The Maldives or Maldives is an island state in South Asia,
located on an archipelago in the equatorial Indian Ocean. The
Republic of Maldives is located on more than 1000 atoll islands,
located about 700 km southwest of Sri Lanka.
The Maldives is divided into 26 atolls stretching across the Indian
Ocean. Each atoll consists of several islands, some of which are
inhabited and others used for tourist purposes. Here are some of the
most famous regions and atolls in the Maldives:
1 Lhaviyani
Atoll. This atoll is known for its stunning beaches and selection of
luxury resorts.
2 Baa Atoll. Baa Atoll has been recognized by UNESCO
as a biosphere reserve and is known for its biodiversity and coral
reefs. Here you will also find some of the most luxurious resorts in the
Maldives.
3 Male Atoll. This is the most densely populated atoll and
includes the capital, Malé, as well as many other inhabited islands.
Here you will find government buildings, shops and cultural attractions.
4 Ari Atoll. Ari Atoll is a popular diving and snorkeling destination
and is home to many dive resorts. It is known for its underwater world.
5 Alifu Atoll. (also called Ari Atoll South and North Nilandhe Atoll):
This atoll is known for its natural beauty and laid-back atmosphere.
6 Kaafu Atoll. (also Malé Atoll North): This atoll includes Malé and the
surrounding islands and is the economic and political center of the
Maldives.
7 Dhaalu Atoll). This atoll offers a mix of luxury resorts
and local culture.
8 Thaa Atoll. This atoll is a popular destination
for divers and snorkelers.
9 Addu Atoll. This atoll is located in the
southernmost part of the Maldives and is home to the town of Addu City.
It is known for its history and historical sites.
Which island is the best choice for a Maldives vacation depends
primarily on the accommodation requirements and the planned activities.
From a luxury resort with an extensive range of sports and wellness
options to a natural beach bungalow with a sandy floor, all options are
available. In addition, many hotels have focused on specific target
groups, for example on diving resorts or romantic hotels with honeymoon
suites. The different types of islands can serve as a guide when
planning your vacation activities. In addition to a close examination of
the travel brochure, a look at Google Earth can also help to better
recognize reefs and beaches.
Crescent-shaped islands These
islands are ideal for beach and bathing fans as they are located in the
low-current interior of the atolls. The house reef usually only poses an
obstacle on one side and the relatively large lagoons with their soft
sandy bottom are perfect for swimming and water sports such as
windsurfing.
Circular islands are paradises for divers and
snorkelers. The round islands are largely protected from currents by the
atolls. Since the house reefs are close to the islands, they can be
quickly reached by snorkelers and divers. Due to the diversity of marine
fauna and the safety of the waters, circular islands are ideal for the
first attempts at diving.
Islands with sandbanks Fine sand and good
diving spots. The elongated island type is located on the edges of the
atolls. A reef stretches towards the open sea, while on the other side
there is a sandbank. This is a good place to sunbathe in the fine sand.
The current channels rich in fish are interesting for divers.
The Maldives is not known for traditional cities. Instead, they are
known for their resorts and settlements on various islands. The capital
and largest city of the Maldives is Malé, located on the island of Malé.
1 Malé. The capital of the Maldives, Malé, is the most populous city and
the political and economic center of the country. Here you will find
government buildings, shops, markets, mosques and cultural attractions.
Larger towns are:
2 hithadhoo is part of Addu Town in the
Maldives and offers a relaxed atmosphere. Visitors can experience local
culture, explore historical sites such as Koagannu and Hithadhoo Zone,
and enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding area.
3
Kulhudhuffushi (Kuldhudhuffushi (Kuhlhudhuffushi) . Kulhudhuffushi is
one of the largest islands in the Maldives. There are local markets here
that allow visitors to experience the everyday life of the locals. The
island also offers beaches and snorkeling opportunities.
4 Thinadhoo
(äume) . known for its calm atmosphere and beautiful beaches. Visitors
can relax, snorkel, enjoy local cuisine and explore the idyllic
surroundings.
Entry requirements
The Maldives allows citizens of all nations a
30-day tourist stay. Proof of accommodation must be provided at the
airport upon entry. A booked return trip and proof of sufficient funds
of US$100 +50 per day may be required. The monthly arrival numbers are
well over 100,000.
The entry card, which has to be filled out by
hand, has been replaced by the “Traveller Declaration” which has to be
filled out online in the 96 hours before arrival. A scan of the passport
data page and a photo must be uploaded. You will receive a QR code to
show.
Customs regulations
Free quantities: 200 cigarettes or
250 g of tobacco or 50 cigars.
Live pigs, alcohol, pornography
and “religious material that contradicts Islam” are not allowed to be
imported. The latter includes Bibles, figures of the Virgin Mary, etc.
Luggage is examined upon arrival.
Airplane
Most tourists come
by plane. The international Ibrahim Nasir International Airport (IATA:
MLE) covers the entire island of Hulule. There are direct flights from
numerous European cities. It takes about 9½ hours from Frankfurt. Behind
the airport there is an island that was artificially built up in 1997
with several accommodations and the Airport Beach.
Since summer
2018, the airport island of Hulhulé has been connected to Malé and
Hulhumalé via the Sinamalé Bridge. Since then, it has been possible to
avoid using the small ferries to the main island, which are overpriced
for tourists.
For long-term travelers in Asia, the most sensible
way to arrive is from Colombo or from Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) in
southern India with Spice Air or Sri Lankan (in both cases September
2017 approx. US$ 100). It should be noted that return or onward flight
tickets may be required when entering the Maldives.
An onward
journey from Malé to the respective holiday island is possible by
seaplane or speedboat. Better resorts arrange transfers. Maldivian
offers connections to Gan in the Addu Atoll several times a day with
propeller planes, the flight time is seventy minutes. Other domestic
destinations include Hanimaadhoo, Kaadedhdhoo and Kadhdhoo. Villa Air
Fly me started with a connection to Maamigili in South Ari Atoll. You
don't fly to Gan anymore.
Ship
Sri Lanka's ferries were
discontinued years ago.
On foot. There is no public transport on the islands, apart from
three bus routes on the main island. Taxis run regardless of the route
at a standard price of Rs. 20 (surcharge after midnight).
You can
take a ferry to other islands in the Malé Atoll from the Ferry Jetties
on the north shore of the island. Please note that Dhonis depart at
certain times or when full, then the general price applies (“Dont't pay
the ferryman, until he gets you to the other side”). In the Dhonis,
"special trips" are often organized without asking a foreigner who gets
into an empty boat, and at the end "charter prices" are charged for a
full boat. The Vilingili Ferry Terminal also serves other routes. Right
next to it is the tsunami memorial.
The official language of the Maldives is Dhivehi, also known as Maldivian. The Maldivian population also commonly speaks English, particularly in tourist areas, as English is a major foreign language in the Maldives. The resorts and hotels often also have staff who speak other languages such as German or French to meet the needs of international guests.
The Maldives are famous for their stunning beaches, crystal clear
waters and impressive marine life. Most tourists come here to escape the
winter and relax by the sea. However, it should be noted that the
Maldives is a Muslim country and there are certain rules of behavior and
dress code that must be followed. Getting drunk on alcohol at the pool
is not welcomed. Topless and nudism are not options.
Snorkeling:
The Maldives offers some of the best snorkeling in the world. With basic
snorkeling equipment you can explore the colorful coral reefs and
fascinating marine life.
Diving: Diving is one of the main
attractions in the Maldives. There are numerous diving schools and dive
sites for beginners and experienced divers, including famous dive sites
such as Fish Head and Maaya Thila.
Water Sports: The Maldives is a
paradise for water sports such as windsurfing, kite surfing, water
skiing, wakeboarding and jet skiing. Many resorts offer water sports
equipment and training.
Boat tours: Boat trips are interesting to
explore the Maldives from the surface of the water. You can watch
dolphins, take romantic sunset cruises or go island hopping.
Wellness
and Spa: Many resorts in the Maldives offer first-class wellness and spa
facilities in idyllic surroundings.
Fishing: The Maldives is a
popular destination for anglers. You can enjoy deep sea fishing, night
fishing and other fishing activities.
Beach Activities: The beaches
in the Maldives are often deserted and offer plenty of space to relax.
Cultural Tours: One can visit local villages and learn more about the
culture and life of the locals. Some resorts offer cultural tours and
cultural performances.
Island hopping: The Maldives consists of many
islands and it is worth exploring different islands to experience the
diversity of the Maldives.
The currency is the Rufiyah. A return is not possible. Dollar cash is
also accepted in the tourist resorts; menus are often only priced in
these. Payment is usually made by credit card the evening before
departure. The euro is now also accepted in some shops.
Opening
times
Often interrupted for 15-30 minutes during prayer times.
Banks: 8.30 a.m. - 1.30 p.m., Sun.-Thurs. Exchange rate: US$ 1 = Rs.
15.3, € 18.3 (July 2021, stable for years). ATMs are only numerous on
the main island.
Authorities: 7.30 a.m. - 2.30 p.m., Sun.-Thurs.
Shops: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sun.-Thurs.
Restaurants are closed at noon on
Friday. (There are also restrictions in Ramadan).
There is a ban
on alcohol outside the resorts. Bar prices on these islands can be high,
with US$5 for a small beer or US$130 for a bottle of vodka not uncommon.
In principle you can buy anything on Malé itself; on the larger tourist
islands there are usually electronics retailers and jewelers as well as
the obligatory souvenir shops. You will rarely find bargains as
practically all goods are imported.
There is a tendency to charge
tourists fancy prices but, unlike in India, not to allow them to
bargain. Prices of US$10 for a 1½ liter water bottle occur. Be
particularly careful with jewelry and souvenirs made of coral or animal
materials: It is strongly recommended that you find out in detail about
the import regulations of your home country or any transit countries
beforehand, as they apply to the export of corals and shells from the
Maldives or to imports into other countries There are some restrictions
due to the Washington Convention on International Trade in Endangered
Species of Endangered Species. Violations could result in heavy fines or
even imprisonment.
Since the Maldives is Muslim, alcohol is prohibited for the local
population. However, almost all resorts and liveaboards have a license
to serve alcohol, usually with a hefty surcharge. The tap water in the
resorts may or may not be drinkable. Bottled water has an extortionate
price, typically around $5/bottle. It may make sense to book an
all-inclusive package to keep additional costs plannable!
The
cuisine in the Maldives is Asian-style. Fish and rice can often be
expected on the menu. The food is prepared quite hygienically in the
hotels. There are also some specialties in the Maldives... Let yourself
be surprised...
Coffee drinkers have to make do with the Indian
version of instant coffee from a well-known Swiss company; there is no
coffee beans.
Kandu Kukulhu, also known as tuna curry, is a
traditional Maldivian dish and literally translates to “chicken of the
sea”. Tuna fillets are rolled with curry paste, tied with a strip of
coconut leaf and cooked in coconut milk. The curry is usually prepared
overnight. It is then served with rice or roshi (flatbread).
Mas huni
is a typical Maldivian breakfast consisting of tuna, onion, coconut and
chili. All ingredients are finely chopped and mixed with the grated
coconut flesh. This dish is usually eaten with freshly baked roshi
flatbread and sweetened hot tea.
Roshi: This is a thin, crispy pan
bread that is often served with various meals.
Fish Curry: Fish is a
mainstay of Maldivian cuisine, and fish curries are very popular. The
fish is usually served with spices, coconut milk and rice.
Garudhiya:
A clear fish soup usually served with rice. It can be seasoned with lime
juice and chili.
Hedhikaa: These are deep-fried snacks and appetizers
including fish balls, samosas and dumplings, often served with chili
sauce.
Bis Keemiya: These are fried dumplings prepared with various
fillings such as tuna, potatoes or vegetables.
Desserts: Coconut and
sweet flavors are present in many desserts. A popular dessert is "Boshi
Mashuni," a mixture of grated coconut meat and sugar.
Kulhi Boakibaa:
A pastry made from dried fish, rice, coconut and spices.
Tropical
Fruits: The Maldives offers a variety of exotic fruits such as papaya,
bananas, pineapple, mango and starfruit, which can be enjoyed fresh or
in smoothies.
Apart from the bars on the tourist islands, none.
You will rarely get a room in a guest house for less than US$40.
Ordinary meals cost US$8-15.
It will usually be cheaper to book a
package deal in Europe than to contact a resort directly. It should be
noted that you are tied to one island; trips to other tourist islands
require the permission of the manager there. Such boat trips cost
(excluding everything) US$25-125.
The accommodation on the
islands in the Maldives is very luxurious and quite beautiful. However,
the price here is quite high, so a trip can be very expensive.
in
Male
The main island is almost the only one where foreigners are
allowed to stay without a special permit, and there is a certain
selection of accommodation there.
Holidays with fixed dates are Jan. 1: New Year, May 1: Labor Day,
July 26: Independence Day, Nov. 3: “Victory Day,” Nov. 11: “Republic
Day.” “ and November 19th: national holiday.
There are also the
Muslim holidays calculated according to the moon: the beginning (March
10, 2024) and end (April 9, 2024) of Ramadan, breaking the fast (April
10, 2024), the Feast of Sacrifice (June 16, 2024), the Prophet's
birthday (June 16, 2024). September 2024), Islamic New Year (July 8,
2024) and the day of acceptance of the Koran faith in the Maldives.
Although there have been repeated protests and unrest in the recent
past, particularly in the capital Malé, the Maldives are generally
considered very safe for tourists, especially since tourism is one of
the Maldives' main sources of income. Despite the fact that Islam is the
state religion in the Maldives, Western standards regarding tolerance,
human rights and religious freedom apply on the islands with hotel
complexes. However, especially in the capital Malé or other local
islands, you should avoid wearing provocative clothing (such as bikinis)
or displaying any kind of provocative behavior towards the Islamic
religion, otherwise this will cause significant problems can lead.
Practicing Christianity in public is forbidden! It is also advisable
not to talk to the locals about religion or Christianity, as this could
possibly be interpreted as Christian proselytizing, which is strictly
forbidden in the Maldives. Non-Muslims are prohibited from entering
mosques; they are tolerated in the main mosque outside of prayer times.
Vaccination recommendations for the Maldives can be found on
Tropeninstitut.de. It is advisable to take a look up before spreading
the towel in the shade of coconut trees. Falling fruit can be dangerous.
Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital, Kan'baa aisaarani hingun. Tel: +960
333 5211.
Due to their location in the mostly calm Indian Ocean, the Maldives
have a very consistently hot, tropical climate. Temperatures rarely fall
below 25 degrees Celsius, even at night.
The weather is
characterized by two monsoons: the southwest monsoon from May to October
and the northeast monsoon from November to April. This is the most
favorable time for surfers. The southwest monsoon usually brings wind
and more intense rainfall in June and July. The months from November to
April are considered the best time to travel; the high season is around
Christmas. Divers have the best visibility from January to April.
Photography is prohibited at the presidential palace and military facilities.
The dress code at Maldives resorts is generally very relaxed and
casual. One can dress lightly and casually as most resorts offer a
casual atmosphere. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Swimwear: It is completely acceptable at the resorts to wear swimwear
while at the beach, pool or in the water. Bikinis, swim trunks and
swimsuits are the normal choice. However, one should wear appropriate
clothing when in restaurants, bars or other public areas. “Topless” and
nudism are strictly forbidden everywhere in the Maldives! Failure to
comply can result in heavy fines and even expulsion from the country.
Casual Beachwear: Light, loose clothing, such as sundresses, shorts,
t-shirts, and flip-flops, are fine during the day when out of the water.
Evening Attire: Many resorts have restaurants of varying levels and
atmospheres. Some are more informal while others offer a more formal
setting. When dining at upscale restaurants, consider wearing dressier
clothing, such as long pants and shirts for men and elegant summer
dresses or blouses for women. There are also special theme nights at
some properties where special clothing is required.
Respect the
culture: Although the resorts have a relaxed dress code, it is important
to respect the local culture and religious practices. This means that
you should not walk around half-naked or in swimwear outside of the
beach area. When visiting local islands, you should dress appropriately,
covering shoulders and knees to accommodate local customs.
Dress
codes may vary from resort to resort. Therefore, it is advisable to
check and follow the policies of your chosen resort. Overall, however,
the Maldives are known for their relaxed atmosphere and greater freedom
in clothing choices.
The Maldivian postal service works reliably. There is a post office
in the airport. Stamps and postcards are sold on the tourist counter and
delivery is also taken care of.
1 Main Post Office, 26
Boduthakurufaanu Magu. Open: Sun.-Thurs. 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
2 ret. Tel.:
(0)72511088833. Open: Sun.-Thurs. 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
Most resorts charge high fees for internet use. It's nowhere too
fast. In 2023, 20 MBit/s for downloads and 5 MBit/s for uploads will be
the highest. However, many guesthouses on the main island offer free
Wi-Fi.
It can make sense to buy one of the “tourist packs” for
mobile internet at the airport (only available there). In 2023, the
offer includes 17GB for $35 and 30GB for $50. The additional SIM card is
available for 60 calls. (approx. US$3.50).
The Maldives has two mobile phone providers Dhiraagu and ooredoo,
whose prepaid credit is valid for 60 days. Both providers have a 4G LTE
network (as of 2018). Due to the difficult geographical conditions of
the Maldives with over 1000 islands, unfortunately no precise statement
can be made about the network coverage, but one can assume that both the
capital Malé and All islands with tourist hotels are supplied by the
mobile phone providers.
Furthermore, it is generally possible to
make calls via the landline network and to transmit fax messages in the
individual hotels. If you want or need to be permanently reachable by
cell phone, it may be advisable to use a satellite phone (e.g.: Iridium
or Thuraya); in this case, too, the costs should be determined
beforehand, as mobile satellite telecommunications is generally
relatively expensive .
In the official language of Dhivehi, the name Dhivehi Raajje, which
means “Kingdom of the Dhivehi” or “Land of the Dhivehi”, has been used
for centuries. The current state name therefore means something like
“Republic of the Land of the Dhivehi”.
The name “Maldives” was
introduced in the 18th century by the Dutch, who called the islands
Maldivische Eilanden. It is probably a takeover of the Arabic
al-Mahaldibiyat or Dhibat al-Mahal. Mahal was the name of Malé at the
time, literally speaking of the “Islands of Malé”.
To date, only contradictory information can be found in the
scientific literature about the first settlement of the Maldives. One
theory suggests that the settlement of the Maldives began in the 5th
century BC. When Buddhist fishermen from India and the island of Ceylon
settled on the islands. According to archaeological research by Thor
Heyerdahl in 1985, in addition to Buddhist temples, there are also
references to Hindu beliefs and sun worship cults. Heyerdahl believed
that these religions existed in parallel for a period of time.
According to legend, the Maldives were converted to Islam in 1153 by an
Arab traveler. The Maldives was ruled by both sultans and a variety of
sultanas. The most famous of them was Sultan Khadeeja Rehendi Kabaidhi
Kilege, who ruled the country for 35 years in the 14th century. Today
women still play a major role in public life in the Maldives. Half of
the students, many business people, civil servants and ministers are
women. However, the matriarchal influence is nowhere near as pronounced
as among the Muslim Minangkabau on Sumatra.
In 1558 the
Portuguese occupied the islands, but they were driven out again in a
guerrilla war that lasted eight years by Muhammad Thakurufaan in 1573.
It was only in the 17th century that a European country succeeded in
subjugating the islands: the Netherlands turned the Maldivian Sultanate
into a protectorate after they had also occupied Ceylon. When the
Netherlands lost Ceylon to the British in 1796, the Maldives also came
under British influence, so that they were a British protectorate from
1887 to 1965. Under the colonial administration, active and passive
women's suffrage was granted in 1932.
In 1932, the Maldives
received its first constitution from Sultan Mohammed Shamsudeen III.
In 1942, the United Kingdom built a military airfield on Gan Island,
which was only vacated by the Royal Air Force in the late 1970s. The
republic was proclaimed in 1953. A relative of the Sultan then took over
the presidency. After a referendum, the Sultanate was reintroduced and
Mohammed Farid Didi became Sultan again. Three years later, in 1956, the
Maldives received internal autonomy, but the British built additional
military airfields. In 1963 Great Britain gave up the islands, but
retained the right to use the military airfields. The Maldives joined
the Colombo Plan and became independent two years later.
At
independence in 1965, women's active and passive suffrage was confirmed.
With a constitutional change in 1968, the Sultanate was converted
into a republic and the Didi's rule of over 250 years ended. Ibrahim
Nasir became head of state and government. A year later, the republic
was proclaimed under the name Maldives.
In 1972, the offices of
head of state and head of government were separated. In the same year,
the country opened up - slowly at first - to tourism. Three years later,
the office of head of government was abolished and taken over by the
president. In 1976 the British finally left the country because the
30-year period of use of the military airfields had expired. In 1982,
the Maldives joined the Commonwealth of Nations. In 1989, an
international conference was held in the capital Malé on the threat to
the islands from rising sea levels.
From 1978 to 2008, President
Maumoon Abdul Gayoom ruled the country with an authoritarian hand.
Freedom of expression, freedom of the press and civil rights were
severely restricted, which met with international criticism. In
September 2003, mass demonstrations broke out after three prisoners died
in prison under unclear circumstances. President Gayoom promised
reforms, the legal system should be changed and the powers of parliament
should be expanded. On September 25, 2003, parliament unanimously
elected him as the presidential candidate, and two months later he was
elected to office for the sixth time with 90.3% of the vote.
In
mid-August 2004, a state of emergency was declared in the Maldives.
According to opposition figures, hundreds of people were jailed after
demonstrations against the president's regime. On December 26, 2004,
numerous settlements and tourist resorts on the islands were severely
damaged or destroyed by a tidal wave caused by the Indian Ocean
earthquake. Unlike the flat coasts of Sri Lanka, Indonesia or India,
where tsunamis have greater destructive power, most atolls were spared
major devastation.
In the first democratic multi-party election
in 2008, Mohamed Nasheed was elected as the new president. He resigned
from office in 2012 following public protests and a police mutiny. The
official duties were then continued on an interim basis by Nasheed's
Vice President Mohammed Waheed Hassan until 2013. In the 2013
presidential election, Abdulla Yameen, a younger half-brother of Maumoon
Abdul Gayoom, was elected as the new president.
After the
association of states criticized regulations on the rule of law and
human rights, the Maldives left the Commonwealth of Nations in October
2016.
In 2015, Gayoom's successor Nasheed was sentenced to 13
years in prison for "terrorism" but remained in exile in Britain after a
trip to London for medical treatment. At the beginning of February 2018,
Yameen declared a state of emergency and arrested his half-brother, the
80-year-old former president Gayoom, his son-in-law and two judges. The
crisis was triggered by a court ruling that allowed twelve MPs who had
defected from the ruling party to return to parliament. This would mean
that Yameen would have lost the majority in parliament. However, he
refused to implement the court orders. The 2018 presidential election
was won by the opposition politician Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and the
parliamentary election the following year was won by the Maldivian
Democratic Party led by Mohamed Nasheed.
On February 1, 2020, the
Maldives rejoined the Commonwealth of Nations.
The Republic of Maldives is located in the equatorial waters of the
Indian Ocean, about 700 km southwest of Sri Lanka. The western coast is
washed by the waters of the Arabian Sea, and the interior of the
Maldives also belongs to its water area. At the same time, the eastern
coast of the archipelago is washed by the waters of the Laccadive Sea.
The archipelago is a chain of 26 atolls, which include 1192 coral
islands. The islands do not rise much above the ocean level: the highest
point of the archipelago is on the southern Addu (Siena) atoll - 2.4 m.
The total area, calculated together with inland waters, is 90 thousand
km², the land area is 298 km². The capital of Male - the only city and
port of the archipelago - is located on the atoll of the same name.
The Maldives has a stable tropical monsoon climate (Am)
according to the Köppen climate classification, which is influenced by a
fairly large area of South Asia. Since the Maldives has the lowest
altitude of any country in the world, temperatures are constantly hot
and humid. This causes differential heating of the earth and water.
There is a constant influx of moist sea air from the Indian Ocean -
monsoons. The Maldives is dominated by two seasons: the dry season,
associated with the winter northeast monsoon, and the rainy season,
which brings high winds and storms.
The transition from the dry
northeast monsoon to the wet southwest monsoon occurs during April and
May. During this period, southwest winds contribute to the formation of
the southwest monsoon, which reaches the Maldives in early June and
prevails until the end of August. However, the weather conditions in the
Maldives do not always match the monsoon regimes of South Asia. Annual
rainfall averages 254 centimeters (100 inches) in the north and 381
centimeters (150 inches) in the south. The monsoonal influence is
greater in the north of the Maldives than in the south - this is due to
the presence of equatorial currents.
Giant Achatina, hermit crabs live on land, while flying foxes and gray herons live in the air.
The waters around the
Maldives include several different ecosystems, but they are best known
for their variety of colorful coral reefs, home to 1,100 fish species, 5
sea turtle species, 21 whale and dolphin species, 187 coral species, 400
mollusk species and 83 echinoderm species. In addition, many species of
crustaceans live here: 120 species of copepods, 15 species of amphipods,
as well as more than 145 species of crabs and 48 species of shrimp.
Families represented here include: pufferfish, snapperfish, horse
mackerel, lionfish, eastern sweetlips, reef sharks, groupers, eels,
cesiums, bristletooths, ephippids, wrasses, eagle rays, scorpionfish,
lobsters, nudibranchs, angelfish, butterflyfish, holocentric, soldier
fish, glass groupers, surgeonfish, longtails, triggerfish, napoleons and
barracudas.
These coral reefs inhabit a variety of marine
ecosystems from planktonic organisms to whale sharks. Sponges gained
great importance after five species were found to have anti-tumor and
anti-cancer properties. In 1998, the water temperature rose by 5 °C due
to the El Niño event, which caused coral bleaching and the death of ⅔ of
the organisms that live in coral reefs.
In an attempt to re-grow
the reefs, the scientists placed electrified cones at a depth of about
6.1-18.3 m to provide a substrate for coral larvae to attach to. In
2004, scientists noticed the regeneration of corals. The corals began to
release pink-orange eggs and sperm into the water. These electrified
corals grew five times faster than regular corals.
In January 1998 a new constitution came into force. The form of government remained the presidential republic. The president and head of government have unrestricted power over the executive branch. He is elected for five years by a unicameral parliament, the Majilis. The Majilis consists of 50 members, 42 of whom are elected and eight of whom are appointed by the president. After the election, the president still has to face a popular vote. To date, only Islam is accepted as a religion in the Maldives. On August 7, 2008, President Mohammed Abdul Gayoom issued a new constitution, which in Article 9 paragraph d) bars people who are not Muslim from being accepted as new citizens. However, this does not apply to people born in the Maldives whose parents are already citizens, regardless of their religion.
The Maldives is a presidential republic with significant influence of
the president: he is head of government and minister of defense; Until
2006, the central bank and finance were also subordinate to him. He
leads the police, army, coast guard, fire department and judiciary.
There is no separation of powers. Presidential elections take place
every five years; The people elect one of the two candidates nominated
by parliament as president by a simple majority. The current incumbent
is Mohamed Muizzu, elected on September 30, 2023.
Mohamed Nasheed
has been head of state since the new elections in October 2008 and the
departure of the previous incumbent Maumoon Abdul Gayoom on November 10,
2008. Gayoom has been president since 1978, making him the
longest-serving head of state in Asia. In his six victorious
presidential elections, he was sometimes the only candidate for the
office; in 2007, he nominated himself as the presidential candidate for
the coming elections without consulting his DRP party. Former President
Maumoon Abdul Gayoom is also involved in holiday resorts.
In the Maldives, opposition, which has been permitted since 1998, has
only de facto existed since 2005.
In June 2005, the Majlis'
deputies voted unanimously in favor of a motion that would enable the
establishment of a multi-party system.
Since then, President
Gayoom has tolerated five parties: his own, dominant DRP, the Islamic
AP, the small parties MSDP and IDP, and the democratic MDP (Maldives
Democratic Party). In particular, the members of the MDP, especially its
managing director at the time and Mohamed Nasheed, who served as
president until February 2012, were exposed to considerable repression
and restrictions on their political work.
On October 28, 2008, the reformer Mohamed Nasheed was elected as the
first democratically legitimized president. Protests erupted in early
2012 over the arrest of Criminal Court Chief Judge Abdulla Mohamed, and
the Supreme Court called for his release from military detention. The
judge was accused of misconduct and undue favoritism towards opposition
figures after he ordered the release of a government critic. On February
6, 2012, there was an attempted coup against the president. Mutinous
police and demonstrators had occupied the state broadcaster. Nasheed
then announced his resignation in a televised speech. According to a
government spokesman, his deputy Mohammed Waheed Hassan will take over
the official duties for the time being. According to the Maldivian
constitution, presidential elections were scheduled for September 2013.
The election was declared rigged despite information to the contrary.
The elections, which were rescheduled for October 20, 2013, were
prevented by the police on the day of the election. The runoff election
was repeatedly postponed. Finally, a new election took place on November
9, 2013. On November 16, 2013, Abdulla Yameen was declared president
after the votes were counted.
Former President Maumoon Abdul
Gayoom (1978-2008) and the previous exiled President Mohamed Nasheed
formed an alliance in 2017 to run against Abdulla Yameen in the next
elections, in which they are said to have a good chance of success. The
top court also ordered that several MPs who had fallen out of favor with
Yameen should be reinstated. Yameen ignored the order, declared a state
of emergency on February 5, 2018 and had Gayoom arrested. The opposition
turned to India to restore order. Yameen, on the other hand, is
considered a business partner of the People's Republic of China.
In response to the Russian attack on Ukraine in February 2022, most
European states and the USA imposed sanctions against Russians and
Russian companies. At least five superyachts owned by Russian
billionaires are cruising near or anchored off the Maldives. This is
interpreted as an escape from access through confiscation by the USA.
The Maldives does not have an extradition treaty with the US.
Basic rights such as freedom of speech and expression are restricted;
Peaceful demonstrators are also arrested in the run-up to and during
political rallies. Freedom of religion is expressly excluded.
In
July 2003, Amnesty International released a report on human rights
abuses by President Gayoom's regime, accusing it of using torture.
Prisoners were beaten and kicked and had to sit handcuffed in the sun
for hours. They would be denied lawyers in court.
There are still
numerous political prisoners in Maldivian prisons. The editors of the
independent internet magazine “Sandhaan” were sentenced to life
imprisonment for high treason, while undesirable politicians were locked
up, as were religious leaders and artists. At the same time, the former
president converted former military buildings into prisons - on islands
far away from the luxury hotels of tourists.
The Commonwealth of
Nations threatened to suspend membership in 2016 if there were no
improvements in the human rights situation. The government of Maldives
complained about unfair treatment and interference in its internal
affairs and announced its withdrawal.
On February 5, 2018, a
state of emergency was declared by President Yameen. President Yameen
refused to comply with the Maldives Supreme Court's order demanding the
release of eight imprisoned opposition politicians and a retrial. The
court also demands the reinstatement of twelve members of parliament.
The Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) was formed in 2006 from
the National Security Service (NSS). It includes the Marine Corps, the
Security Protection Group, the Corps of Engineers and a Coast Guard,
which has civilian as well as military tasks. The MNDF Air Wing has 2
HAL Dhruv helicopters donated by India.
The country's president
holds supreme command. The MNDF headquarters is located in Bandaara
Koshi.
Every island used for tourism is required to operate its own waste
incineration plant and seawater desalination plants. The electricity
required for this is generated almost exclusively with diesel
generators. Metal and plastic waste from the capital Malé and some
nearby islands are collected and dumped on the garbage island of
Thilafushi. The vast majority of islands “dispose” of their garbage in
the sea. There is no facility to dispose of the used oil from the
numerous boats or generators. The construction rubble from hotel
buildings also usually ends up in the sea.
In practice,
environmental protection is just as lacking in the Maldives as is
environmental awareness. Environmental protection laws exist on paper,
but compliance with them is not monitored and violations are not
punished. For example, the built-up area of a resort cannot exceed 20%
of the island's area. In practice it looks completely different, which
is usually clearly visible to the visitor when arriving or departing.
The government neither checks compliance with the construction plans nor
imposes sanctions for common corruption. The government's interest is in
as many tourist beds as possible being used to capacity. Most of the new
hotel islands have been given the desired shape through landscaping.
This is done through “dredging” and sand pumping, which causes
tremendous damage to the reefs. Private airports for individual resort
chains, for example Maamingili in South Ari Atoll, are also created by
filling up the reef roof.
It is forbidden to catch sharks inside
the atoll. However, this is not monitored, so the Maldives' once huge
shark population has disappeared except for a few remnants. Sharks are
not eaten, but are caught for the fins to be exported to the Far East
and, after the fins are cut off (so-called “shark finning”), thrown back
into the sea, where they die in agony. Reef fish such as red snapper and
grouper are increasingly being fished for the world's luxury markets.
Since these are local fish, their population is at risk. Night fishing,
which is popular on all hotel islands, is contributing to the decline in
fish populations. Turtles are also protected, but their clutches are
not, which means that the Maldives hardly produces any offspring of
turtles.
In the late 1990s, the Maldivian government established
large areas as marine national parks. No new tourist accommodation may
be built in these areas. Since the old President Naesheed has agreed to
the construction of more resorts, the pressure on the already badly
damaged nature is increasing. However, outside the national parks,
people continue to use the coral reef blocks to build houses. In
addition, the industrial dismantling of the reefs for land reclamation
(airport expansion, Hulumalé) continues.
Environmentalists from
all over the world are trying to develop environmental awareness among
the population and stop the destruction of reefs. Scientists Tom Goreau
and Wolf Hilbertz created artificial coral reefs using Biorock
technology off the Maldives island of Ihuru.
The island state, whose national territory consists of over 90% water
and whose land areas do not rise more than one meter above sea level, is
severely threatened by climate change and the associated global rise in
sea level. Consequently, climate protection is an important concern for
the Maldivian government and Malé sends a delegation to practically
every climate protection conference.
In this context, President
Mohamed Nasheed has launched a program that is probably unique in the
world. A certain percentage of the state budget should be used to
purchase new land. Against the background of rising sea levels, the
island state wants to acquire possible alternative land for its
population in good time. Parts of India, Sri Lanka and Australia are
under discussion. However, he had to admit shortly afterwards that the
country lacked the money necessary for this.
In media-effective
campaigns, President Nasheed tried to draw the world's attention to the
impending demise of his country and to win over the goal of limiting the
CO2 content of the atmosphere to 350 ppm. Based on three different
reconstructions (MRESL - Mean Reconstructed Sea Level), the Maldives
experienced an average sea level rise of (1.4 ± 0.51) mm per year from
1950 to 2009.
In 2016, as a result of record global temperatures,
seawater warmed significantly, triggering widespread coral bleaching in
the reefs around the Maldives. Bleaching affected over 60% of total
reefs, with 90% of reefs bleaching in some regions. In addition,
increased coral death was observed.