Maldives Background:
The Maldives was first under Dutch and then under British protection. It became a republic in 1968, three years after independence. Since 1978, President Maumoon Abdul GAYOOM - currently in his sixth term in office - has dominated the islands' political scene. Following riots in the capital Male in August 2004, the president and his government pledged to embark upon democratic reforms, including a more representative political system and expanded political freedoms. Progress has been slow, however, and many promised reforms have been delayed indefinitely.
Maldives Location:
Southern Asia, group of atolls in the Indian Ocean, south-southwest of India
Maldives Geographic coordinates: 3 15 N, 73 00 E
Maldives Area:
total: 300 sq km land: 300 sq km water: 0 sq km
Area - comparative:
about 1.7 times the size of Washington, DC
Maldives Climate:
tropical; hot, humid; dry, northeast monsoon (November to March); rainy, southwest monsoon (June to August)
Maldives Geography - note:
1,190 coral islands grouped into 26 atolls (200 inhabited islands, plus 80 islands with tourist resorts); archipelago with strategic location astride and along major sea lanes in Indian Ocean
Maldives Population:
369,031 (July 2007 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 42.9% (male 81,383/female 76,984) 15-64 years: 54% (male 101,699/female 97,518) 65 years and over: 3.1% (male 5,619/female 5,828) (2007 est.)
Maldives Economy - overview:
Tourism, Maldives' largest industry, accounts for 28% of GDP and more than 60% of the Maldives' foreign exchange receipts. Over 90% of government tax revenue comes from import duties and tourism-related taxes. Fishing is the second leading sector. Agriculture and manufacturing continue to play a lesser role in the economy, constrained by the limited availability of cultivable land and the shortage of domestic labor. Most staple foods must be imported. Industry, which consists mainly of garment production, boat building, and handicrafts, accounts for about 7% of GDP. The Maldivian Government began an economic reform program in 1989 initially by lifting import quotas and opening some exports to the private sector. Subsequently, it has liberalized regulations to allow more foreign investment. Real GDP growth averaged over 7.5% per year for more than a decade. In late December 2004, a major tsunami left more than 100 dead, 12,000 displaced, and property damage exceeding $300 million. As a result of the tsunami, the GDP contracted by about 3.6% in 2005. A rebound in tourism, post-tsunami reconstruction, and development of new resorts helped boost GDP by about 18 percent in 2006. The trade deficit has expanded sharply as a result of high oil prices and imports of construction material. Diversifying beyond tourism and fishing is the major challenge facing the government. Over the longer term Maldivian authorities worry about the impact of possible global warming on their low-lying country; 80% of the area is one meter or less above sea level.
Industries:
tourism, fish processing, shipping, boat building, coconut processing, garments, woven mats, rope, handicrafts, coral and sand mining.
Kurumba Maldives
Address: North Male' Atoll, Republic of Maldives
City: Atoll
Country Abv: MV
Country Name: Maldives
Property Description: A name derived from the coconuts that graciously grow in abundance throughout the island, The Kurumba Maldives, pioneered tourism in the Maldives in 1972. The first and finest resort, Kurumba Maldives has set the highest standards ever since. It re-opened in 2004 as a classic resort of distinction, class and style, run with the refinement and experience that discerning travelers appreciate. Kurumba Maldives is traditional in style and elegance, a unique holiday resort newly built. Maldives Hotel page
Rihiveli Luxury Beach Resort
Address: South Male Atoll
City: Atoll
Country Abv: MV
Country Name: Maldives
Property Description: Rihiveli, Maldivian for silver sand, is surrounded by magnificently crystal clear turquoise lagoon, pristine beaches and verdant greens. This idyllic coastal resort provides one a sense of simplicity that calls to mind a Robinson Crusoe experience, where guests are recommended to explore the island on barefoot and enjoy a rustic existence. Guests at Rihiveli are made to feel at home and experience all traditional hospitality practices by the long serving Maldivian staff.
Maldives Hotel page
Kanuhura Sun Resort And Spa Maldive
Address: Kanuhura Road Faadhippolhu
City: Lhaviyanit Atoll
Country Abv: MV
Country Name: Maldives
Property Description: One And Only Kanuhura Resort, Maldives, opened in February 2000, is a luxurious five star hotel, offering the highest standard of accommodation, service and culinary experience. a well planned nationality mix gives the resort a truly international feel and brings together interesting people from diverse cultural backgrounds and various walks of life. Every effort has been made to retain the natural beauty of the island, and wherever possible, natural materials have been used.
Location Description: Located on the eastern rim of Lhaviyanit Atoll 35 minutes by seaplane from Maldive International Airport.
Maldives Hotel page
Angsana Resort & Spa Maldives
Address: North Male Atoll
City: Maldives
Country Abv: MV
Country Name: Maldives
Property Description: A speedboat takes newly arriving clients to a world of pure relaxation and luxury; in addition to an unspoiled tropical paradise, internationally recognized Angsana Resort and Spa Maldives refreshes and rejuvenates body, mind and spirit.
Location Description: Ihuru measures 25.210 sq m, it is 14 km or 20 min by speedboat from airport and capital town Male.
Maldives Hotel page
Taj Exotica Resort And Spa
Address: South Male Atoll
City: Male
Country Abv: MV
Country Name: Maldives
Property Description: The Taj Exotica Resort and Spa a luxury leisure resort and spa part of the award winning Taj Group of hotels is built over one of the largest lagoons in Maldives. This romantic retreat is a haven of relaxation peace and tranquility melds seamlessly with the idyllic beauty of this tropical isle which is surrounded by crystal blue waters. 62 Luxurious villas that provide a living experience beyond all expectations. Every detail has been carefully considered to make you feel one with nature, while ta
Location Description: Taj Exotica Resort and Spa is situated in the middle of the largest lagoons in Maldives This romantic retreat is haven of peace and tranquility surrounded by crystal clear waters and covered with tropical plants and coconut palms.
Maldives Hotel page
Banyan Tree Maldives
Address: Vabbinfaru Island
City: Male
Country Abv: MV
Country Name: Maldives
Property Description: Cast away on a secluded coral atoll in the paradisiacal Maldives archipelago, you experience a sense of magic, romance and tranquility at Banyan Tree Maldives Vabbinfaru that's second to none. Time moves imperceptibly, while the gentle touch of the warm sun kames you recall wondrous dreams once forgotten. You'll find paradise here - catching the salty tang of the sea breeze as you wake up in the morning, swimming in between the wondrous sea creatures that dwell below the aqua waters.
Location Description: The Maldives is a collection of atolls and beautiful sun-kissed islands in the Indian Ocean, south of Sri Lanka. The jewel of the North Atoll, Vabbinfaru, the island where Banyan Tree Maldives is located, is only 25 minutes by speedboat from the airport.
Maldives Hotel page
Kuramathi Cottage & Spa
Address: North Ari Atoll
City: Male
Country Abv: MV
Country Name: Maldives
Property Description: Kuramathi Cottage and Spa is an intimate honeymooners resort situated on the wooded Kuramathi island known for its powder white sand and turquoise lagoon. Cottages with thatched roofs, private, pristine beaches, hibiscus and frangipani bushes make it PURE MALDIVES ! * Please Ensure to provide Flight Information details as the only way to arrive at the hotel is by boat.
Maldives Hotel page
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