Top 6 Fun Facts About the Maldives – Quirky Island Trivia

That's right folks, the coral islands are so small and made up of so much sand that they can be easily shaped by the tide. Monsoonal currents often affect the shape of the islands by shifting sand around. Not only does this process of nature affect the shape and size of islands but whole sand bars will also appear and disappear at certain times of the year. Choose to unwind at one of the top Maldives luxury villas and you will feel as though you are on your own island. Look for top deals at some of the popular all-inclusive resorts like Amilla Maldives Resort and Residences.

Located very close to the equator, the sunrays fall at an almost 90-degree angle on the archipelago. And while this means you get to enjoy the perfect sunny vacation, you also need to take precautions. Take along plenty of sunscreen and your favourite pair of shades. A hat to keep your head cool and plenty of water must be packed for your excursions.

Whale sharks are the largest fish species. And they are not whales, contrary to the name. And they are gentle shy creatures spotted only during seasonal windows. But in the Maldives, these fascinating fish can be seen all year round. There are 3 official sanctuaries dedicated to the species in the Maldives and a dive amongst the gentle giants will be an unmatched experience you don't want to miss.

It's true! And the archipelago holds the world record for being the world's lowest country. The highest average altitude or height from sea level is a mere 1.5 metres! This means the entire archipelago is on a pretty flat surface across the Indian Ocean. Are you wondering about rising sea levels causing a problem? Not to worry, the private islands are protected by a house reef, which, by the way, is the ideal spot to swim out to for some snorkelling fun.

Located along ancient shipping routes, the Maldives was often visited by merchants from all corners of the globe. Hence, the population is made up of an exotic mix that is influenced by the people and cultures of Africa, Arabia, India, Europe, and neighbouring Sri Lanka. It is this fascinating aspect that makes those visits to the local islands exciting educational tours. Discovering island lifestyles and learning about traditional fishing methods as well as local cuisine never fails to pique the interest of visitors.

The Maldives, at one time, used cowry shells as currency units. The tiny snail shells were collected by islanders who used them the same way as currency. And as a remembrance, some of the currency notes and coins in the Maldives are adorned with images of the cowry shell.