The Maldives is a tropical paradise located in the Indian Ocean, southwest of Sri Lanka and India. Comprising a chain of 26 atolls, the Maldives is renowned for its stunning coral reefs, turquoise lagoons, and pristine white-sand beaches. The country is the smallest Asian nation in both population and land area, but it boasts a wealth of natural beauty that attracts travelers from around the world.
Male, the capital and largest city of the Maldives, is situated on one of the atolls and serves as the economic, political, and cultural center of the country. The Maldives has a unique geography, with its islands spread across a vast area, and it is known for being the lowest-lying country on Earth, with an average ground level of just 1.5 meters (5 feet) above sea level. This makes the Maldives particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including rising sea levels.
The Maldives has a rich cultural heritage that reflects the influences of various civilizations, including Indian, Arab, and East African cultures. The official language is Dhivehi, and Islam is the state religion, with a strong influence on the country's culture and daily life.
Tourism is a major economic driver for the Maldives, with visitors drawn to its luxurious resorts, vibrant marine life, and opportunities for water sports such as snorkeling and diving. The underwater world of the Maldives is especially renowned for its diverse and colorful coral reefs, which are home to a vast array of marine species.
While the Maldives is celebrated for its natural beauty and tourism industry, it also faces challenges related to climate change, environmental conservation, and sustainable development. Efforts are underway to address these issues and ensure the long-term viability of this tropical paradise.
# World’s First Underwater Cabinet Meeting was Held HereIn an island nation like the Maldives, the significant challenges posed by drastic climate change and rising sea levels loom large. Already, numerous islands have been submerged due to the encroaching waters, leading to disruptions in freshwater resources. To highlight and address this pressing issue, President Mohamed Nasheed took an unconventional approach by relocating the cabinet meeting of October 2009 to the ocean floor.
President Nasheed, accompanied by 13 government officials, donned scuba gear and positioned themselves at desks that had been strategically submerged on the seabed. The purpose was to raise awareness about the imminent threats faced by the island chains.
The initiative also aimed to shed light on President Nasheed's sustainability projects, geared towards reducing carbon footprints throughout the country. These projects encompassed sustainable tourism, the establishment of biodegradable resorts, and the harnessing of various energy sources available on the islands, including solar power, water, and wind.
# It is an Island that was Formed by an Exiled Indian Prince
Throughout recorded history, the Maldives has consistently held significant importance due to its strategic location along key trade routes. The initial settlers of this island nation migrated from India, although the precise date remains uncertain, with estimates placing it before 269 BC.
According to legend, during this early period, there was no formal government; rather, a peaceful community that revered the Sun and Water inhabited the islands. The establishment of the first recognized kingdom is attributed to Sri Soorudasaruna Adeettiya, the son of a ruler from Kalinga, an Indian kingdom.
Sri Soorudasaruna Adeettiya, having been sent away to the Maldives, then known as Dheeva Maari, by his displeased father, founded the Adeetta Dynasty. Also known as the Solar Dynasty, its reign concluded with the marriage of the queen from this dynasty to a prince from the Lunar Dynasty of Kalinga.
The early history of the Maldives lacks clarity, with information emerging later. In the 1100s, copper plates belonging to a princess were lost on her home island. In the 14th century, a scholar purportedly rediscovered these plates, translated them, and then buried them in the sand, where they remain undiscovered to this day.
# This Island Comprises of More Than 1190 Coral Islands in its 26 Prime AtollsThe Maldives comprises over 1,190 coral islands situated in 26 atolls, with 200 inhabited islands and an additional 80 islands hosting tourist resorts. This archipelago holds a strategically advantageous position along the primary sea routes of the Indian Ocean.
The atolls of the Maldives are integral components of the broader Laccadives-Chagos Ridge, stretching over 2,000 kilometers. Remarkably, 99% of the Maldives is characterized by water.
# It is The Lowest and Flattest Nation in The WorldThe average ground level of the Maldives Island is approximately 1.5 meters, equivalent to 4 feet 11 inches, with the highest point located at a specific spot on Villingili Island, measuring 2.3 meters or 7 feet 7 inches. This distinction makes it the lowest point on Earth. Given its exceptionally low elevation, the nation faces persistent concerns about the possibility of sinking, particularly due to ongoing and severe climate changes.
# Alcohol is Available Only in Resorts and HotelsMaldives, being an Islamic country, requires visiting tourists to observe and respect local traditions. The consumption of alcohol is limited to hotels and resorts, as it is prohibited elsewhere, and taking it beyond the premises of these establishments is also not permitted.
The importation of alcohol, pork, and pork products is considered illegal in accordance with Muslim beliefs. During the Ramadan month, tourists are expected to adhere to Muslim customs, including refraining from drinking, smoking, and eating during daylight hours. Some restaurants, especially those situated away from main roads, may still serve tourists during this time.
While there is no public endorsement of other faiths, tourists are free to practice their beliefs in private. Nudity and topless sunbathing are not allowed in the Maldives, even on the private beaches of resorts.
# World’s Smallest Muslim CountryMaldives holds the distinction of being not only the smallest country in Asia but also the world's smallest Muslim nation, known for its religious intolerance. Enacted in 1997, the Maldives Constitution explicitly states that its citizens must adhere to Islam, explicitly prohibiting the practice of any other religion.
# One of the Safest Holiday Destinations in the WorldMaldives is renowned for being among the safest holiday destinations globally, with even the most secluded resorts maintaining an exceptionally high level of safety.
# In Maldives, Friday and Saturday mean Weekend unlike any other NationUnlike many countries around the world where the weekend typically comprises Saturday and Sunday, in Maldives, the weekend falls on Friday and Saturday.
# Literacy in Maldivian Adults is 98 PercentMaldives takes pride in achieving a remarkable 98 percent literacy rate among its adult population, a significant improvement from the 70 percent recorded in 1978. The challenge of implementing an education program across the approximately 200 inhabited islands in Maldives was considerable. With an estimated 35 percent of Maldivian residents under the age of 18, education is recognized as a crucial factor in shaping future success.
In collaboration with UNICEF, Maldives embarked on the journey to establish a unified education system starting in 1978. The development of Teacher Resource Centers equipped with modern technology, including the internet for long-distance teaching, facilitated educational outreach to various islands. This initiative also contributed to the creation of an inclusive education program that targeted not only children but also caregivers and parents, recognizing their pivotal role in a child's life.
As a result of these efforts, 100 percent of children were enrolled in primary schools, and the graduation rate soared to an impressive 99 percent. In comparison, surveys by the US Department of Education indicate that the literacy rate in the United States has remained unchanged over a decade, with an adult illiteracy rate of 14 percent.
# Wonderful Underwater LifeCompared to the United States, engaging in whale watching in the Maldives promises an exhilarating experience, with the opportunity to encounter an impressive number of 1000-1500 dolphins and whales. Throughout the year, the coral reefs in Maldives are home to 10-12 different species of dolphins and whales.
Tourists have the chance to observe various species, including real killer whales, false killer whales, dwarf sperm whales, bottlenose dolphins, striped and spotted dolphins, as well as pilot whales. Witnessing up to 200 dolphins in a single school is not uncommon. Additionally, the Maldives is globally renowned as one of the best locations to spot the Whale Shark, the largest fish in the world, ranging from 18 to 32 feet in size.