The Maldives are composed of the purest of coral limestone. The 1,196
islands are strung like shimmering strands of pearls along the Equator,
rising up as mighty coral mushrooms, criss-crossed by turquoise-coloured
lagoons and deep-blue channels. As the islands jut a mere two metres out
of the water, the outer reef of the atolls protects them against the
raging surf. Barely 200 of the islands are inhabited, and only few of
them are larger than a city block of houses.
There are only two seasons on the Maldives Islands. The north-east monsoon
lasts from December to April. During these months there is almost no
rainfall, but glorious blue skies and lots of sunshine. The second
season, which covers the months from May to November, is defined by the
south-west monsoon. Though the sun still shines during this period, it
rains too. Dense cloud formations can cover the sky, but these rarely
last long.