Joanna James
The Maldives is one of the most sought after tropical destinations in the world and also one of the countries with some exciting facts.
Even though the Maldives is considered one country, there are almost 1200 islands that make up the Maldives. These islands are separated into 26 different atolls and from these islands, only about 200 islands are inhabited, with almost 1000 islands uninhabited. One of the most amazing things about the Maldives is that since there are numerous islands, most of the resorts and hotels are built on individual islands. So when one travels within the Maldives from one island to another especially across different atolls you get to experience a completely different stay.
The Maldives is an Arabic country, hence alcohol is not allowed to be sold or consumed in public locations such as restaurants or pubs. It is only available in hotels and resorts which cater to foreigners since most of the locals are Arabic. If you wish to consume liquor you are able to do so only at the hotel or resort that you are staying at.
Made of many different islands that come together, the country is known as the flattest country from around the globe. It is also the country that possesses the biggest threat to disappear as the sea level rises due to global warming. The maximum elevation across all 1192 islands in the country is a mere 2.5 meters above sea level. However, this is one of the reasons that you are able to take breathtaking photographs of the country. Unfortunately, due to climatic changes, it is a sinking paradise that faces the risk of being submerged in the next 50 years to come.
Being made of several islands it is no surprise that there are many different water sports that are popular in the Maldives. Snorkelling, diving, surfing, windsurfing and paragliding are few of the water sports that are available in the Maldives. Among these, the most exciting and thrilling activity is known to be snorkelling as you get to submerge yourself in the deep blue sea and become one with the marine life who call it home. You get to swim with stunning fish and colourful corals. The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort boasts of a great location for the guests to go snorkelling and diving.
An Indian prince who was sent in exile was the one who discovered the Maldives. The first settlers in the country were Buddhists as this prince was a Buddhist. Later on, with trading and other encounters, there were Arabs settling in and the country was later declared to be an Arabic country. Due to these outside influences, the cuisine in the Maldives is greatly affected by Indian, Sri Lankan and Arabic cuisine. They used to be called the Maldives Islands but recently the official name was changed to The Republic of Maldives. The Maldives is the smallest country in Asia when it comes to population and land and is also the smallest Arabic country in the world.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
