Transportation services in the Maldives have to be developed extensively, mainly because the islands are widely dispersed. With the expansion of tourism and trade, inter-island transportation has become increasingly more regular and frequent. The main modes of inter-island transport are water taxis, sea planes and helicopters which are owned and operated largely by private enterprises (including both foreign and local firms).  

Electricity is provided by the Government, private organisations and by individuals on outer inhabited islands. All the tourist islands and in most of the inhabited islands have their own diesel generators.  

Telecommunication facilities are well developed in Male’ and at the tourist resorts where direct dialling international telephone and facsimile services are available. Consequently telephone ownership is high in Male’ and at the tourist resorts. Now most of the islands of Southern Atolls have full telecommunications facilities and before the end of the year 2000 there will be telecommunications facilities in all inhabited islands of Maldives.  

The commercial harbour is in Male’ where all international marine cargo are handled. There are regular cargo services from the Far East and Europe.