Here are 18 little-known facts about the Maldives, from being the flattest country in the world to its coral-covered beaches!
Beware of the Sun
Pay attention to the sun in the Maldives! Having sunscreen is almost the most important thing. Located near the equator, the Maldives receives a high amount of sunlight, and the rays almost hit you directly at a 90° angle.
Only 200 Islands Are Inhabited
Out of 1,190 islands in the Maldives, only 200 are inhabited. Additionally, 80 islands host exclusive, luxurious resorts. The remaining islands are either too small for life or impractical. Moreover, 99% of the 115 square miles that make up the Maldives is water. There are plenty of potential diving spots to explore!
The Flattest Country in the World
The Maldives is the flattest country in the world. Its highest point (on Villingili Island) is only 2.31 meters above sea level, while the average elevation across the country is just 1.50 meters.
Underwater Meeting
In 2009, the Maldives government held a cabinet meeting underwater, making it the first country to conduct a government meeting below sea level. This cabinet meeting was intended to draw attention to climate change. Many Maldivians fear that as climate change continues and sea levels rise, their homes could be submerged.
Seashells as Currency
In the Middle Ages, the Maldives used seashells as a form of currency. While traveling around the Maldives today, you can see seashells on many of the country’s coins as a sign of respect for its historical money.
Sandy Beaches and Island Shapes
Some island shapes in the Maldives change over time due to natural processes. Part of the sand moves away from the shore and is later returned by seasonal currents during the monsoon season. Some sandbanks disappear, while others reappear.
You Can Encounter Whale Sharks
The world’s largest shark can easily be seen throughout the entire Maldivian archipelago. The Maldives is one of the rare places where whale sharks can be observed all year round.
The Origin of the Maldives
The history of the Maldives is very ancient. It is believed to be the remains of a chain of submerged volcanoes formed around 60 million years ago. Recent studies indicate that coral reefs formed hundreds of thousands of years ago on the submerged remains of volcanic mountains.
A Mix of Civilizations
The Maldives lay at the crossroads of ancient trade routes. The diversity of cultures present in the Maldives today is the result of this mix of civilizations: Indian, African, European, Arab, and Asian cultures.
Maldivian Dhoni Boats
The shape of the famous traditional Maldivian boat, the Dhoni, was inspired by the ancient dhow, widely used as a trading vessel in the Indian Ocean in the 11th century. Inter-island transportation in the Maldives is provided by these Dhoni boats.
