Maldives
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At a glance
- Region
- Southern Asia
- Capital
- Malé
- Population
- 528,000 (2024)
- Area
- 300 km²
- Languages
- Maldivian
- Currency
- Maldivian rufiyaa (MVR)
- Drives on the
- left
- Calling code
- +960
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Before you go
Overview
The Maldives is an island situated southwest of the Indian sub-continent. It is the Asian country with the least population.
By 2018 it recorded a population of 515,696 and covers an area of 297.8 km2.
The capital city is Male. It is the most populated city in the country. The city is known for offering Indian food; Acha’s Poppadums restaurant serves a variety of Indian dishes.
Another of its cities is the Fuvahmulah city, which is an island where marine activities are popular like diving with sharks.
Island resort in the Maldives, Indian Ocean.
History
Islam religion was introduced in the Maldives during the 12th century.
The country became a British protectorate through self-governing in 1887.
The country became fully independent in 1965.
Food & culture
Maldives culture derived from different groups which include Indians, Sri Lanka, Arab, Persian, Indonesian and African.
The main crops in the country include millet, corn, pineapple, almonds, sweet potatoes, coconut and sugarcane.
The main exports are fish, oil, machinery and electronic equipment.
Wildlife
The most common wildlife include snakes, turtles, lionfish, barracuda, fruit bats, whales, dolphins, geckos and hammerhead sharks.
Festivals & events
Independence Day festival is conducted on 26th July. Prophet’s birthday is celebrated on 28th October.
The day that the country embraced Islam religion is commemorated on 15th/16th November,
Other festivals include Ramadan, Eid ul-Fitr, Bodu Eid and Eid ul-Adha.
Things to see
The country is famous for its natural environment that includes the white beaches and blue ocean. The water is favourable for activities such as fishing, swimming, water skiing and scuba diving.
The country lies along the equator, and thus attracts tourist to it who enjoy the country’s marine life, and animals like dolphins and turtles are friendly.
The Male city has colourful buildings and mosques. Masjid al-Sultan Muhamma Thukurufaanu Al Auzum is an Islamic centre built in a gold dome with a mosque and a library.
Interesting facts
The national religion is Islam and all other religions are prohibited.
It is the flattest country in the world.
The national language of Maldives is Dhivehi.
Neighbours
Maldives has no land borders with other countries.
My Bucket List goals in Maldives
None on the list yet. Got a suggestion? Email Dan.