More information on the Maldives

The Maldives is truly a beautiful place and there are many facts about the Maldives that you should know before you go!

Here’s 20 facts about the Maldives:

1. They are the lowest country on earth, with an average ground level of 1.5 meters (4 ft 11 in) and a maximum natural ground level of 2.4 meters, it is the lowest nation in the world.
2. They held an underwater cabinet Meeting in 2009, President Mohamed Nasheed held the world’s first underwater cabinet meeting to highlight global warming threats.
3. The country is 99% water, with 1,192 coral islands scattered across 90,000 square kilometers.
4. Only 5% of the world’s beaches have sand like the Maldives, which is coralline (made from coral) rather than quartz, making it incredibly white and fine.
5. The Maldives is the smallest country in Asia in both population and land area.
6.  In medieval times, cowrie shells were used as currency, earning the islands the nickname “Money Isles”.  The Maldives pioneered the iconic overwater bungalow concept.
7. It is a 100% Muslim country with a strict constitution; Islam is the only religion allowed for citizenship.
8. The weekend falls on Friday and Saturday, not Saturday and Sunday.
9. Some beaches glow in the dark due to bioluminescent phytoplankton, creating a magical blue glow when disturbed.
10. It is home to over 2,000 species of fish and is a premier spot for whale sharks and manta rays.
11. The coconut palm is the national tree and vital to local culture and cuisine.
12. The only English word derived from the Dhivehi language is “atoll” (originally atholhu).
13. Of the ~1,200 islands, only about 200 are inhabited by locals, with another ~160+ used as private resorts.
14. The capital city, Malé, is one of the most densely populated islands in the world.
15.  Alcohol and pork are prohibited on local (inhabited) islands but available at tourist resorts.
16. The islands are traditionally traversed by Dhoni, wooden vessels similar to Arab dhows.
17. There are absolutely no hills or mountains in the entire country.
18. Legend says the nation was founded by a prince from Kalinga (India) in 270 BC.
19. The Maldives has an extremely high literacy rate, hovering around 98%.