Amazing facts about Maldives
Maldives is nothing less than a paradise on Earth. With 99% of water and just 1% land, Maldives offers its visitors an idyllic experience like no other. The island has a reputation for best in class resorts, beaches, landscapes and thus far. But, in the midst of turquoise waters and coral reefs lie some mysteries and interesting facts about Maldives that we can bet are unheard my most of use.
Fact # 1
World’s first underwater cabinet meeting was held in Maldives in the year 2009. The Maldivian government lead by President Mohamed Nasheed decided to organise an underwater meeting with scuba divers and oxygen tanks replacing business suits.
The reason for an underwater meeting being held was to highlight the increasing rate of global warming to the low-lying Indian ocean.
Fact # 2
Maldives is known to be the flattest country in the world. With this, the island has also bagged an award by the Guinness World Records under its name. The maximum elevation of the island is 2.4 metres above the sea level which is just 4 feet 11 inches. The highest spot in Maldives is the Villingili Island that is 7 feet 7 inches above eat level.
Fact # 3
The island was formed by an exiled Indian prince. With little to no facts, if the legends are to be believed, the island was first colonized by Indian in 269 BC. The kingdom was lead by Sri Soorudasaruna Adeettiya, the son of Kalinga.
Fact # 4
Maldives is a group of more than 1190 low lying coral islands that are gathered into 26 prime atolls. These atolls inhibit the islands of Maldives and almost 106 islands having tourists resort built for luxury stays. Only 187 of the 1190 islands have human intervention.
Fact # 5
Maldives is one of the safest tourist destinations in the world. Even the very isolated resorts can be explored on footsteps without any safety concerns.
Fact # 6
Because of the increasing rate of global warming, it is being suspected that Maldives is sinking. The coral levels are also plummeting and the Maldivian government has implemented strict laws in order to keep the island from any further damage.
Fact # 7
Maldives is known to be the smallest Islamic country. The Maldives Constitution 1997 clearly states that the citizens must be Muslims and clearly forbids following any other religion.
Fact # 8
Unlike India and many other countries, Fridays and Saturdays are weekends in Maldives.