Tipped to be Asia’s favourite honeymoon hotspot the island paradise of Maldives is a water sports haven for the masses. Attracting visitors from around the world to its breathtaking beaches and awe-inspiring underwater landscapes the island nation made up of coral islands is a dream destination for most travellers around the world. In spite of its minute size and larger than life presence in the global tourism map few are aware of some of the more interesting aspects of the sun-kissed archipelago. Whether you are hoping to head to the Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives or any other hotel for the holidays or based in a resort in Maldives as we speak, the following intriguing factoids are bound to inspire a new level of understanding on the island nation.
As the lowest county on the planet the lowest altitude in the Maldives is an unbelievable 1.5 metres while its highest altitude is 2.3 metres. The country also holds the record for hosting the world’s only underwater cabinet session back in 2009 to raise awareness on climate change which threatens to submerge the islands in the distant future. Following the British education system introduced by colonialists the Maldives population boasts a literacy rate of 98%. As the tiniest Islamic nation in the world the Maldives considers Friday and Saturday as the weekend unlike most countries around the globe.
Although many are aware of the country’s reputation as an island paradise few know that the county is home to 1190 coral isles which make up 26 atolls. Out of these islands a mere 200 are inhabited by people while 80 have been converted into resort hubs with the remaining 910 islands completely uninhabited and undisturbed by human activity. In spite of the large congregation of islands, a whopping 99% of the country’s landscapes are covered in water making it a thriving breeding ground for more coral species than any other destination. Another impressive fact about the marine life inhabiting the Maldives is that more than 11 varieties of whales and dolphins occupy Maldivian waters and is ranked among the world’s best venues to spot the biggest fish in the world, the illusive whale shark.
Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+
