Maldives

Crystal Waters and Hue Cultural Haven

The Maldives is an archipelagic country located in the Indian Ocean which is a paradise in a sense that it is surrounded by beautiful white-sand beaches, clear turquoise waters, and is home to diverse and colorful marine life. Maldives made up of more than 1000 coral islands is a perfect destination where leisure can be enjoyed along with adventure and luxury. The Maldives with its distinct geography, cultural heritage, and emerging status as a tourist attraction destination guarantees a memorable experience to every tourist visiting this land.

Geographical Location

Maldives is a beautiful place that lies in the Indian Ocean, and it is at the south west of Sri Lanka and India and thus it can be referred to as one of the best places in regard to beach lovers and divers. The nation consists of 1, 192 coral islands which are grouped as 26 atolls (rings of coral reefs). The islands are distributed on the territory of 298 square kilometers, yet the amount of land in the Maldives is really small. In spite of being a small country, its coral reefs and marine biodiversity have made it among the crucial ecological regions in the entire globe.

Being located between 7 and 10 degrees north of the equator, the Maldives also has a tropical climate and is probably the best place, where one could have a sunny beach vacation any time of the year.

Natural features and Landforms

Maldives is mostly flat and the highest natural part is not more than a few meters above the sea level. The characteristic of the islands is that their coral reefs surround most of the islands and they are vital habitats as they house marine organisms. Snorkeling and diving is another activity that is good in these coral reefs. The nation is also renowned because of the blue lagoons, the mangrove forests and white and sandy beaches which run adjacent to the mainland and make a beautiful contrast to the smooth and clear waters of the ocean.

Maldives is also blessed with some unique natural characteristics such as the numerous uninhabited islands, marine under-protected areas, and national parks that have been established in order to conserve the numerous wildlife and marine life and ecosystems in the country.

First History and Ancient settlements

The history of Maldives is more than 2,000 years old. Archaeological sites evidently show early Buddhist traces and it is believed that the first settlers came through the Indian sub continent and Sri Lanka. Maldivians are ancient Buddhists and throughout the centuries the country was ruled with monarchies.

By the 12th century, Arab traders had introduced Islam in the islands and it was rapidly taking over as the dominant religion. The strategic location of Maldives on major water route trade centers enabled the growth of trade relationships with India, Sri Lanka, the Arabian regions and Southeast Asia.

Colonial Era

Under the Portuguese, the Maldives was temporarily controlled in the 16th century but local forces opposed the sovereignty, and the Portuguese were successfully driven away in the 17th century. The country was later under the influence of the Dutch, which was later taken over by the British in the 19th century. The Maldives joined Britain as a protectorate in 1887 but it did not lose its internal self-control until it attained freedom in 1965.

Tourism and Modern history Boom

The Maldives were a republic after independence but before that they were a monarchy over a brief period. Most of the economic growth in the country has been as a result of the development of tourism that was a major industry in the late 20th century. Maldives is now amongst the most sought after tourist spots in the world because of its luxury resorts, water related activities and the scenic beauty.

Cultural Diversity and Heritage

Most of the people in Maldives are ethnically Maldivian whose origins can be traced back to the ancient settlements which inhabited the islands. The Maldives has very powerful cultural influences that are related to the Islamic heritage as Islam is the state religion in the country. The people of this country practice Sunni Islam and Islamic values and traditions can be found in their daily activities, festivals as well as cultural festivities.

The population is mostly homogeneous but the Maldives have trade relations with other nations within its borders (mainly India, Sri Lanka and the Arab nations). This has resulted in some form of undercurrent blend of the language, cuisine and art of the country.

Traditions and Language

The Maldives has an official language of Dhivehi, an Indo-Aryan language whose origin traces back to ancient Sanskrit as well as other languages used in the Indian Ocean rim. There is also widespread speaking of English in urban areas as well as within the tourism sector.

Maldives is a country with rich culture that comprises music, dance, and art. One example is Bodu Beru (large drums) performances, which have an essential place in the Maldivian folklore, and most of the celebrations involve traditional Maldivian dance and music. There are also a number of traditional festivals in the Maldives such as Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr and Independence Day.

Special Fairs and Festivals

The major religious celebrations in Maldives are Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Eid al-Fitr commemorates Ramadan, a month of fasting during the Islamic calendar, and it is celebrated by family meetings, fast-breaking and worship. One other event which is very popular in The Maldives is Eid al-Adha which is held in memory of the sacrifice of Ibrahim and special prayers, charitable gifts and animal sacrifices.

National Holidays

Independence Day (July 26th) commemorates the freedom of the Maldives from British rule in 1965. It is celebrated with parades, festivities, and cultures around the islands.

 Local events and festivities

An important community celebration is the Kuda Eid festival which is conducted to celebrate the parting of the month of Ramadan. Also, the National Day (March 12 th ) is a day that celebrates the rich heritage of the country, and how it has fought through the ages, and this is especially commemorated to mark the victory over Portuguese in the 16th century.

Tourism, Fishing and Industry

The economy of the Maldives largely depends on tourism, which makes a significant percentage of the GDP of the country. The Maldives is specifically famous because of its luxurious resorts, most of which are situated on the private islands with such unique experiences as the overwater bungalows, personal beaches, and the best dive destinations. The idyllic beaches, brilliant coral reefs and the sparkling waters are what make the country a dream location to honeymooners, divers and adventure enthusiasts alike.

The government has strived to ensure that tourism is sustained and especially in maintaining the environment and at the same time encourage international tourists to visit. The development of the tourism sector is based on eco-tourism, marine conservation and adherence to the preservation of a pristine natural environment.

Fishing Industry

Another large sector of the Maldives economy is fishing, especially that of the tuna fish. Maldives has been one of the main contributors of the tuna industry exporting massive amounts of fish into international markets. Environmentally friendly fishing and preservation of marine life are essential elements to the long running success of the industry.

Other Industries

The other industries in the Maldives are agriculture, which harvests coconuts, fruits and vegetables and the construction industry which feeds the rising demand of hotels and resorts as well as facilities. Nonetheless, Maldives is very dependent on its tourist and fishing industries.

Best to see

Malé

The capital city Mal has been the political and economical centre of Maldives. It is small but is the residence of the important sites such as the Hukuru Miskiy Mosque, the Mal fish market, and the Sultan park. Here, the National Museum provides a fleeting insight into the history of the country and Islamic Centre is a wonder of its architecture.

There are the Maldives Atolls

Atolls of the Maldives are famous for their beauty and biodiversity. Various atolls are available for visitors to explore and each atoll is different and with it comes the opportunity to experience intimate island resorts, untouched beaches and animated sea creatures. Some of the prominent atolls are; Ari Atoll, Baa Atoll and Laccadive Atoll.

The Diving and Marine Life

The Maldives is renowned to have colourful coral reefs and an assortment of marine life such as whale sharks, manta rays, and other colourful exotic fish. The Hanifaru Bay at the Baa Atoll is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and one of the richest locations internationally to see the manta rays and the whale sharks.

Resorts and Islands

Staying in a luxurious resort on a secluded island is one of the most iconic activities in Maldives. The resorts also provide the most unrelated services with over-water bungalows, spa, service etc and access to the most beautiful beaches and diving locations in the world.

Healthcare System

Maldives is also a country with quite developed medical infrastructure, and most of its modern hospitals are concentrated in Mal. The country has both state subsidized and privately funded health facilities, and in some instances, the rural islands are inaccessible to health treatments. The government is concerned with the increasing access to healthcare services and enhancing them.

Education System

It is a requirement to educate children in the Maldives until they reach the age of 16. The nation has gone a long way in advancing literacy levels and increasing education opportunities. Other universities and schools provide higher education opportunities and the Maldives are also enjoying international scholarships.

Transportation and Infrastructure

The transport system of the Maldives includes roads, ferries and seaplanes. The Maldives have an international airport in Mal e International Airport that is positioned as the main international entry point, and domestic flights and ferries are also applied as the means of connection between the capital and different islands. Visitors may also be transported to resort islands by seaplanes which give magnificent views of the archipelago.

Urban Development

Mal has recently rapidly urbanized, and new infrastructure and residential places have been developed. This is an initiative that has made the government endeavor to become sustainable and minimize its environmental impacts by making urban planning eco-friendly.

How to use the Business Traveller Time

Ideal Seasons

The dry season that stretches between November to April is the best time to visit the Maldives because it is sunny and seas are calm during this period. Rain, strong winds, low tourists rates and prices, it all comes with the monsoon season, which is the period between May and October.

Events and Festivals

The Whale Shark Festival which is usually hosted in August is a very lively event which commemorates marine life and also conservation activities in the Maldives.

The future of the Maldives: Conclusion

The Maldives remains a trendsetter of luxury tourism and marine conservation. Though the country has encountered challenges like the rising of ocean levels because of the climate change situation, it has advanced in terms of sustainability, eco tourism and the need to conserve its distinct creative nature by maintaining its untouched natural environment. Being a paradise of the tropics, the Maldives presents the most memorable beauty and experiences to international traveling visitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Maldives?

Since the area is rich with wildlife and is a game preserve, the most ideal time to visit it is in the dry season (November to April).

What are the best things to do in Maldives?

The prime tourist destinations are the Sultan Park, Mal and the coral reefs surrounding the atolls as well as the luxurious resorts, in the form of islands.

Which languages are spoken in Maldives?

Dhivehi is the official language, but English is also spoken especially within the tourism sector.

Which currency is used in Maldives?

The currency is Maldivian rufiyaa (MVR) and the US dollars are also accepted widely.

Is Maldives troubled with tourists?

Yes, it can be said that Maldives is very safe to visit as its crime rate is smaller and its atmosphere is friendly.

What is the dominant religion of Maldives?

The population mostly practices Islam of the Sunni version.