08 Interesting Facts About The Maldives - What Makes The Islands So Unique?

Tourism only began in 1972, when the first resort in Maldives was established near the capital city of Malé. Before this, the Maldives was relatively unknown to the outside world as a travel destination. Today, the country is one of the most sought-after luxury holiday spots globally, welcoming over a million visitors annually to idyllic resort getaways like Dhigali Maldives. Despite its modern-day popularity, the beginnings of tourism in the Maldives were humble, relying heavily on word-of-mouth promotion.

Archaeological evidence suggests that the Maldives has been inhabited for over 3,000 years, dating back to ancient maritime cultures. Early settlers included Dravidian peoples from southern India and Sri Lanka, who brought their traditions and ways of life to the islands. Over the centuries, the Maldives became a crucial point for traders travelling along ancient maritime routes, blending influences from Arab, African, and Asian cultures.

The Maldives consists of 1,192 coral islands grouped into 26 atolls. Surprisingly, only about 200 of these islands are inhabited, with approximately 160 designated as tourist resorts. The remaining islands are used for agriculture and industrial purposes or remain untouched. This abundance of uninhabited islands contributes to the Maldives' reputation as an immaculate and secluded escape.

The Maldives’ unique geography owes its existence to coral reefs. The atolls, circular groups of islands, are remnants of ancient volcanic craters that sank below the sea. Coral reefs flourished around the craters, creating the atolls we see today. These reefs serve as natural barriers, protecting the islands from erosion and providing a habitat for diverse marine life. What remains is a paradise, of blue waters dotted with glimmering white shores. 

The Maldives’ beaches are made of coralline sand, giving them their distinctive white, powdery texture. Unlike golden silica-based beaches, coralline sand does not retain heat, making it comfortable to walk on even during the hottest days. These beaches, combined with the surrounding clear seas, make the Maldives a natural wonder, and a natural magnet for photographers.

In 2009, the Maldivian government left the usual comforts of indoor spaces and held a cabinet meeting underwater, to highlight the dangers of rising sea levels due to climate change. Ministers wore scuba gear and convened at a depth of six metres to sign a declaration urging global action against climate change. This innovative event drew international attention to the plight of low-lying nations like the Maldives.

Beyond the luxury stays, one of the biggest draws to the Maldives is its marine biodiversity, which includes the majestic whale shark—the largest fish in the ocean. These aquatic giants can grow up to 12 metres long and are often spotted in the waters around the Maldives. Swim alongside the colossal creatures year-round, at habitat points that include Hanifaru Bay, which is located in a UNESCO-Protected Biosphere. 

Before tourism began to draw in millions from around the world seeking tourist experiences, the Maldives was still fairly well-known. In ancient times, cowrie shells were used as a form of currency in maritime trade routes as far as the Nordic regions. These small, shiny shells were highly valued, and were conveniently found in almost every corner of the archipelago. The Maldives became known as "the money isles", due to becoming a major supplier of cowrie shells.