Maldives
The Maldives is a nation of islands in the Indian Ocean, which stretches on either side of the Equator. The country is made up of 1192 islands that stretch over a length of 871 kilometers. While the country covers an area of about 90,000 square kilometers, only 298 square kilometers of this area is dry land. The islands are grouped into a double chain of 26 atolls.
Geography
The unique geography of the country fascinates its visitors. The reefs form bands of color, tiny jewel-like islands, fringed by pristine soft sand and surrounded by shallow crystal clear water. Only 200 of the islands are inhabited. Several atolls are hotels, while some islands are used for industry and agriculture.
Culture
With just over half a million inhabitants, the Maldives has its own culture and traditions. Heavily influenced by the different cultures that border the Indian Ocean, the culture, crafts and traditions of the Maldives have been shaped by the island environment and the ocean.
Religion
With just over half a million inhabitants, the Maldives has its own culture and traditions. Heavily influenced by the different cultures that border the Indian Ocean, the culture, crafts and traditions of the Maldives have been shaped by the island environment and the ocean.
Environment
The Maldives has one of the most delicate environments anywhere on the planet. Coral reefs are the foundation of the islands. They offer protection to the tiny islands as its natural defense system, and the country’s economy depends heavily on the health of its reefs and ecosystems.
People
While very little is known about the ancient history of the Maldives scholars and historians believe that the Maldives is an old nation populated well over 2500 years ago. The Maldivian race is the result of several waves of settlement from various parts of the Indian subcontinent and thousands of years of interactions of people of different races and ethnicities that crisscrossed the Indian Ocean over several centuries. The country’s culture and traditions and the diverse physical traits of the...
