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Maladweep, also known as the Maldives, is a South Asian island nation situated in the Indian Ocean, to the southwest of India and Sri Lanka. This country comprises 19 island clusters, often resembling a string of pearls. These atolls are well-connected through a network of roads, and each cluster boasts numerous uninhabited islands. Individuals can travel to the Maldives without obtaining a visa beforehand, given they hold a valid passport, evidence of future travel arrangements, and funds for self-support during their stay. A majority of travelers reach Velana International Airport, located on Hulhulé Island, near Malé, the capital. This airport receives flights from various destinations such as India, Sri Lanka, Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Singapore, Dhaka, Istanbul, and significant airports in South-East Asia, including Kuala Lumpur International in Malaysia. Additionally, there are flights from European airports like Charles De Gaulle in France. Gan Airport, on Addu's southern atoll, operates weekly flights to Malpensa in Milan. British Airways offers direct flights from Heathrow Airport to the Maldives.

The Maldives experiences a tropical monsoon climate, as defined by the Köppen classification. This is significantly influenced by the vast South Asian landmass to the north. As the world's lowest-lying country, the Maldives has consistently high temperatures and high humidity. The differential heating of land and water due to this landmass triggers an influx of moisture-laden air from the Indian Ocean, leading to the southwest monsoon. The Maldives' climate is characterized by two primary seasons: the dry season, linked to the winter northeastern monsoon, and the wet season, associated with the southwest monsoon, which brings robust winds and storms. During April and May, a transition from the northeast monsoon to the southwest monsoon takes place. The southwest winds aid in the development of the southwest monsoon, which hits the Maldives in early June and stays until late November. However, the Maldives' weather conditions don't always adhere to the monsoon trends of South Asia. The Maldives receives an average annual rainfall of approximately 100 inches in the north and 150 inches in the south.

The impact of the monsoon is more pronounced in the Maldives' northern region compared to the south, which is more affected by equatorial currents. The typical daily maximum temperature is around 31.5 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature usually hovers around 26.4 degrees Celsius.

People visiting Maladweep can engage in various pursuits such as underwater exploration, angling, snorkeling, leisurely beach time, and paddling canoes. This nation is a beloved spot for travelers, with numerous resorts providing special offers for newlyweds, families, and thrill-seekers. Maldives provides a diverse array of accommodations, catering to various budgets, from economical choices to luxury establishments. Prospective visitors can explore different price points and secure advantageous deals for their stay. The nation encompasses multiple atolls, such as Shaviyani, Kaafu, Male, and Laamu, each possessing its distinct allure and points of interest.

In the past, the Maldives supplied vast amounts of cowry shells, a primary currency in ancient times. From the 2nd century CE, the islands were recognized as the 'Money Isles' by the Arabs. Cowry shells, specifically Monetaria moneta, were utilized for centuries as currency in Africa. Large quantities of Maldivian cowries were introduced into Africa by Western nations during the slave trade era. The cowry now symbolizes the Maldives Monetary Authority.

The Maldives remained largely unexplored by tourists until the early 1970s. Only 189 islands are inhabited by its 382,751 residents, as per sources. The rest of the islands are utilized solely for commercial purposes, with tourism and agriculture being the most prominent. Tourism contributes to 28% of the GDP and over 60% of the Maldives' foreign exchange earnings. More than 90% of government tax income is derived from import duties and taxes related to tourism. The growth of tourism has significantly boosted the country's economy, creating jobs and income generation opportunities in various related industries. The Maldives' first tourist resorts, Bandos Island Resort and Kurumba Village (now known as Kurumba Maldives), began operating in 1972, marking a transformative period for the nation's economy. The Ministry of Tourism reports that tourism, emerging in 1972, dramatically reshaped the economy. It quickly transitioned from reliance on fisheries to tourism, becoming the primary income source in just 3.5 decades. As of 2008, 89 Maldivian resorts provided over 17,000 beds, attracting more than 600,000 tourists annually. By 2019, this figure had risen to over 1.7 million visitors. The number of resorts grew from 2 to 92 between 1972 and 2007. During this period, the Maldives welcomed over 8.38 million tourists.