Maldives

What country is the Maldives?

The Maldives is located south of India's Lakshadweep archipelago, and about 700 km southwest of Sri Lanka. The Maldives' 26 atolls encircle a total of 1,192 islands, about 200 of which are inhabited by indigenous people. 

The Maldives is Asia's smallest country in terms of population and also the world's smallest Muslim country. However, the country now boasts one of the world's highest birth rates. As a result, several islands face population explosions and many areas are densely populated. As a result, the country's self-sufficiency is rising. Historically, the Maldives was a Buddhist nation. Buddhism arrived in the Maldives during a period of territorial expansion and was the Maldivian people's primary religion until the 12th century AD. The Maldives turned into a Muslim country when Muslim men followed merchants who came here to trade. In the 16th century, the archipelago became a Portuguese colony. They tried to spread Christianity but failed. The law here requires that the President and members of the cabinet must be Muslim. The economy has been completely dependent on fishing, marine products, and tourism for centuries.

Tourism in the Maldives began to develop here in the early 1970s, providing the highest source of foreign currency. Fishing is still the main occupation of the people and the government gives special incentives to the development of this sector, fishing accounts for fifteen percent of GDP and employs about thirty percent of human resources. This is also the second-largest source of foreign currency after tourism. Politics operates within the framework of a presidential republic, in which the President is the head of government. The president leads the executive branch and appoints the cabinet. The President is elected by secret ballot by the Majlis (parliament) for a term of five years, to be confirmed by a national referendum.

The capital Male

The capital Malé, located in the southern part of the island of North Malé Atoll, is one of the smallest capitals in the world but has the largest population in the world (153,379). Malé is the busiest city in the Maldives, able to offer any kind of product or service that visitors from afar come to expect. With high-rise buildings overlooking the turquoise blue sea, commercial centers, large government offices as well as many important historical and religious sites, all have reflected economic prosperity. in this small town.

The name Malé is taken from the Sanskrit word "mahaalay", which means "big house." The official history of the capital Malé dates back to the early 16th century when the Portuguese arrived on the island and established a town. The small town then developed into the capital of the Maldives. Traditionally Malé was the island of kings where the ancient Royal Maldivian dynasties housed and ruled.

It was formerly a city surrounded by ramparts. But by the time of President Ibrahim Nasir, the monarchy at Male was abolished and the Royal Palace, fortresses, and ramparts were destroyed.

What is the culture and lifestyle of the Maldivian people like?

Although it is a bustling city of high-rise buildings and shopping malls, the daily life of the people here is very idyllic and comfortable. The Malé people are friendly with the healthy dark skin of the coastal fishermen. At first glance, they seem cold and hard to approach, but when they smile, you will feel the gentle, lovable, and hospitable character in each person. Malé people are mainly Muslim, so from dress to manners and eating style, all are typical of this religion.

The special thing you notice when visiting Malé is that the family business is only for men. Women mostly stay at home to look after the children, cook and do housework. Experience when traveling to the Maldives said that women here must wear clothes that cover their legs and shoulders, while men are quite comfortable.

What is the attraction of the Maldives?

Although small, hidden in the faraway land of Asia, the Maldives is a paradise that fascinates anyone who touches it. Not only stands out with beautiful coral reefs hidden under the turquoise sea, fine white sand, cool palm trees, ... but this place also owns "masterpieces" floating in the middle of the beautiful ocean. hard to believe my eyes. In short, what is hot in the Maldives that everyone is fascinated with? Let's find out more details with Innotour!

Maldives - resort paradise

The Maldives is considered a "resort country" when nearly 90% of the 200 inhabited islands, large and small, are dedicated to luxury and class resorts. Staying at any resort in the Maldives, you will also be served with the world's most excellent, professional, and world-class services.

Rooms at resorts in the Maldives cost from $800 or more, along with the most perfect services in the world. Which, what makes the attraction of the resorts here is the beach house. You can lie in the room, zoom out to see the turquoise color of the sea.

Maldives - one of the best scuba diving sites in the world

Not only famous for the beauty of the tropical sea, but it also owns some of the most beautiful diving spots in the world. What is interesting and attractive to visitors in the ocean bed tours in the Maldives is not only the unique reefs but also the many vivid sea creatures. The reefs around the Maldives are home to parrotfish, sweetlips fish, colorful seaweed, and many other invertebrates.

In particular, at any time of the year, anywhere, you can also watch sharks and dolphins with the number of up to 1,500 - 2,500. No need to take risks, you can also enjoy cocktails at the restaurant or bar under the sea, watching the animal world come alive under the ocean.

Enjoy the typical culinary flavor of the Maldives' sea and islands

As a Muslim country, the dishes in the Maldives do not have pork ingredients. Popular foods here are seafood, beef, and tropical vegetables, mainly processed in the style of Indian cuisine with a lot of rich spices. In resorts, to meet the needs of tourists. Besides the diverse needs of visitors, besides typical dishes such as curries of all kinds, mixed rice, cakes, ... in Indian style, the restaurants also serve some popular Western dishes or dishes. Chinese style, but not much.

Interesting things about Maldives paradise

The Maldives was founded by an exiled prince

The Maldives is an island chain consisting of many important trade routes. The first people to officially settle these islands came from India around 269 BC. Legend has it that in the past, there was no government but only a community of peace-loving people who worshiped the sun and water. The first kingdom was founded by the son of King Kalinga, Prince Sri Soorudasaruna Adeettiya. The king was unhappy with his son and exiled him to the Maldives, also known as Dheeva Maari. The early history of the Maldives is mixed with legend. Ancient kings are known mainly through stories.

Cabinet meeting under the sea

Climate change and sea-level rise are threatening the survival of the Maldives. Some islands have to migrate due to sea-level rise and encroachment on freshwater resources. To draw attention to this concern, President Mohamed Nasheed moved the October 2009 cabinet meeting to the sea. The president and 13 members of the government, wearing diving equipment, sit at desks on the bottom of the sea.

98% of adults are literate

The Maldives boasts a 98% adult literacy rate, a huge jump from 70% in 1978. Its inhabitants are scattered across about 200 islands. Therefore, it is very difficult to have a homogenous education system. With 35% of the population under the age of 18, education is the key to their bright future. With the help of UNICEF, Maldives has implemented a unified education system since 1978. They built a Teacher Center, using the internet for distance teaching. As a result, 100% of children attend primary school. Meanwhile, according to statistics of the US Department of Education, in the past 10 years, the country still has 14% of the population illiterate.

The Maldives used to be a Buddhist country

Visitors to the Maldives are required to observe local regulations and Islamic traditions. However, few people know that the Maldives was originally a Buddhist country. In the 12th century, the Maldives turned into a Muslim country when Muslim men followed merchants to the country. In the 16th century, the archipelago became a Portuguese colony. They tried to spread Christianity but failed. The law requires the president and cabinet members to be Muslim.

Abundant marine life

In many places, each whale watching tour takes hours on the boat just to see one or two whales, unfortunately not even seen. Meanwhile, visitors can watch whales at any location in the Maldives with a population of 1,500 to 2,500 whales and dolphins. At any given time of year, about 10-12 species of whales and dolphins live around the reefs. A group of whales can be up to 200 individuals. The Maldives is also famous for the largest species in the world – the whale shark, which is 5.5 to 10 meters long.

Prohibit the use of alcoholic beverages outside the resorts

Visitors to the Maldives must respect and observe traditional Islamic regulations. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited, only used on the premises of hotels and resorts. It is illegal to import prohibited items such as pork and pork products. During the month of Ramanda, visitors must avoid eating, drinking, and smoking in public places. In addition, nudity and semi-nude on beaches or even in resorts are not allowed.

Maldive products available on Printerval

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