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USEFUL BUSINESS INFORMATION ON MALDIVES
1. Country Brief:
A. Introduction - The Republic of Maldives or Dhivehi Rajje’, (the land of the Dhivehi people) is an island nation located in the Indian Ocean. Its closest neighbors are India and Sri Lanka. The Laccadives lie to the North and the Chagos Group to the South.
The 26 coralline atolls that form the Maldives archipelago are situated on top of a volcanic ridge 960 kilometers in length, which runs from north to south. The only break in this natural barrier occurs only towards the south, where the One an Half Degree Channel and the Equatorial Channel allow safe passage through the archipelago. Almost all the atolls are enclosed by a coral reef which is considered to be some of the most abundant in marine life and beautiful in the whole world.
B. Climate - The climate is warm and humid with the temperature ranging between 24°C and 33°C throughout the year. The relatively high humidity is tempered by the constant sea breeze which helps to keep the air moving. There are two monsoons in the Maldives; Iruvai, the northeast monsoon and Hulhangu, the southwest monsoon. The northeast monsoon lasts roughly from November to April and the climate is generally dry. The southwest monsoon lasts roughly from May to October with rough seas, heavy winds and showers
C. Geographical Area - 298 sq. km. (115 sq. mi.), over 1,100 islands; twice the size of Washington, DC
D. Language - Maldivian Dhivehi (official); English spoken by most government officials
E. Currency With Exchange Rate – Maldive Rufiyaa
1 US Dollar = 12.92000 Maldive Rufiyaa
F. Population - (2006 est.): 359,008
G. Major Cities - Male
2. Transportation:
A. Railway - 0
B. Road -
C. Airports - 5 (2002).
D. Waterways –
E. Sea ports - Gan, Malé.
3. Economy:
A. Major Manufacturing -
B. Major Export - $123 million f.o.b. (2004 est.); fish, clothing
C. Major Import - $567 million f.o.b. (2004 est.): petroleum products, ships, foodstuffs, textiles, clothing, intermediate and capital goods
D. Major Industry - fish processing, tourism, shipping, boat building, coconut processing, garments, woven mats, rope, handicrafts, coral and sand mining
Agriculture: coconuts, corn, sweet potatoes; fish
E. Trade balance -
4. Trade Associations, Chamber of Commerce, Trade shows and Exhibitions in Maldives:
Major Trade Associations
Chamber of Commerce
Chambers of Commerce
Maldives National Chamber of Commerce
G. Viyafaari Hiyaa,
Ameenee Magu,
Male'. 20 - 04,
Republic of Maldives.
Tel: (960) 332 6634, (960) 331 0233,
Fax: (960) 331 0233
Email: mncci@dhivehinet.net.mv
Major Trade Shows
5. Useful Links:
Maldives Importers, Dealers of Japanese Used Cars, Construction Machinery & Auto Parts. | 
