Listly by Joanna James
The Maldives is a beautiful island nation located south of India, known for its beaches and vibrant marine life. Read on to find out ten things you might not know about the Maldives.
The Maldives is the lowest-lying country in the world, with an average elevation of just 1.5 metres above sea level. The highest point in the country is only 2.4 metres above sea level, making it vulnerable to rising sea levels caused by climate change. In response to this threat, the Maldivian government has taken several measures to reduce its carbon footprint and has also implemented policies to promote sustainable tourism.
The Maldives offers a wide range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxurious overwater villas. Many of the Maldives beach resorts are located on private islands and offer guests a secluded and exclusive experience. Hard Rock Hotel Maldives is among the top accommodation choices available in the Maldives.
Before the Maldives converted to Islam in the 12th century, it was a Buddhist kingdom. The Maldives' conversion to Islam is believed to have been influenced by Arab traders who brought the religion to the region. Today, the Maldives is an Islamic republic, and Islam is the official religion of the country.
In 2009, the Maldives made international headlines when its president, Mohamed Nasheed, held the world's first underwater cabinet meeting. The meeting, which took place off the coast of one of the Maldives' islands, was held to highlight the threat of rising sea levels caused by climate change.
The Maldives is home to some of the most diverse and vibrant marine life in the world. The clear, warm waters surrounding the islands make it an ideal destination for diving and snorkelling. There are many diving and snorkelling sites throughout the Maldives, including the Ari Atoll and the Baa Atoll.
Dhivehi is the official language of the Maldives, and it is the only language in the world to use the Thaana script. Thaana is a unique writing system that is read from right to left, and it consists of 24 letters.
The Maldives has a rich cultural heritage that is influenced by Indian, Sri Lankan, and Arab cultures. The traditional music of the Maldives is called boduberu, which is a form of drumming and singing that is performed by a group of men.
The Maldives has a literacy rate of 98%, which is one of the highest in the world. Education is free and compulsory for children between the ages of 6 and 16, and the government has invested heavily in education in recent years.
The Maldives is one of the most popular destinations in the world for honeymooners, thanks to its romantic beaches, private islands, and luxurious resorts. Many resorts in the Maldives offer special honeymoon packages that include private dinners, spa treatments, and other romantic experiences.
The Maldivian flag is a bright red with a green rectangle in the centre. Inside the green rectangle is a white crescent moon and a white five-pointed star. The red colour represents the bold spirit of the nation's people, while the green represents the lush vegetation and the importance of the country's agriculture. The crescent moon symbolises the Islamic faith, which is the predominant religion in the Maldives, while the white star represents the nation's commitment to peace and unity.
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