LEAGUE GOT

VIETNAM TR

DESTINATION

TRAVELERS GUIDE

HISTORY

POPULATION
The population of the Maldives
is roughly 393,000, of which
more than 250,000 are IndoAryan.

CLIMATE
The Maldives has a warm and
tropical climate all year round.
In contrast with many regions,
the Maldives has only two
distinct seasons, a dry and wet
season. Despite having a
dedicated wet season, it is
uncommon to experience
anything other than the
picturesque expanse of blue
sky accompanied by 80 degree
weather.
Dry season: January March
Wet Season: May November

TIME
MVT (Maldives Time)
observed at UTC/GMT + 5
hours all year round.

VISAS
A passport valid at the time of
entry to the Maldives is
required. A free 30 day tourist
visa will be issued upon
providing proof of a return
departure flight ticket.

A fiercely proud, isolated and

independent island chain, the
Maldives history has been shaped
by the desires of would-be
conquerors who failed time and
time again thanks to the steadfast,
patriotic locals that call the
Maldives home.
Little is known of the Maldives
prior to its conversion to Islam in
1153, though many believe that the
area was a major trading port for
several ancient civilizations,
including: the Egyptians,
Mesopotamians and the Romans.
In 1153, a North African Arab
known as Abu Al Barakat is
believed to have converted the
population to Islam by driving
away the sea jinni Rannamaari by
reading from the Quran, a an
Islamic holy book. This impressed
the King of Maldives so much so
that he ordered the country as a
whole convert, leading to a series
of six subsequent sultanic
dynasties.

In the early 16th Century, the

Portuguese, by then an already
established presence on the island,
invaded the Maldives as they
wanted a greater share of the
lucrative Indian Ocean trade
routes, resulting in a 15 year
period of Portuguese occupation.
The Portuguese are said to have
been extremely cruel leaders,
eventually declaring that all
citizens must convert to
Christianity or face the penalty of
death.
A series of guerrilla attacks led by
Maldivian nationals resulted in
the eventual death of all
Portuguese on the island. This
revolution is celebrated annually
as National Day, taking place on
the first day of the third month of
the lunar year.
Following this period of
occupation was the Utheemu
Dynasty, which ruled for 120 years
and is widely credited with
establishing a new judicial system
and defense force alongside a
wide range of popular reforms.

LANGUAGE
The national language of the Maldives is Dhivehi Bas, literally
meaning Maldivian Language, which throughout history has
been heavily influenced by the Arabic language. Crude
inscriptions on coral stones from the 7th or 8th century have been
found to be the earliest written examples of Dhivehi Bas, though a
continuous written history of the language dates back to the 12th
and 13th centuries. English has been recognized as the islands
second main language, used primarily in commerce and
government proceedings, and is spoken widely by the locals.

Common Phrases in Dhivehi Bas

Hello
Good morning
How are you?
What is your name?
My name is ___
Yes
No
Sorry
Please
Thank you
Have a nice day
How do I get to ___?
Goodbye
Do you speak English?

Assalaamu Alaikum
Bajaveri hendhune
Haalu Kihineh?
Kon nameh tha kiyanee?
Aharenge namakee ______
Aan
Noon
Ma-aafu kurey
Adhes Kohfa
Shukuriyaa
Baajjaveri dhuvahey
Kihene aharen ____ ah dhanee?
Dhanee
Ingireysin vaahaka dhakkaningeytha?

AVERAGE TEMPERATURES & RAINFALL

CURRENCY
The monetary unit of Maldives is the
Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR).

CREDIT CARDS
The majority of shops, resorts and hotels
accept all major credit cards. Most items
are priced in USD and the most
frequently accepted foreign currency is
the US dollar.

TIPPING
Airport porter/hotel bellboy:
$1.00 - $ 2.00 US per bag.
Your tour guide:
$10.00 - $ 12.00 US per person per day.
Driver/assistants:
$ 6.00 - $ 7.00 US per person per day.

WHAT TO PACK
High temperatures and the ever-present sun means that lightweight, loose-fitting clothing are ideal.
Flip flops and sandals are recommended for those looking to take advantage of Maldives pristine beaches.
Sunscreen, insect repellent and wide-brimmed hats are advised to prevent any discomfort during
prolonged exposure to the sun.
Pack a lightweight cardigan or shawl to cover up during visits to local areas; Maldives is a muslim country
and, as such, dress outside of the hotel/resort is relatively conservative.
Bring smart casual attire for a night out on the town or if you wish to enjoy a formal meal at the end of the
day.