Culture
A proud history and
rich culture evolved from the first settlers who were from
various parts of the world travelling the seas in ancient
times. The Maldives has been a melting pot of different cultures
as people from different parts of the world came here and
settled down. Some of the local music and dance for instance
resemble African influences, with handbeating of drums and
songs in a language that is not known to any but certainly
represents that of East African countries. As one would expect
there is a great South Asian influence in some of the music
and dancing and especially in the traditional food of the
Maldivians. However many of the South Asian customs especially
with regard to women - for instance the Sub Continent?s tradition
of secluding women from public view - are not tenets of life
here. In fact women play a major role in society - not surprising
considering the fact men spend the whole day out at sea fishing.
Many of the traditions are strongly related to the seas and
the fact that life is dependent on the seas around us.
Language
Dhivehi is the language
spoken in all parts of the Maldives. English is widely spoken
by Maldivians and visitors can easily make themselves understood
getting around the capital island. In the resorts, a variety
of languages are spoken by the staff including English,
German, French, Italian and Japanese.
Economy
The Maldives economy
has been growing at an annual average of 10% for the past
two decades. Tourism is the main industry, contributing
close to 20% of the GDP. Fisheries and trade follow close
behind. The Maldivian economy is regarded as exemplary in
the region and welcomes foreign investment.
Currency
The Maldivian currency
is the Rufiyaa and Laaree. The exchange rate for US Dollar
at the time of writing is MRf.11.72 for the dollar. One
Rufiyaa is equivalent to 100 laarees. Rufiyaa bank notes
come in denominations of 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 500.
Coins are in the denominations of MRf.2.00, MRf.1.00, 50
laarees, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 laaree. The US Dollar is the
most commonly used foreign currency. Payments in the resorts
and hotels can be made in most hard currency in cash, travellers?
cheques or credit cards. Commonly used credit cards are
American Express, Visa, Master Card, Diners Club, JCB and
Euro Card.
Education
The functional literacy
rate is 98%. Educational standards are among the highest
in the region and schools follow the British system of education.
Health
Health care facilities
are improving almost on a daily basis. The Indhira Gandhi
Memorial Hospital (IGMH) in Male? is the biggest hospital
in the country providing sophisticated medical care. ADK
Hospital is the biggest private health care facility and
follows high medical standards. Some resorts have in-house
doctors. A decompression chamber is within easy reach of
most resorts in case of a diving emergency.
Local
Time
GMT + 5 hours
Business
Hours
From Sunday to Thursday
7.30 - 14.30 in the government sector and generally from
9.00 to 5.00 in the private sector, although most offices
in the private sector open for a half day on Saturday. Weekend
falls on Friday and Saturday.
Communication
Up-to-date technology
and international satellite links allow Maldives to have
a sophisticated communications system. IDD facilities are
available on all resorts and card phones are available on
all inhabited islands. Dhiraagu, the Maldives Telecommunications
Company also provides mobile telephones for daily rental.
It is also the Internet service provider.
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