Maldives
- Maldives : A Tropical Paradise with a Rich History and Culture,
- Maldives is a small island nation in the Indian Ocean, known for its stunning beaches, coral reefs, and luxury resorts.
- But Maldives is more than just a tourist destination.
Maldives Flag Currency Population Tourism Cities Landmarks History
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- It has a long and fascinating history, a diverse and vibrant culture, and a dynamic and resilient economy.
- In this article, we will explore some of the aspects that make Maldives a unique and attractive country.
1 - History of Maldives :
- Maldives has been inhabited for over 2,500 years by various peoples, including Buddhists, Hindus, Arabs, Persians, and Africans.
- The first recorded history of Maldives dates back to the 12th century, when it was ruled by a series of sultans who adopted Islam as the official religion.
- Maldives was also a strategic trading hub in the Indian Ocean, connecting Asia, Africa, and Europe.
- Maldives was influenced by various cultures and civilizations, such as India, Sri Lanka, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Oman.
- Maldives became a British protectorate in 1887, but retained its autonomy and sovereignty.
- It gained full independence in 1965, and became a republic in 1968.
- Since then, Maldives has faced several challenges and changes, such as political instability, environmental threats, social reforms, and economic development.
- Maldives has also played an active role in regional and international affairs, especially in promoting peace and cooperation among Islamic countries.
2 - Capital of Maldives :
- The capital of Maldives is Malé, which is also the largest and most populous city in the country.
- Malé is located on a small island in the North Male Atoll, and covers an area of about 6 square kilometers.
- It is one of the most densely populated cities in the world, with over 200,000 people living in a limited space.
- Malé is the political, economic, cultural, and educational center of Maldives.
- It hosts the government offices, the parliament, the president’s residence, the airport, the port,
- the university, the national museum, the Islamic center,
- and many other landmarks and facilities.
- Malé is also a vibrant and modern city that offers a variety of attractions and activities for visitors.
- You can enjoy the scenic views of the ocean from the artificial beach or the waterfront park;
- you can explore the historical and religious sites such as the Old Friday Mosque or the Grand Friday Mosque;
- you can shop for local handicrafts and souvenirs at the markets or the shopping malls;
- you can taste the delicious cuisine and nightlife at the restaurants or the cafes;
- or you can simply relax and unwind at one of the many spas or hotels.
3 - Maldives Country Flag Meaning :
- The national flag of Maldives consists of three colors : red, green, and white.
- The flag has a red background with a green rectangle in the center that contains a white crescent moon.
- Each color has a symbolic meaning that reflects the identity and values of Maldives.
- The red color represents the bloodshed and bravery of the heroes who sacrificed their lives for the nation.
- It also symbolizes the traditional red flag that was used by many Arab traders and sailors who visited Maldives in the past.
- The green color represents the wealth and prosperity of Maldives.
- It also symbolizes the lush vegetation and nature that surrounds the islands.
- The white crescent moon represents Islam, which is the official religion and faith of Maldives.
- It also symbolizes peace and harmony among the people.
- Maldives Country Belongs to Which Continent ?
4 - Maldives belongs to the continent of Asia.
- Asia is the largest and most populous continent on Earth.
- It covers about 30% of the land area and 60% of the population of the world.
- Asia is home to many diverse cultures, languages, religions, histories, geographies, climates, and natural resources.
- Maldives is located in South Asia, which is one of the subregions of Asia.
- South Asia comprises eight countries : Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
- South Asia has a population of about 1.9 billion people, which is about one-fourth of the world’s population.
- South Asia is also known for its rich cultural heritage, ancient civilizations, and influential religions, such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and Sikhism.
5 - Maldives Country Economy :
- Maldives has a small but growing economy that is based on tourism, fishing, and services.
- Tourism is the main source of income and foreign exchange for Maldives.
- It accounts for about 28% of the gross domestic product (GDP) and employs about 20% of the labor force.
- Maldives attracts millions of visitors every year who come to enjoy its pristine beaches, crystal clear waters, and exotic resorts.
- Maldives offers a range of tourism products, such as luxury hotels, water villas, spa treatments, diving, snorkeling, surfing, sailing, fishing, and cultural tours.
- Fishing is the second largest sector of the economy and the main livelihood for many Maldivians.
- It accounts for about 10% of the GDP and employs about 11% of the labor force.
- Maldives has a rich and diverse marine life, with over 1,000 species of fish, including tuna, grouper, snapper, shark, and reef fish.
- Maldives exports most of its fish products to Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
- Services is the third largest sector of the economy and the fastest growing one.
- It accounts for about 18% of the GDP and employs about 23% of the labor force.
- Services include transportation, communication, banking, insurance, health, education, and public administration.
- Maldives has invested in improving its infrastructure, technology, and human capital to enhance its service delivery and competitiveness.
6 - Maldives Country Currency :
- The official currency of Maldives is the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR), which is divided into 100 laari.
- The rufiyaa was introduced in 1947, replacing the Ceylonese rupee that was previously used.
- The rufiyaa is issued by the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA), which is the central bank of Maldives.
- The rufiyaa is pegged to the US dollar at a fixed rate of 15.42 rufiyaa per dollar.
- The rufiyaa comes in both banknotes and coins.
- The banknotes are in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1000 rufiyaa.
- The coins are in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, and 50 laari, and 1 and 2 rufiyaa.
- The banknotes and coins feature various symbols and images that represent the history, culture, and nature of Maldives.
- The rufiyaa is not widely accepted outside Maldives and is not easily exchangeable in other countries.
- Therefore, most tourists use foreign currencies such as US dollars or euros to pay for their expenses in Maldives.
- Most hotels, resorts, shops, and restaurants accept foreign currencies or credit cards as payment methods.
- However, some small businesses or local vendors may only accept rufiyaa or may charge a higher rate for foreign currencies.
- Therefore, it is advisable to have some rufiyaa on hand for small purchases or tips.
7 - Maldives Country Code :
- The country code for Maldives is +960.
- This is the international dialing code that you need to use when you are calling Maldives from another country.
- You also need to add the area code and the local number of the person or place you are calling.
- The area codes for Maldives are two digits long and start with a zero.
- They indicate the geographic region or island where the phone number is located.
- For example, the area code for Male is 03; the area code for Addu City is 06; and the area code for Hulhumale is 09.
- The local numbers for Maldives are seven digits long and start with either a seven or a nine.
- They indicate the specific phone line or mobile network that belongs to the person or place you are calling.
- For example, if you want to call a hotel in Male from the US or Canada, you need to dial :
011 + 960 + 03 + local number.
- 011 is the exit code for North America; 960 is the country code for Maldives; 03 is the area code for Male; and local number is the seven-digit number of the hotel.
8 - How to Pronounce Maldives Country :
- Maldives is pronounced as /ˈmɔːldiːvz/ (MOHL-deevz) in British English and /ˈmældaɪvz/ (MAL-dyvz) in American English.
- The stress is on the first syllable in both cases.
- The first syllable sounds like “mole” in British English and “mall” in American English.
- The second syllable sounds like “deev” in British English and “dyve” in American English.
- The final sound is a voiced “z” sound that vibrates your vocal cords.
9 - Maldives Country Abbreviation :
- The official abbreviation for Maldives is MV.
- This is based on the ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 standard that assigns two-letter codes to countries and territories.
- MV stands for Maldive Islands, which is an alternative name for Maldives.
- Some other abbreviations that are sometimes used for Maldives are :
- MLD : This is based on the ISO 3166-1
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- Maldives has many landmarks that showcase its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and historical significance.
- Some of the landmarks that you can visit in Maldives are :
10 - Tsunami Monument : This is a memorial that honors the victims of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami that devastated Maldives and other countries.
- The monument consists of a steel sphere with vertical rods that represent the 26 atolls of Maldives and the lives lost in each one.
- The monument is located in Male, near the artificial beach and the waterfront park.
- You can learn more about the tsunami and its impact on Maldives at the nearby National Museum.
11 - Hulhumale Beach : This is one of the most popular beaches in Maldives, located on the island of Hulhumale,
- which is an artificial island created to accommodate the growing population and development of Maldives.
- The beach is known for its white sand, turquoise water, and palm trees.
- You can enjoy various activities on the beach, such as swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, or relaxing.
- You can also find many hotels, restaurants, and shops near the beach.
12 - Grand Friday Mosque : This is the largest and most impressive mosque in Maldives, located in Male.
- The mosque was built in 1984 and can accommodate up to 5,000 worshippers.
- The mosque has a golden dome, a minaret, and a marble facade that reflect the Islamic architecture and art of Maldives.
- The mosque also houses the Islamic Center, which is a complex that includes a library, a conference hall, an auditorium, and a religious school.
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- Maldives is a country that consists of many islands, some of which are classified as cities.
- A city in Maldives is an island that has a population of more than 25,000 people and meets certain criteria of urbanization and development.
- There are currently six cities in Maldives : Male, Fuvahmulah, Addu, Kulhudhuffushi, Thinadhoo, and Hithadhoo.
- Each city has its own attractions and features that make it worth visiting.
- Here are some brief descriptions of the cities in Maldives :
- Malé :
13 - Male : Male is the capital and the largest city of Maldives.
- It is located on a small island in the North Male Atoll and covers an area of about 6 square kilometers.
- It is one of the most densely populated cities in the world, with over 200,000 people living in a limited space.
- Male is the political, economic, cultural, and educational center of Maldives.
- It hosts the government offices, the parliament, the president’s residence, the airport, the port,
- the university, the national museum, the Islamic center, and many other landmarks and facilities.
- Male is also a vibrant and modern city that offers a variety of attractions and activities for visitors.
- You can enjoy the scenic views of the ocean from the artificial beach or the waterfront park;
- you can explore the historical and religious sites such as the Old Friday Mosque or the Grand Friday Mosque;
- you can shop for local handicrafts and souvenirs at the markets or the shopping malls;
- you can taste the delicious cuisine and nightlife at the restaurants or the cafes;
- or you can simply relax and unwind at one of the many spas or hotels.
- Fuvahmulah :
14 - Fuvahmulah : Fuvahmulah is the second largest city and the only one-island atoll in Maldives.
- It is located in the southern part of Maldives and covers an area of about 12 square kilometers.
- It has a population of about 12,000 people who speak a distinctive dialect of Dhivehi.
- Fuvahmulah is known for its natural beauty and diversity.
- It has a tropical forest, a freshwater lake, a marshland, a pebble beach, a black sand beach, and a white sand beach.
- It also has a rich marine life, with over 300 species of fish, including sharks, rays, turtles, dolphins, and whales.
- Fuvahmulah is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
- You can enjoy various activities such as hiking, biking, fishing, diving, snorkeling, surfing, or whale watching.
- Addu City :
15 - Addu : Addu is the third largest city and the southernmost atoll in Maldives.
- It is composed of six inhabited islands that are connected by causeways.
- It has a population of about 35,000 people who have a distinct culture and history from other Maldivians.
- Addu was once a British naval base during World War II and later became a stronghold of opposition to the central government.
- Addu has many historical and cultural attractions such as the Gan International Airport, which was built by the British;
- the Equatorial Convention Center, which hosted the 17th SAARC summit in 2011;
- the Addu Museum, which displays artifacts and photos from different eras; and the Koagannu Cemetery, which is the oldest cemetery in Maldives.
- Addu also has many natural attractions such as the Addu Nature Park, which is home to various birds and animals;
16 - the Hithadhoo Protected Area, which is a mangrove forest; and the Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa, which is a luxury resort on a private island.
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- There are many beautiful beaches in Maldives that you can visit and enjoy.
- Some of them are :
17 - Mudhdhoo Beach : This beach is famous for its bioluminescent plankton that glow in the dark and create a magical effect on the sand.
- You can see this phenomenon on some nights, especially during the new moon.
- This beach is also part of the Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve, which is a Unesco-protected area that hosts a rich marine life.
18 - Cocoa Island : This island is also known as Makunufushi and is home to a luxurious resort called COMO Cocoa Island.
- The island has a long sandbar that extends into the ocean and offers stunning views of the turquoise water.
- The island also has two coral reefs that are ideal for snorkeling and diving.
19 - Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru : This island is located near the capital Malé and has a circular beach that surrounds a large lagoon.
- The beach is perfect for relaxing, swimming, and sunbathing.
- The lagoon also has a coral reef that attracts many fish, turtles, and sharks.
- You can snorkel or dive in the lagoon and explore the underwater world.
20 - Dhigurah Island : This island is one of the longest islands in Maldives and has a white-sand beach that stretches for about 3 kilometers.
- The beach is also a nesting site for sea turtles, especially green turtles and hawksbill turtles.
- You can watch them lay their eggs or hatch on the beach at night.
- The island also has a whale shark point where you can see these gentle giants swimming in the water.
21 - Bikini Beach, Maafushi Island : This beach is one of the few public beaches in Maldives where you can wear a bikini or swimwear without any restrictions.
- The beach is located on Maafushi Island, which is one of the most popular local islands in Maldives.
- The beach has soft sand, clear water, and palm trees.
- You can also find many cafes, shops, and guesthouses near the beach.
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22 - The climate in Maldives is tropical, which means it is hot and humid all year round, but with different seasons of rainfall and sunshine.
- The best time to visit Maldives depends on your preferences and activities,
- but generally speaking, the dry season from December to April is more suitable for sunbathing, diving, and snorkeling,
- while the wet season from May to October is more suitable for surfing, sailing, and fishing.
- Here are some more details about the climate in Maldives :
- The average temperature in Maldives is around 28 °C (83 °F), with little variation throughout the year.
- The hottest month is April, when the temperature can reach 32 °C (90 °F), and the coldest month is December, when the temperature can drop to 25 °C (77 °F).
- The average rainfall in Maldives is around 2,000 mm (79 inches) per year, with most of it falling during the wet season.
- The wettest month is October, when the rainfall can reach 230 mm (9 inches), and the driest month is February, when the rainfall can drop to 50 mm (2 inches).
- The average sunshine in Maldives is around 7 hours per day, with more hours of sunshine during the dry season.
- The sunniest month is February, when the sunshine can reach 10 hours per day, and the cloudiest month is September, when the sunshine can drop to 5 hours per day.
- The average sea temperature in Maldives is around 28 °C (82 °F), which is warm and pleasant for swimming and water sports.
- The sea temperature does not vary much throughout the year, but it can be slightly cooler in January and February, and slightly warmer in April and May.
- The average wind speed in Maldives is around 6 mph (10 km/h), with stronger winds during the wet season.
- The windiest month is May, when the wind speed can reach 9 mph (14 km/h), and the calmest month is November, when the wind speed can drop to 4 mph (6 km/h).
- The average humidity in Maldives is around 80%, which can make the air feel muggy and sticky.
- The humidity does not vary much throughout the year, but it can be slightly higher in May and June, and slightly lower in January and February.
23 - Maldives is an island country that does not share any land borders with other countries.
- It is surrounded by the Indian Ocean and lies south of India and Sri Lanka.
- Maldives consists of about 1,190 coral islands that are grouped into 26 atolls, which are ring-shaped coral reefs that enclose a lagoon.
- The islands of Maldives are very small and low-lying, with an average elevation of only 1.5 meters above sea level.
- Maldives has a total land area of 298 square kilometers, making it the smallest country in Asia by both land area and population.
24 - Maldives has a maritime border with India, which is defined by a bilateral agreement signed in 1976.
- The agreement establishes the boundary line between the two countries based on the median line principle,
- which means that the border is equidistant from the nearest points on the baselines of both countries.
- The agreement also defines the exclusive economic zones (EEZs) of both countries, which extend up to 200 nautical miles from their respective baselines.
- The EEZs are areas where each country has sovereign rights over the exploration and use of marine resources.
25 - Maldives also has a maritime border with Sri Lanka, which is defined by a bilateral agreement signed in 1979.
- The agreement establishes the boundary line between the two countries based on the equidistance principle,
- which means that the border is equidistant from the nearest points on the coastlines of both countries.
- The agreement also defines the continental shelves of both countries,
- which extend up to 200 nautical miles from their respective coastlines or to the outer edge of the continental margin, whichever is greater.
- The continental shelves are areas where each country has sovereign rights over the exploration and use of natural resources on or under the seabed .
26 - Maldives also has a maritime border with the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT),
- which is an overseas territory of the United Kingdom that comprises the Chagos Archipelago and its surrounding waters.
- The BIOT lies to the south of Maldives and is administered from London.
- The maritime border between Maldives and BIOT is not clearly defined or agreed upon by both parties.
- There have been disputes and negotiations over the delimitation of the border and the sovereignty of some islands and reefs in the area .
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