Joanna James
The Maldives is a tropical paradise located in the Indian Ocean, known for its crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and colourful coral reefs. Here are a few interesting facts that you might not know about the Maldives.
The Maldives is made up of 26 atolls, which are ring-shaped coral reefs that encircle a lagoon. There are over 1,000 coral islands, with only about 200 of them being inhabited. The islands are located in the Indian Ocean, southwest of India and Sri Lanka.
The official language of the Maldives is Dhivehi, which is a language spoken only in the Maldives. However, due to the country's popularity as a tourist destination, English is widely spoken and understood by locals.
The Maldives is a Muslim country, and its culture is heavily influenced by Islam. Visitors are expected to respect the local customs and follow the dress code, which includes covering the shoulders and knees in public places. Although alcohol is served at many a resort in Maldives the likes of Kuramathi Maldives, it is forbidden to bring it into the country.
Maldivian cuisine is influenced by the flavours of Sri Lanka, India, and the Middle East. Visitors can enjoy delicious seafood, including tuna and other fish, as well as coconut-based curries and spicy sambals. Local delicacies include mas huni, a dish made of tuna, coconut, and chilli, and boshi mashuni, a salad made with dried tuna and grated coconut. Visitors can also try hedhikaa, traditional Maldivian snacks, such as the deep-fried pastry called bajiyaa, or the sweetened rice cake called bondibai.
Getting around the Maldives is mainly by boat or seaplane. Taxis are available on the capital island of Male, but most visitors will travel to their resort by speedboat or seaplane. The seaplane ride is a unique and memorable experience, providing a stunning aerial view of the Maldives' picturesque islands and turquoise waters.
The Maldives is home to a rich and diverse marine ecosystem. The waters surrounding the islands are home to over 2,000 species of fish, including whale sharks and manta rays. Coral reefs surround many of the islands, making the Maldives an ideal destination for snorkelling and scuba diving enthusiasts.
The Maldives is committed to protecting its environment and has set an ambitious goal to become carbon-neutral by 2023. The country is also home to the world's first underwater cabinet meeting, held in 2009 to raise awareness about the impacts of climate change on low-lying island nations like the Maldives.
The Maldives has a unique political system known as a presidential representative democratic republic. The President serves as both the head of state and government and is elected through a popular vote. The country's parliament, called the People's Majlis, is made up of 87 members who are also elected through a popular vote. However, the Maldives has faced political turmoil in recent years, with the government cracking down on opposition leaders and political activists.
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