The Maldives
Photographs by Dave Knight
 dave
(Underwater photographs appear in other sections)
 The word 'Maldives'
is pronounced 'Maldeeves'. The capital city is Male, pronounced
'Mahlay' (with a silent h).
The language of
the indigenous population is Dhivehi, but English is the official
language.
The Dhivehi word
'Atoll' has been adopted by the English language and means 'ring-shaped
coral reef enclosing a salt-water pool or lake'. The enclosed
pool is known as a 'lagoon'.
An atoll is formed
by coral growing outwards from a central pinnacle. The coral
isolated in the centre dies and collapses to form the lagoon.
Maldivian electricity
supply is 220V 50Hz, and uses the British 13A (rectangular pin)
mains plug, although some older 5A and 15A British (round pin)
mains sockets may still exist. |
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Russian Hummingbird helicopter. R89H03-17 |
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R89H03-19 |
R89H03-20 |
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Submerged Coral Reefs, each with shallow central lagoon. R89H03-21 |
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Male in the distance. R89H03-33 |
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Male International Airport (Hulule) R89H03-35 |
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Dhoni leaving Male harbour. R89H01-01 |
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Lizards on bungalow wall. Baros. These lizards are electrically
powered. They stay close to the outside lamp fittings and eat
the insects attracted to the light. R89H02-08 |
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Male on the right. R89H03-05 |
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Male, Gold-domed Mosque and Minaret. R89H03-07 |
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Pictures © David Knight 1989 - 1990
dave
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