MALDIVES

General

Maldives, lying about 400 miles SW of Sri Lanka (Ceylon), consists of a chain of 19 atolls formed by about 2,000 low, coral islets. This chain extends N for about 470 miles from Addu Atoll (0˚35'S., 73˚05'E.). Only about 200 of the larger coral islets are inhabited.

The islets are seldom more than 2m high, so that the coconut palms standing on them appear, on first approach, to be growing out of the water.

The climate is tropical, being mostly hot and humid. There is a dry Northeast Monsoon, from November to March, and a rainy Southwest Monsoon, from June to August.

Buoyage System

The IALA Buoyage System (Region A) is in effect. See Chart No. 1 for further IALA Buoyage System information.

Cautions

Fishing

Fishing with traps, hand lines, and trolling gill nets is carried out in the vicinity of the atolls.

Buoyage

It is reported that many lighted beacons, of limited range, have been erected on the reefs and atolls for the use of local fishermen.

Currency

The official unit of currency is the rufiyaa (Maldivian rupee), consisting of 100 laari. It is reported that Sri Lankan currency is also used.

Government

Maldives is a republic. The country is divided into 19 atolls and one capital district.

Maldives is governed by a President, who is nominated by the People’s Council and approved by a referendum. The Cabinet of Ministers is appointed by the President. The unicameral People’s Council consists of 50 members, 42 of which are directly elected and 8 of which are named by the President, serving 5-year terms.

The legal system is based on Islamic law, with elements of English common law, primarily in commercial matters.

The capital is Male (4˚10'N., 73˚30'E.), which stands on one of the islands of North Male Atoll.

Flag of Maldives

Holidays

The following holidays are observed:

Islamic holidays, which are subject to the appearance of the moon, include Eid Al-Fitr (End of Ramadan), Eid Al-Adha (End of Pilgrimage), Hijrah (Islamic New Year), Ashoora, and the Prophet’s Birthday.

Languages

Maldivian Divehi is the official languages. English is used by most government officials.

Navigational Information

The maritime territorial claims of Maldives are, as follows:

* Requires advance permission or notification for innocent passage of warships in the territorial sea.

Search and Rescue

The Maldives Coastguard is responsible for coordinating search and rescue operations.

Male Coast Radio Station maintains a continuous listening watch on 2182 kHz and VHF channel 16 for distress traffic.

Time Zone

The Time Zone description is ECHO (-5). Daylight Savings Time is not observed.

Industries

The major agricultural crops include coconuts, sugar cane, corn, cassava, onions, chillies, and sweet potatoes. Other industries are food processing, boat building, tourism, handicrafts, coral and sand mining, woven mats, and fishing.

It is reported that the former military (UK) airstrip on Addu Atoll has been converted by the Maldivian government for commercial use.

U.S. Embassy

There is no diplomatic representative in Maldives. All matters are referred through the U.S. Embassy in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

U. S. Embassy Sri Lanka Home Page

http://usembassy.state.gov/srilanka

General

Mauritius (20˚17'S., 57˚33'E.), an island of volcanic formation, lies about 500 miles E of Madagascar. The island has a small coastal plain that rises to mountains with heights of over 800m. The shores are mostly fringed with coral reefs.

The climate is tropical, being modified by the Southeast Trade winds. There is a dry season, from May to November, and a hot, wet season, from November to May.

Ile Rodrigues (19˚41'S., 63˚25'E.), theAgalega Islands

(10˚26'S., 56˚40'E.), andCargados Carajos (Saint Brandon) (16˚50'S., 59˚30'E.) are dependencies of Mauritius.

Ile Rodrigues lies about 350 miles E of Mauritius. It is 9.5 miles long, 4.5 miles wide, and formed of volcanic formations. The island attains a height of about 400m;its shores are fringed by coral reefs. Ile Rodrigues produces salt and onions. Livestock raising and fishing are carried out.

The Agalega Islands, two in number, are low, wooded, and fringed by reefs.

Cargados Carajos is an extensive group of reefs, small islands, islets, and shoals. The main reef, mostly above water, extends about 26 miles in a SSW/NNE direction.

Buoyage System

The IALA Buoyage System (Region A) is in effect. See Chart No. 1 for further IALA Buoyage System information.

Cautions

Fishing with traps, hand lines, and trolling gill nets is carried out in the vicinity of the islands.

Rollers, occasionally lasting for 4 to 5 days, frequently inflict great damage on harbor installations at the island.

Currency

The official unit of currency is the Mauritius rupee, consisting of 100 cents. It is reported that British sterling and French francs can also be used.

Government

Mauritius is a parliamentary democracy. The country is divided into nine districts and three dependencies.

Mauritius is governed by a President, who is elected for a 5- year term by the National Assembly. The Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers are appointed by the President. The unicameral National Assembly consists of 62 directly-elected members and eight appointed members from losing political parties, serving 5-year terms.

Flag of Mauritius

The legal system is based on French civil law, with some elements of English common law.

The capital is Port Louis.

Holidays

The following holidays are observed:

Cavadee, Maha Shivaratree, Chinese New Year/Chinese Spring Festival, Holi, Ougadi and Varusha Piruppu, Ganesh Chaturthi, Mid-Autumn Festival, Divali, and Ganga Asnan are religious festivals, the dates of which vary from year to year depending on the appearance of the moon.

Islamic holidays, which are subject to the appearance of the moon, include Eid Al-Fitr (End of Ramadan), Eid Al-Adha (End of Pilgrimage), Hijrah (Islamic New Year), Ashoora, and the Prophet’s Birthday.

Industries

Agriculture and livestock raising are important. The main crops include sugar cane, tea, tobacco, and vegetables.

The major industries are food processing, fishing, tourism, textiles, chemicals, and diamond cutting.

Languages

English is the official language. French, Creole, and Bhojpuri are also widely used.

Navigational Information

The maritime territorial claims of Mauritius are, as follows:

* Requires advance permission or notification for innocent passage of warships in the territorial sea.

Search and Rescue

In order to facilitate rescue operations in the event of aircraft/ships in distress, all vessels within the area bounded by 10˚S, 30˚S, 55˚E, and 95˚E are requested to transmit to Mauritius Radio, at 0700 daily, their call sign, position, course, and speed. This information is rebroadcast at 0930 daily.

Time Zone

The Time Zone description is DELTA (-4). Daylight Savings Time is not observed.

U.S. Embassy

The U.S. Embassy is situated at 4th Floor, Rogers House, John Kennedy Avenue, Port Louis.

The mailing addresses are, as follows:

1.Mauritius address— P.O. Box 544 Port Louis

2.U.S. address—

American Embassy Port Louis

Department of State

Washington DC 20521-2450

U.S. Embassy Mauritius Home Page http://mauritius.usembassy.gov