Maldives is South Asia’s small island. The official name of the Island is Republic of Maldives. Indian Ocean containing the Arabic Sea is where Maldives present. It is also the smallest Asian country. Let’s take a look at some interesting facts about Maldives.

Population

As Maldives is the smallest country in Asia by land area so it is also less populated with population of 515,696.

Malé Maldives

The capital of Maldives is Malé and it is also the most populated city. Because of its central location it is known as King’s Island. The total population of this city is 133,412.

Interesting Facts about Maldives Islands

Maldives consists of 1200 islands. These islands are grouped into 22 atolls. The atolls are in from north to south direction and they are spread over Indian Ocean.

Most of the islands in Maldives are not inhabited. In fact only 200 islands are inhabited.

The atolls are composed of white sand bars and coral reefs. Mostly beach sand is made from quartz but this is not the case with Maldives sand as it is composed of coralline. Mainly ninety nine percent Maldives is water.

One of the best island located in Maldives is Alimatha Island. Its aquamarine lagoons, sun-kissed beaches, spa centers and crystal clear water give a beautiful view.

Other famous islands in Maldives are

• Ambara Island
• Hulhumale Island
• Biyadoo Island
• Aarah Island
• Kunburudhoo Beach
• Guraidhoo Island

Not all the islands in Maldives were caused by volcanoes. Some are man-made. The island Hulhumale, located close to the Male airport is made by Maldivians. This unnatural island was designed in 2004 with the help of sand and concrete making its foundation.

Maldives Underwater hotels

Muraka is the world’s first underwater hotel. This hotel is opened on Rangali Island. In Maldives native language the Muraka means “Coral”.

This hotel is not cheap at all. It cost around $50,000 dollars per night. Moreover, Ithaa is Maldives first underwater restaurant built in 2005 by architect Ahmed Saleem.

Maldives Language

The Maldivian language is Dhivehi or Divehi. It is an Indo-Aryan language. The Maldvian language has been influenced by various other languages such as Persian, Hindustani, English, Portuguese, French and Arabic.

Maldives Religion

All the people in Maldives are Muslims. They converted to Islam in 1153 A.D. All the visitors must have to follow religious rules. Outside the resort no alcohol is allowed.

The week days in Maldives are on Friday and Saturday.

Maldives Marine Life

Total seven kinds of turtles exists in the world. Five of them are found in Maldives waters.

Moreover, 2000 species of fishes are found there. Many of them are not even identified in the world.

The most attracting thing for divers in Maldives beaches is shark, a species of fish. Sharks are found abundantly in Maldives.

Maldives Food

As most of the land in the country is not cultivable so they commonly depend on fish as staple. The popular dishes of Maldives are fried fish, fish soup and fish curry.

Meat and chicken are made on special events such as Eid-ul-Adha. This ‘Eid is the longest holiday festival in Maldives.

Flattest Country

Maldives is the flattest country in the world. There are no hills and mountains so the country doesn’t attract climbers.

Yes, the lowest country in the world is Maldives. Its average ground level is 1.5 meters. Due to this fact, there is always a danger of flood in the country.

Sunlight in Maldives

The sunlight in Maldives fall direct. The reason behind it is Maldives is located quite close to the equator. So sun protection is a must.

Maldives Flooding Facts

Because Maldives is the lowest country in the world and the temperature is usually high there so it causes water to become warmer. Warm water expands more and takes more space therefore there is always a risk of flood.

The whole planet is undergoing a severe climate change. The sea level is rising from the melting of glaciers. If this change continues the Island will disappear within 30 years.

I know these amazing and interesting facts about Maldives will definitely force you to plan a trip to Maldives this vacation.