Five Interesting Facts About the Maldives - Reasons why you should visit

One of the most unique geographical features of the Maldives is that it is the world’s lowest and flattest country. The average ground level across the islands is only about 1.5 meters (4 feet 11 inches) above sea level, with the highest natural point being just 2.4 meters (7 feet 10 inches) above sea level. This extremely low elevation makes the Maldives particularly vulnerable to rising sea levels caused by climate change. The country has become a symbol of the challenges that low-lying nations face in the global climate crisis. The Maldivian government has been vocal on the international stage, advocating for stronger climate action to protect their country from the threat of submersion.

The Maldives is the smallest Muslim-majority country in the world, both in terms of population and land area. Islam was introduced to the Maldives in 1153 AD, and it has been the state religion ever since. The country’s culture is deeply rooted in Islamic traditions, and this is reflected in the daily life, customs, and laws of the nation. For example, alcohol is only available in resort islands and not on local inhabited islands, and public observance of Islamic practices, such as Friday prayers and fasting during Ramadan, is widespread.

Despite its small size, the Maldives has a rich cultural heritage that includes traditional music, dance, and crafts. The most well-known traditional dance is Boduberu, which involves rhythmic drumming, singing, and dancing. Most top resorts in Maldives often welcome you with a dramatic and entertaining display of Bodu Beru drums such as what you'll witness at Naladhu Private Island Maldives. The songs are often about heroism, romance, and the sea, reflecting the Maldivian way of life. The Maldives also has a tradition of feyli dress, a traditional sarong-like garment worn by both men and women, particularly during special occasions.

The Maldives is renowned for its stunning coral reefs and marine biodiversity, making it a top destination for divers and snorkelers. The waters surrounding the Maldives are home to over 2,000 species of fish, including colourful reef fish, manta rays, whale sharks, and sea turtles. The Maldives’ coral reefs are part of the larger Indian Ocean reef system, which is one of the most diverse in the world.

The country’s atolls are surrounded by a complex reef structure that not only supports marine life but also protects the islands from the effects of ocean waves and storms. The coral reefs are a vital part of the Maldivian economy, attracting tourists from around the globe. However, these reefs are under threat due to coral bleaching caused by rising sea temperatures. The Maldivian government and various organizations are working on coral conservation projects to preserve this unique marine environment for future generations.

The Maldives is a presidential republic, but its governance is unique due to the dispersed nature of its islands. The country consists of 26 atolls, which are made up of around 1,200 individual islands. Of these, only about 200 are inhabited. Each atoll is administered by an atoll council, while individual islands are governed by island councils. These councils are responsible for local administration, including services such as education, health, and infrastructure development.

The capital city, Malé, is the political and economic centre of the country and is one of the most densely populated cities in the world. Malé itself is an island, and with the population growing, land reclamation projects have expanded the city onto adjacent islands. The city is the hub of the country’s government, trade, and tourism industries, and it contrasts sharply with the laid-back, tranquil atmosphere of the resort islands.

Before the Maldives became a Muslim nation, it was a Buddhist kingdom for over a thousand years. Buddhism was introduced to the Maldives from India and Sri Lanka around the 3rd century BC, and it became the dominant religion. The remains of ancient Buddhist stupas and monasteries can still be found on some islands, although many were destroyed or converted when Islam was adopted.

The transition from Buddhism to Islam began in the 12th century, and the official conversion is often attributed to the efforts of a visiting Islamic scholar. The last Buddhist king of the Maldives is said to have converted to Islam in 1153 AD, marking the beginning of the Islamic era in the Maldives. Despite the conversion, many Maldivian customs and traditions have roots in the country’s pre-Islamic past, creating a unique cultural blend.