Last updated on March 8th, 2020
18. Home to 21 species of whale and dolphin, independent dolphin watching cruises by dhoni (traditional boats) can be arranged. The whale submarine allows you to explore the underwater world while staying perfectly dry.
19. When cruising, snorkeling and diving expect to see schools of blue and yellow-striped snappers and common lionfish, yellow boxfish and sometimes sea turtles. Regular and deep sea fishing is available.
20. For those of an adventurous turn, choose from flyboarding, free diving, jet skis, kayaking, kite surfing, parasailing, surfing, wakeboarding, water skiing, and underwater scooters.
The Maldives – country at a glance
| Independence | 26 July 1965 (from the UK) |
|---|---|
| Capital City | Malé |
| Largest City | Malé |
| Area | total : 298 sq km land: 298 sq km water: 0 sq km (about 1.7 times the size of Washington, DC) |
| Population | 388,858 (2024 est.) |
| Literacy | total population: 97.7% |
| Currency | Maldivian rufiyaa (MVR) |
| Religion | Islam |
| Official Language | Maldivian (Dhivehi) |
| National Anthem | "Gaumee Salaam" (National Salute) |
| National symbol | coconut palm, yellowfin tuna |
| National color | red, green, white |
| Natural resources | fish |
| Climate | tropical; hot, humid; dry, northeast monsoon (November to March); rainy, southwest monsoon (June to August) |
| Government type | presidential republic |
| President | Mohamed Muizzu |
| Vice President | Hussain Mohamed Latheef |
| Life Expectancy at birth | 77.4 years (2024 est.) |
| Birth rate | 15.1 births/1,000 population (2024 est.) |
| Death rate | 4.3 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.) |
| Sex ratio | 1.04 male(s)/female (2024 est.) |
| Coastline | 644 km |
| Terrain | flat, with white sandy beaches |
| Mean elevation | 2 m |
| Lowest point | Indian Ocean 0 m |
| Highest point | 8th tee, golf course, Villingi Island 5 m |
| Agricultural land | 23.3% |
| Industries | tourism, fish processing, shipping, boat building, coconut processing, woven mats, rope, handicrafts, coral and sand mining |
| Exports | $4.892 billion (2023 est.) fish products, natural gas, scrap iron, jewelry, liquid pumps (2019) |
| Imports | $4.975 billion (2023 est.) refined petroleum, fruits, furniture, broadcasting equipment, lumber (2019) |
| GDP - per capita (PPP) (est. 2015) | $22,300 (2023 est.) |
| Calling Code | +960 |
| Drives on the | Left |
| Time Zone | Maldives Time (UTC+5) |
| Internet country code | .mv |
| Table last updated | February 28, 2025 |