Top 13 interesting facts about the Maldives

The Maldives can rightfully be considered the most extraordinary country in the world. Where else are there so many tropical islands in one republic Maldives only! International tourism, completely deserved, has awarded them the title of one of the most popular on the planet. However, in the Maldives, you will find more than just tropical nature. The culture, history and traditions of these extraordinary islands in the Indian Ocean will be no less interesting. A selection of interesting facts about the Maldives will help you fall in love with this country completely.

Serey Kim

The most flat land in the world

Without a doubt, the surface of the Maldives is indeed the most flat on our planet. The average height above sea level is 1.8 meters. The highest point is on the Addu Atoll and is 2.4 meters. The life of the islands is directly dependent on rising water levels. Scientists estimate that government measures will not be effective for the island.

Asad Photo Maldives

Country of uninhabited islands

There are 1,192 islands in the 26 atolls of the Maldivian archipelago. Among them, only about 200 inhabitants and several dozen islands are occupied by secluded private resorts. Much of the Maldives is a real tropical oblivion among the endless ocean. Where, if not in the Maldives, you can imagine yourself as Robinson Crusoe.

Hoodh Ahmed

Coral sand

Maldivian beaches, even in the photo, cannot be confused with any others. The snow-white and incredibly soft sand of coral origin is one of the main advantages of the paradise islands. And this is the merit of the parrotfish. They feed on corals, forming such a delicate look and feel of coral sand. By the way, one adult parrotfish produces about a ton of sand per year! Coral beaches account for only 5% of the world's beaches, and they are everywhere in the Maldives.

Depositphotos

The smallest Islamic state

The Maldives are primarily associated with laid-back relaxation. It is the center of tourism and entertainment. Nevertheless, the Maldivians are Muslims and adhere to strict canons. For example, on the local islands, you will not find alcohol, and bikini beaches are available only in specially designated places for tourists and in private resorts.

Islam on the islands was adopted in 1153 and to this day is the only official religion in the country. The Maldives is not only the smallest country in Asia, but also the smallest Islamic state.

Depositphotos

Cultural mix

According to legend, once upon a time an Indian prince founded a state on the islands of the ocean. For a century of history, the country has undergone many changes. Today the Maldives is a melting pot of different cultures - Indian, Malaysian, Arab, Sri Lankan, Indonesian and South African.

The national Maldivian drums of Boduberu are reminiscent of the rhythms of African music. The writing of the country in the Arabic-Persian script. The mixing of peoples is as vividly as possible in the Maldivian cuisine, where tastes of different nations are collected bit by bit. For example, Maldivians, like Indians, are very fond of dishes with a variety of seasonings, especially curries.

Kuramathi Maldives

Literacy Rate

Seemingly sea, sun, beaches and tropics. Maldivian women run the household while men fish for tuna. Nevertheless, at this level of literacy of the local population in the Maldives has one of the highest rates in the world - 98%. By the way, in the 1970s it was another 70%. Organization of effective teaching and children by the Maldivian government. The development of Internet resources played a significant role in the creation of a colossal educational program of distance type.

Asad Photo Maldives

Young tourism

It is hard to believe, but the paradise islands have not been available to the world community for a long time. Tourism in the Maldives is the main branch of the economy. However, tourism is only less than 50 years old. The first resort in the Maldives was opened only in 1972! Nowadays, the Maldives archipelago has vacationers from all over the world. At the same time, a special UN commission that visited the islands in the 1960s, found them unsuitable for the development of tourism.

Kurumba Maldives

Marriage statistics

The Maldives often attracts honeymooners as a romantic retreat perfect for honeymoons and secluded getaways. The hotels are organized for the guests of the traditional wedding ceremony. They have no legal force, but they give unforgettable emotions to lovers.

Along with this, the overall divorce rate is one of the highest in the world - 50% of the number of marriages. According to the UN, the average Maldivian under 30 can be divorced twice or even three.

Kandima Maldives

Record housing prices

Not only fresh water, but also land in the Maldives is very expensive. Especially in the densely populated capital of Male. It is an economic, cultural center and the largest city in the Maldives. Therefore, living in the capital is still a luxury. The cost of renting a small room is from 800 to 1000 dollars per month.

Depositphotos

Other weekend

In the Maldives, Sunday is a normal Monday. That is, weekends on the island there are also two, but it's Friday and Saturday. On weekends in the Maldives, there may be problems with water transport. Shops, cafes and offices may be closed or work on different hours.

Whale sharks

Observing the marine life in the Maldives is a lot of fun. Therefore, snorkeling and diving are given pride of place here. Among the inhabitants in tropical waters, there are 26 species of sharks, including whale sharks. These are amazing animals that fascinate with their size and impressive flattened mouth, similar to an underwater cave. Still quite a young individual of the whale shark reaches a length of 6 meters. In the Maldives, they can be observed throughout the year, especially among the islands of South Ari Atoll.

Sebastian Pena Lambarri

Coconut palms

In the Maldives, these trees are not just sheltered from the scorching sun, creating shady coolness. The coconut tree is one of the national symbols of the Maldives. It is used on the islands with virtually no waste. The national dhoni boats are made from palm wood. Rugs and bags are woven from palm leaves. Coconut juice and pulp are eaten, and various household items are made from the strong peel. Coconut oil is very beneficial for health and is used to prepare natural cosmetics.

Asad Photo Maldives

UNESCO nature reserve

The Maldives archipelago also has its own official nature reserve. The vast territory of the Maldives Biosphere Reserve covers as many as 75 islands in the Baa Atoll. These are places of amazing marine nature, which has been under the protection of UNESCO since 2011. The wide biodiversity of Baa Reefs attracts divers and snorkelers from all over the world. Particularly noteworthy is the popular Hanifaru Bay, where the manta ray feeding station is located.

Milaidhoo Island Maldives