Economy
The past two years’ records show a 10% average annual
growth of the 8Maldives economy. 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.
Industries:
- Boat Building
- Coconut processing (toddy making, sugar making …)
- Fishing (mostly pole and Line)
- Fish processing
- Garment manufacturing
- Handicraft making
- Mat Weaving
- Rope Making
- Shipping
- Thatch Weaving
- Tourism
Currency:
Rufiyaa (MRf) and Laari (L) (1 Rufiyaa – 100 Laaris)
Rufiyaa bank notes come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50,
100 and 500
Coins are in the denominations of MRf 2, MRf 1 and 50 L
Payments of most hard cash currencies are accepted at all
resorts and hotels
Commonly Used
Credit Cards
- America Express
- Visa
- Master Card
- Diners Club
- JCB
- Euro Card
Official Exchange
Rates:
US$ 1 = MRF 12.75
Maldives People:
Little information is available on the ancient people and
their way of life. Evidence suggests that The Maldives has
been populated and thriving as early as the 4th century BC.
It is argued that the earliest settlers migrated from Arabia,
eastern Africa and the Indian subcontinent among other places.
Today, the Maldivians are a mixed race. An estimate for 1997
estimate puts the total population at 263,189 out of which
about 48.5% are women. It is expected that the figure would
rise to 288,800 by the year 2000.
The people of the Maldives are its own unique character.
They are a small, kindred society unified by common history,
the Dhivehi language, and the Islamic faith. Islam has given
strength to the society and the faith is taken very seriously.
The ties and obligations felt by individuals to their community,
to their President, to a whole nation reflects the tradition
of strong family ties. Intelligent, as well as devout, the
people of The Maldives are tolerant and respectful of each
other and of visitors to the country.
Maldivians have been able to blend tradition and modernity.
Hardworking, but unhurried, playful and respectful, Maldivians
have been able to blend tradition and modernity. All Maldivians
have open access to education. All have the opportunity
to play significant roles in the economic life of the nation.
Great respect is felt for the head of the national 'family'
as well as for the head of each household. The family unit
is strong.
Population
A population of little over 200,000 people is spread over
the islands with over a quarter of them living in Male’,
the capital. To foreigners the village people on some islands
may seem shy. Curious of outsiders, they prefer to observe
newcomers from a distance at first. One soon learns of their
hospitality when the island chief provides a cold coconut
drink and a healthy snack, usually made of seafood.
Athletic, the Maldivians are either soccer players or soccer
fans, natural swimmers and divers, aggressive players in
tennis, cricket, or badminton, the young people are encouraged
to develop physically as well as intellectually and morally.
Friendliness and honesty are taken for granted in The Maldives
where old customs and Muslim traditions are respected.
The government is dedicated to improving the life of the
people on the islands. Young people are encouraged to strive
for higher education. Under government sponsorship young
students are given grants to study abroad and they return
to The Maldives to give service to the country.
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