The Republic of the Maldives is a chain of around 1200 islands stretching 750km across the Indian Ocean with the northernmost island at 7° 06" N and the southernmost island just crossing the Equator at 04° 42" S.

The exact number of islands varies according to the season and method of classification - islands come and go with the wind, waves and currents!

Being in the monsoon belt of the Indian Ocean, the Maldives experience quite a complex weather pattern although the temperature remains fairly constant. Many people think of monsoons are periods of high rainfall, but in fact the wind is the key factor.

There are two seasons in the Maldives: a dry northeast monsoon (called Iruvai by the Maldivians) and a wet southwest monsoon (hulhagu)....

Most passengers arrive into the Maldives by air and Male International Airport on Hulhule Island is served by a small number of International scheduled and charter airlines.
Visas are not required in advance but are issued on arrival. Most travellers are issued with 30 day visas...