Longing for some winter sun? How about a trip to the beautiful, sun kissed islands of Maldives. For most, Maldives instantly conjures up an image of sparkling blue waters, powdery white sand, beach hammocks and luxurious over-water villas. But, did you know 99% of the nation is ocean water, and that out of the 1,190 islands, only 200 are inhabited! That means, 990 islands are untouched and yet to be explored!
If the pristine beaches of Maldives aren’t motivation enough to visit the smallest nation in Asia, we’re definite these fun facts will have you bounding off your chair to book the next flight out!
- Did you know that the island was established by an exiled Indian prince? It is said that the King of Kalinga was very unhappy with his son and so sent him away to the Maldives, then known as Dheeva Maari.
- They used shells as money! (How cool!) In around the second century AD the Maldives was coined ‘’The Money Islands’’ as it was one of the major suppliers of cowry shells to the ancient world when the shells were an important form of currency.
- In addition to being the smallest nation in Asia, Maldives is also the smallest Muslim country in the world.
- The world’s first underwater cabinet meeting was held on the island in 2009. The meeting was called by President Mohamed Nasheed, in order to draw attention to the threat posed by climate change.
- At a staggering 98% the Maldives boasts an extremely high literacy rate among adults and 100% admission of children in school. With the support of UNICEF, they have implemented a unified education program, following the British educational system.
- Maldivians are said to have strong belief in the supernatural! In 2013 a coconut was detained by the police on account of being found ‘’loitering and acting suspicious’’ during the presidential elections. The young coconut in question was found outside a voting station and was accused of being put there to influence the election.
- Known for an unspoilt ecosystem, the archipelago of the Maldivian islands boasts unrivalled coral reefs and marine life. Thus making it an amazing diving spot and a magnet for anyone with an interest in aquatic life. Take a dip into the tepid waters and you are likely to see stunning coral reefs, caves and brightly coloured tropical fish. Dive a little deeper and you will find manta rays, moray eels, turtles, whales and sharks. At least 10 different species of dolphins and whales can be seen in the reefs of Maldives, including striped and spotted dolphins, dwarf sperm whales, and killer whales. You might even be able to catch a glimpse of the whale shark, the world’s largest fish.
- Maldives is the flattest country in the world! Its ground level is measure to be around 1.5 meters and its highest point stands at 2.3 meters, which is the lowest on the planet! Maldivians often worry about the possibility of the country sinking, due to rising sea levels triggered by climatic conditions. (Mental note – must visit before it sinks!!)
Find out more about how you can experience Maldives
By Fatema Salim