Maldives
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MALDIVES
| Maldives | |
 The Maldives | |
 Flag | |
| Capital: | Male |
|---|---|
| Language: | Divehi, English |
| Currency: | Rufiya |
| More notes about the country | |
Background
The republic of the Maldives has been a crossroads for sea traders for many centuries and the origin of the people of this country is mixed. It is an independent republic, which has been inhabited for over 3,500 years. Not much is known of the early history, only that the language and some archaeological excavations indicate that the early settlers were from the southern Indian continent and Buddhist Singhalese from Sri Lanka.
History
- 1153 Islam was adopted after the visit of a Muslim saint.
- 1513 Male attacked by the Portuguese from Goa (India). They were thrown out shortly afterwards.
- 1558 Male captured again by the Portuguese until they were all killed by Muhammad Takurufanu.
- 1609 Male attacked by pirates who killed the Sultan and caused severe damage.
- 1631 The Portuguese attempted to storm Male but failed.
- 1649 Further attempts to take Male by the Portuguese.
- 1752 Male attacked by Ali Raja of Malabar. He stayed for few months until the Maldivian under the leadership of Hassan Manikufaru threw them out.Ali Raja continued to lay siege to Male until driven away with help of a French war fleet.
- 1761 An assault by the fleet of Ali Raja was beaten off by a brave counter attack using dhonis.
- 1818 A great famine occurred all over the islands and a big tornado struck, devastating many islands.
- 1835 The first survey of the islands was taken by the British Admiralty.
- 1887 The Maldives and Great Britain signed an agreement which gave the country the status of a liberal protected state.
- 1932 First written constitution was proclaimed.
- 1953 The first republic declared and dissolved. Sultanate reestablished.
- 1965 End of the British agreement and declaration of independence. Entry into the UN.
- 1968 Declaration of the second republic.
- 1976 The complete withdrawal of all British forces from the South.
Current situation Today the Maldives population is entirely Sunni Muslim and Islam is the religion of the state. During prayer times and on Fridays shops and offices will usually be closed. Islamic prayer times depend on the position of the sun. The Morning Prayer is at dawn, Noon Prayers are at midday, afternoon prayers between 15:00 and 16:00, and the last at sunset.
Maldivian or Dhivehi is the primary language but English is widely spoken. Alcohol, pornography, narcotic drugs, or pork products are not allowed to be imported. Some of these will be politely removed and stored until departure by Customs on arrival. Alcohol is widely available on resorts islands, but it is very expensive. The local islanders are very friendly and they don’t like conflicts. When you respect local customs and dress modestly in public places, in general the Maldivian will help you in any way they can.
Climate & Weather
There is not much difference in temperature during the year. This is tricky though, because of the difference in humidity and lesser wind it sure feels a lot warmer in the NE monsoon period (May to October).
Lying close to the equator, the monsoons are mild and calms common. The average temperature ranges between 25 and 31 °C throughout the year.
Charts
Submit details of the charts required for safe navigation of the area.
Local Radio Nets
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Arrival/Departure procedures
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Immigration & Customs
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Visas
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Health & Security
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Islands in the Group
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Ports & Popular Stops
Cruiser's Friends
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References & Publications
- SAILING THROUGH PARADISE. Cruising Guide to the Maldives - ISBN 978-90-811890-1-9. 52 pages full of info and detailed charts. A must have for those who sail these waters. Available for 10,- euro as pdf-file
CruiserLog Forum Discussions
Links to discussions on the Cruiser Log Forum
External Links
Personal Notes
Personal experiences?
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