with a golden dome. Islamic center is located on its territory. This largest mosque of the Maldives at the same time accommodates more than 5,000 people.

Nearby is the old Mosque "Great Friday" with a unique minaret, the graves of national heroes and members of the ruling families.

Only the Presidential Palace, the National Museum, located in the Sultan Park and the burial of the legendary Maldives, deserve attention to the other attractions. It is also interesting to visit the colorful local markets - fruit, vegetable and craft - places where the goods are brought by the goods of many Maldives.

There is practically no entertainment in the capital. Neither you have nightclubs, no concert halls, nor theaters. The main entertainment is a walk along the coloric streets of the town, along the seaport, along the embankment or in the park.

Nearby is a hoolula international airport - a runway right in the ocean and a small terminal building. Until the last moment you are confident that the aircraft sits right into the water. Leaving the plane, you will find yourself right at the mall, where the famous Maldives "Dhoni" are already awaited, ready to deliver you to the capital or any other island.

This is an ideal place for a beach holiday, where are the most beautiful snow-white beaches with small coral sand. Maldives - the dream of many people dreaming about quiet blue lagoons and beautiful green palm trees capable of transferring travelers to the fabulous blissful paradise at least a few days.

There are practically no cars here, and always quietly and calmly. Partially and because of this, Maldives are considered one of the best places to relax.

Where are the Maldives on the world map?

Coordinates of the Maldives: 3 ° 28'36''n, 72 ° 50'12''e.
The Maldives are almost at the equator itself, and therefore it is always warm, and the temperature rests within + 28-30ºС.
The archipelago pulled out from north to south at 820 km and from west to east to 120 km. And due to the fact that it is just coral formations without mountains and volcanoes, the Maldives are towering over the sea for more than 3 meters. In the future, it threatens the full destruction of the islands, where the most elegant hotels in the world are located, due to the constant rise in sea level. It is possible that the Maldives may disappear after 30 years.

Maldives on the world map

Find a place where the islands are not so easy. Maldives are a very small archipelago, lost in the Indian Ocean south-west of India and Sri Lanka at 700 km. The Maldives Archipelago is located on 19 coral atolls consisting of more than 1000 islands. But they are not all inhabited, the resorts are considered only 88 of them. There are islands for the Maldives indigenous people, but this is not the most tourist destination, where visitors never look at. And there are small uninhabited islands, which you can get by renting a yacht.

The islands are located away from other states, without having land borders with any country. The Maldives washed by the Indian Ocean, there is only the sea border:

• with Sri Lanka;
• and India.

Popular resort islands Maldives

The best beaches are located on the atolls that are the most visited resort islands:

• Daalu. - The island of Daalu was chosen by diving fans;


• Ari.- The island attracts the flora and fauna with its chic diversity, where the bay turtle are located. Here, the secured tourists who came to the Maldives can ride water skiing, go to maritime fishing or just relax in an expensive hotel on a secluded coast;


• Fafu - Paradise for those who strive for comfortable accommodation. There are a lot of restaurants and a spa centers;


• Male - This is the capital of the Maldives. The area of \u200b\u200bthe city, which occupies the whole island, just 2 km², but even on this tiny site there is something to see. For example, the ancient mosque "Great Friday", the presidential palace, the National Museum and various colorful markets. True, no entertainment except walks on the embankment and the streets here.

The islands also differ in the fact that there are not so many opportunities for accommodation. Hotels in Maldives have the following feature: on one island is usually only one villa, where the best and most comfortable rooms are located. But it must be remembered that Maldives are an expensive paradise. And you can settle not only in the hotel rooms, and in various coastal bungalows with straw roofs and a glass bottom.

The islands are located away from other states, without having land borders with any country. At the Maldives washed by the Indian Ocean, there is only a naval border with Sri Lanka and India. It is not so easy to get to these paradise islands, and therefore rest in the Maldives remains for many people a very expensive and unrealized dream.

Many are cut about the snow-white sand, closed lagoons and beautiful hotels. Thanks to a secluded location, this paradise is simply created for a romantic travel, where the most secluded corners of the planet are located. Lovers dream of spending some unforgettable moments here, escape from the bustle of megalopolises to a quiet serete rest. And the wedding in Maldives is the limit of dreams of many brides.

Local population lives and works, tourists are resting. We suggest you to learn about what islands there are in the Maldives and what they are interesting.

How many islands in the Maldives?

On the world map, there are 1192 Maldives Islands, and not everyone is populated. Each of the islands refers to one of the 21 island group is the so-called atoll. They are the main administrative-territorial unit of the state. Consider every atoll individually.

List of Islands in Maldives

So it's time to go to the most paradise place on the planet:

1. - Name of the main island of Maldives. It is characterized by the largest population density (by 4.39 square meters. Km accounts for a total of 103,693 people!). The name "Male" is also the capital of Maldives itself - the largest settlement on the archipelago. In addition to residential neighborhoods, it is located here (on the island of Hulule). It is in Male that most tourist, entertainment complexes, souvenir and other stores. Male atoll in Maldives includes the artificial island of Hulumala, populated relatively recently, in 2004.


2. (or Haa-Alifa) is the official name of Northern Tiladunimati, or Tiladunima Weburi. He ranks 3rd in the list of Maldives at the population and in the area. It consists of 43 islands (14 - inhabited), which are located on the very north of the archipelago. For tourists, the resorts atoll Haa-Alif opened only in 2005. The most popular islands for recreation are donakuli, alida, we take away. On the atoll you can visit the Mosque of the XVIII century Building and ancient Mausoleum of the Maldives of the Kings.


3. - About 16 thousand people live on the 16-lived islands of the atoll. On the island of Hanyatu, there is a small regional airport, and Farida - ancient Buddhist ruins.


4. (or Shavian) are untouched beaches and a rich underwater world. Atoll includes 51 island with the capital on the found. Most of the islands of small size. Among unusual places are allocated by Mangros Marosh Island Swamps. Today, Atoll Shaviyani in Maldives offers only 3 hotel (Vagaru Islands, Rolia and Team), however, the tourist infrastructure is actively expanding.


5. (or Non) with the capital on the island of Manadu there are 13 residential islands from the total number 70. This atoll is famous not only by luxury hotels, but also the possibility of excellent romantic recreation: those who wish can rent a Dhona boat and get to any of the uninhabited islands of this atoll Maldives, To feel like such a rest away from civilization. All attractions of the Atoll Nunu are under water - these are a variety of dive sites. Convenient and that every local resort has its own dive center.


6. (He is Northern Malosmadulu) - one of the most frequently visited by foreign tourists. 88 islands of the atoll, of which are 15 inhabited, are located 140 km from the capital of the country. The capital of Raa is the island of Ungafara - is famous for the manufacturer of the manufacture of traditional - dhon boats. The most popular island of Atoll Raa in Maldives is Midhufpara, to grow, Candoludhu, Raughd.


7. (Goyadhu Atoll or Southern Malmadula). The islands of this atoll are considered the most beautiful in the Maldives. His virgin forests together with snow-white beaches resemble a touring tropical paradise. Moreover, the Baa Atoll in Maldives since 2001 is considered a biosphere reserve. From its 75 islands inhabited only 13, and luxury resort hotels are concentrated on them. On the islands of Eydafushi and Tuudkha, you can buy excellent souvenirs - they are even small from Male. Vacationers are stopped on the islands Horubadhu, Phonimagudhu, Dhinikola, KihaduFhara.


8. (Laviani or Fadhippol) is famous for popular dive sites. He has only 5 inhabited islands, among which is leading at attendance - in Maldives this is the most famous resort - and no less popular, the best budget island of the country. In general, the Laviaani Atoll is a romantic place with a large number of water entertainment options. His islands are the best in the Maldives for a beach holiday. In addition, it is snorkeling, wind surfing, fishing, skating on yachts and sea canoe, walks along the sandy spit at dusk.


9. - Center of the Maldives. His resorts are convenient for being closest to the only country airport. The capital of Kaafu in Maldives is. At the atoll is a variety of hotels with home reefs, honeymoon hotels, "Family" hotels and, of course, institutions operating on the "All Included" system. Here is Tilafushi - the only garbage island in Maldives, created as a landfill, and popular with tourists of the island, Khuraa, and Bandos.


10. , or Ari - the permanent population have 8 islands atoll. Among the tourists this place in Maldives is more than popular: the Paradise Islands - the most popular among those who want to relax at the warm sea.


11. Alif-Dhaal Guests can be found by historic sights - you can visit a beautiful wooden mosque and a Buddhist stulet. In addition, guests of the island are waiting for several hotels, mini-hotels and a unique underwater restaurant, located at a depth of 5 m - it became the first in the world of its kind.


12. (He is Felid) - Atoll with a population of only 2300 people living on 5 islands. They are considered the best for diving in the Maldives, and the most interesting of the dive sites is.


13. (MEEE) began to receive foreign holidaymakers not so long ago. There are only 2 hotels here, but they are truly luxurious resorts. Guests are popular for the beaches of a uninhabited part of the atoll for the sake of romantic holidays on the Virgin Nature Lon. From attractions It should be noted the mosque on the island of Colufushi, where the ancient artifact is stored - Sultan Mohammed Sword Takurufahan.


14. (Atoll Niland). Of the 23 islands there is only one resort - Breet. Its villas are made in eco-style with a light touch of luxury, and at the same time equipped with higher standards. On the island you can see an ancient cemetery, where you will demonstrate the grave of the local wizard. And the famous traveler Tour Heyerdal once led to the Fafa atoll's atoll: it was here that he found ancient testimony that Buddhism was confined to the pre-Islamic times.


15. (or Daal) gives tourists a romantic atmosphere, privacy and communication with wildlife. It was even nicknamed by the "Island of Turtles" - these animals postpone eggs here, and tourists are happy to admire the newborns. Of the 56 picturesque islands inhabited only 7, and under the tourist business is given 2. The capital of the Atoll is the city of Cudguwad. Behind the magnificent jewelry of local masters, tourists go to the island of Rinbud and Hulundely.


16. (Kolumadulu) with the capital Weymnde consists of 66 islands. People inhabit 13 of them. All attractions of the Atoll Thaa are pristine nature: most of the islands are in that condition, in which they were created by nature, and this is their main value.


17. there are as many as 82 islands, but only 12 are inhabited. They have conditions not only for diving, but for surfing. I will enjoy on the islands of Atoll Laama and those who like snorkeling - there are shallow lagows here. Interesting in this area and archaeological monuments - the ruins of ancient monasteries and stations.


18. (Gaafu-Alifa) will delight with just a few hotels, but only the luxurious. But here are many excellent diving places where you can find octopuses, mantle and huge luminous jellyfish. Atoll is considered one of the natural reserves of the Maldives. Travelers entails the privacy of these places and especially the island in the form of a heart, the only one in the Maldives.


19. It has a permanent population, which is located on 9 islands. The first resort here was built in 2006 on the island of Vatavarrehaa - it was a gorgeous hotel designed for 150 people. He fell soul to lovers of a secluded rest. And today numerous surfers come to Fioaryari Island.


20. - Special atoll. There is no lagoon inside it - it is completely filled with corals, forming one big island. Mango, bananas, papaya are grown on its fertile soil. Remarkable on the island of Fuvakhmulas are the Reding Hill and the Keder Mosque.


21. - The most southern atoll of the Maldives Archipelago, he is the highest (2.4 m above sea level). Here is Gan, the second most important is the country's airport built on the Maldives Island of the same name, the largest in the country. The archipelago has 6 inhabited islands from the total number 24. The capital of the Atoll is Hithadh, and the highest demand among tourists in Maldives uses. From natural beauty, luxurious magnificent gardens, banana and coconut plantations and the only freshwater lake in the Maldives are allocated.

Maldives - Island State in Indian Ocean.

The Maldives Archipelago is located at the junction of the Arabian and Lakkadiv Sea in five hundred kilometers south-west of the southern tip of the Industan Peninsula. A detailed map of Maldives demonstrates that the country occupies 27 atoll formations consisting of 1192 separate coral islets.

Maldives do not boast of big sizes. The biggest island Gan, but its area is less than 10 km 2. Most of the islands of the archipelago do not exceed a few hundred square meters.

Maldives on the World Map: Geography, Nature and Climate

If you look at the Maldives on the world map, it can be noted that the southern part of the country crosses the equator line. Although the length of the archipelago is about 750 km from the north to the south and 130 km from the west to the east, the total area of \u200b\u200bits islands is only 298 km 2. Maldives atolls can occupy hundreds of KM 2, but in the form of ring-shaped. And most of the major islands are located on the outer sides of the atoll rings.

The coastline Maldives is 644 km. Due to the remoteness from the coasts of the continent, neither the land, no maritime neighbors has a country.

Geographical position

The Maldives is the tops of the underwater chagos-laccadiv ridge, stretching almost 2500 km. However, the Maldives are not represented by mountain volcanic rocks. All archipelago islands consist of sand and coral formations. Therefore, the Maldives state is considered the lowest state of the planet.

The highest point of the country is located on the island of Gan and is only 2.4 meters above sea level. Most of the archipelago uninhabited. Only about 200 islands are populated. Thanks to the great length of Maldives, there are several large straits separating the groups of the atolls. On the map Maldives in Russian, you can find the largest of them - an equatorial strait. Its width is about 95 km, and the depth exceeds 2500 m.

Animal and vegetable world

Due to the small size of the islands and dense population of the largest of them, ground flora and the fauna of the archipelago of a rich. Several varieties of palm trees and rare mangroves are all that Maldives boasts. Animal world of the islands also does not shine a variety of - Akhatina, hermit cancer, gray herons and volatile foxes. But the underwater world of the country is incommensurable richer.

Hundreds of giant living coral ecosystems contain about 200 types of corals, more than 1000 species of fish, 250 varieties of crustaceans and up to semi-prayers of molluscs and iglinodes. Also, local fauna boasts two dozen species of a variety of whales and dolphins. Straits between the atolms in abundance are populated by plankton.

Climate

The subequator climate of the Maldives is formed by seasonal northeastern monscons. The average temperature during the year is approximately the same - from 23-30 ° C. Although there are no clearly pronounced seasons in the country, Spring is somewhat hotter and land. With the arrival of monsoon, the temperature and humidity increases slightly. The average precipitation is about 2000 mm per year.

Male Maldives with cities. Administrative division of the country

Maldives are divided into 21 administrative units. Together they form 8 regions formed on the principle of geographic proximity. The population of the country is about 405,000 people. The Maldives card with cities in Russian demonstrates that at a small area it makes Maldives one of the most populated states of the world. The average population density here is 1135 people per km 2.

Male - Capital and the largest city of the country. Located in the central part of Maldives. Almost a quarter of the population of the archipelago lives here. It is included in the list of the most populous cities in the world and occupies the entire territory of the same name, the area of \u200b\u200bwhich does not exceed 6 km 2.

Kuramati Island It is located 50 km west of the capital. Despite small sizes, the island is the most popular tourist center of the country.

Eidhafusi - One of the largest populated islands of Maldives. Located in the northern part of the archipelago 100 km north-west Male. Noteworthy absolute tall 0 meters above sea level.