More than a thousand islands like floating gems strewn on the ocean; the Maldives is a holidaymaker's dream destination. From the air the islands present a picture of surreal beauty. On land and at sea it has inspired many a photographer and artist. The Maldives has occupied a special place in the hearts of its visitors long before the advent of modern tourism. Marco Polo called it 'flowers of the Indies', many believed it was 'one of the wonders of the world'.

The Maldives consists of 1190 islands grouped into 26 natural atolls. The atolls and islands of the Maldives are scattered over an area of 90,000 sq. km in the Indian Ocean, straddling the equator between latitudes 7° 6" North and 0° 42" South and longitudes 72° 32" and 73° 46" East.

People & Culture
Located at the crossways of the Indian Ocean shipping lanes on the main seaway around the Indian subcontinent the Maldives has long been a meeting point for African, Arab, Malay and Indonesian mariners. Throughout the centuries this has shaped the Maldivian way of life, art and craft and culture of the people and contributed to the rich mix of cultural diversity the people have acquired throughout the centuries.

Today this diverse culture can be seen in the different arts and craft of the country, starting from the all important fishing dhoni, coral carvings, ornamental pieces and other aspects of Maldivian life.