Maldives is a famous country that many tourists visit every year. With its scenic locations and turquoise ocean, it has been the top holiday destination for decades. Nonetheless, there are many other fun facts about the Maldives that showcases the country in every light.
Historical Facts About The Maldives
History is probably not one of the main things people associate with the Maldives. However, there are some interesting facts about Maldives’ history to know about.
Maldives Was Ruled By Kings
A top Maldives fact is that kings and their royal families ruled the country. The kings were called Sultans, but the country came under the rule of one Sultanate family by the 16th century. The country’s laws also changed after this period.
Currently, Maldives is not ruled by kings or royal families. Of course, this past makes the country more interesting for history geeks.
The President Once Held A Meeting Underwater
Another fact about Maldives’ history is that a cabinet meeting was held underwater in 2009. The eleven ministers beneath the water signed a document to reduce global carbon emissions. The main purpose of holding a meeting underwater was to divert attention to the rising sea levels.
The wetsuits of all the ministers who attended the meeting were later sold at an auction to raise money for coral reef protection. The President also recommended creating a fund for relocating the citizens if the Maldives become inhospitable.
Maldives Has Coral Houses
The country also has historic coral houses that add to its scenic beauty. These houses were traditionally made from original corals because of coral mining. Most citizens in the old times had houses made of coconut leaves and wood.
That is why a coral house was considered a symbol of luxury in the Maldives at that time. Currently, coral reefs are protected in the country, so no new coral houses can be made. However, old homes are still present.
It Is The Flattest Country On Earth
One of the fun facts about the Maldives is that it is the world’s flattest country. The average altitude of the location is 1.8 meters from sea level. The region is getting close competition from Qatar. However, it will be years before another country beats the Maldives.
The highest point in this country is 2.3 meters. This site is located on Villingili Island. Many people prefer the Maldives because it does not have high peaks that can trigger their phobia of heights.
Cultural Facts About Maldives
Here are some facts about Maldives’ culture to understand the people and traditions better.
Islam Is The Official Religion
Many people consider Buddhism to be the religion of the Maldives because of some monuments. However, that is not true. The official religion of this famous country is Islam because of the impact of Persian and Arab traders.
The country has been following Islam since 1153 AD. This is why you should maintain a level of decency when visiting Maldives. The government has strict laws for locals and tourists.
Boduberu Is Part Of Traditional Music In Maldives
An excellent thing about the Maldives is its traditional music, which many locals and tourists love. Boduberu is an integral part of the country’s culture. This instrument is a big drum made of coconut wood.
Manta ray skin was primarily used for making the drum’s head. However, the latest versions include goatskin as the main material. Traditional music performance in the Maldives mainly includes one lead singer, three drummers, and 11 dancers.
The Food of Maldives Is A Combination Of Sri Lankan And Indian Cuisine
One of the fun facts about Maldives’ food is that its cuisine combines Sri Lankan and Indian dishes. The country’s main offering is the different beaches and vast sea, so the main staple food is fish. Coconut is another item used for making different food items in the Maldives.
For instance, coconut milk is a famous beverage that many locals love. Besides that, coconut oil is also used for garnishing dishes. The Dhivehi cuisine is the traditional cuisine of this country.
Dhonis Are The Traditional Boats In Maldives
Dhonis are the traditional Maldives boats used for fishing and traveling. The Arabic dhow inspires the shape of these vehicles. This was a sailor ship that many people used for exploring the Indian Ocean during the 11th century.
Of course, remember that Dhonis are relatively compact. So they are not the best option for traveling with large families.
Interesting Facts About the Maldives for Kids
Here are some simple facts about the Maldives for kids to pique their interest to this beautiful region.
The Coconut Tree Is A Symbol
A coconut tree is the primary symbol of Maldives because these trees are present across different islands. The best part about them is that they grow for at least a hundred years and reach a height of up to 30 meters. These trees offer shade to locals and tourists on beaches.
Besides that, coconut from the trees is used for various purposes in the food industry. Many tourists also love to cool themselves by enjoying coconut water. Coconut wood is also used for making traditional Dhonis for sailing.
Maldives Is Home To 5 Species Of Turtles
An interesting Maldives fact for kids is that the country has a rich biological diversity. This is why it is home to 5 different species of turtles in the world. 5 might not seem like much, but note that there are a total of just 7 turtle species across the globe.
The Olive Riddley turtles are one of the top attractions in the Maldives. Other species present in this country include the loggerhead, the hawksbill, the green turtle, and the leatherback turtle.
The Maldivian Flag Represents Peace
The Maldivian flag is unique because of the different things it represents. The green color of the flag is used to represent peace and prosperity, while the moon is a symbol of Islam. Besides that, the flag also has a red rectangle surrounding the green part.
The red rectangle in the flag mainly commemorates those who gave up their lives to protect the country. This is why the Maldivian flag is one of the most symbolic flags in the world.
Fun Maldives Facts for Travelers
Here are some useful Maldives facts for anyone visiting to plan a good trip.
Maldives Has White Beaches
The best part about the Maldives is its white beaches, which are loved by tourists from all over the globe. The primary feature of these beaches is that they are pure and have clean water. This is why they enhance the country’s beauty.
Another unique thing about the beaches in the Maldives is that they are made of coral. Such locations are rare and form only 5% of the world’s beaches. So Maldives is a unique country that falls under this rare group.
The Country Has 110 Islands For Tourism
One of the interesting facts about the Maldives is that it has 1190 islands. However, only 110 of them are solely used for luxury and tourism purposes. This is why many people travel to this nation to enjoy the unique sites.
The best part about the wide variety of islands is that you will never be bored in the Maldives. You can also choose from plenty of outdoor activities for an adventurous vacation.
Maldives Is A Safe Tourist Destination
Maldives is one of the safest tourist destinations because of its strict law and capable government. The islands of this country are small and isolated from one another. This is why they are easy to manage while keeping the crime rate low.
Many families visit the country because of this Maldives fact. You can enjoy high safety without worrying about carrying valuable items in your bags. Of course, you should still practice general common sense and caution.
It Experiences Equatorial Sunlight
Another fact that travelers must know before visiting the Maldives is that it experiences equatorial sunlight at a 90 degrees angle. This means that the chances of getting a sunburn in this country are very high.
If you’re visiting the Maldives, be sure to pack loads of sunscreen and apply it every time you leave the hotel. A sunscreen with an SPF of 50+ is best for the environment in Maldives.
Common Facts About Maldives
Here is some general information about the Maldives to learn about.
Only 200 Islands Are Inhabited
One of the fun facts about the Maldives is that only 200 out of the 1190 islands are inhabited by the locals. This is why the population in this country is relatively lower than in other places. The primary benefit of leaving the other islands unoccupied is that they are being preserved.
It Is The World’s Lowest Nation
The Maldives is the world’s lowest nation because its islands are only seven feet above sea level. Many people refer to the nation as a sinking country. The area in this country is more prone to erosion, rising sea levels, and other factors.
Consequently, Maldives has strict laws to minimize the impact of environmental factors.
Cowry Shells Were The Old Currency
Cowry shells are famous for washing up on the beaches of Maldives. The unique thing about them is that they were used as currency during the old times. Of course, money has now replaced these shells.
Other Interesting Facts About The Maldives
Here are some other interesting things to know for a Maldives trivia.
Maldives Do Not Consider Sunday A Weekend
The Maldives does not follow the normal standard of having Saturday and Sunday as the weekend. Instead, the country considers Friday and Saturday to be holidays. Meanwhile, Sunday is a working day. This is mainly because businesses have to close early on Fridays for prayer.
The Country Has A Strict Constitution
Another special Maldives fact is that it has a strict constitution. All citizens are required to be Muslims. So foreigners cannot get citizenship in Maldives unless they follow Islam.
Discovering More Fun Facts About Maldives
These are some of the amazing facts about the Maldives. This country is a major hub for tourists because of its scenic islands and white beaches, but there is much more to it. Be sure to explore deeper when you visit, so you can uncover more unique and cultural facts about the Maldives.
