The Maldives is one of the most popular beach destinations in the world. This tropical paradise has a lot going for it, from its natural beauty to its people and culture. So, here’s a closer look at the Maldivian Islands and what it has to offer.
The Geography
The Maldives is actually a series of islands that represent the tips of an ancient volcanic mountain range. These atolls are surrounded by several fringing coral reefs. The islands themselves are flat with the highest point only being 6 metres above sea level.
This Islands’ History
Despite its small size and relative isolation, the Maldives has a long and storied history associated with it. It is believed that the island was originally colonised by people from Sri Lanka and South India. During the 12th century, Islam was introduced to the islands via African traders. Later on, the islands would come under the colonial influence of the Portuguese, Dutch and British.
The Maldivian People
Almost the entirety of the Maldivian population falls under the Maldives ethnic group. Dhivehi is the official language of the islands, which is Indo-European in origin. Male is the only large settlement found on the island, meaning most of the local populace live in rural conditions. One of the most underrated activities to do in Maldives is to simply go explore these rural settlements and immerse yourself in the local culture.
Maldives’ Economy
The Maldives has a developing economy that is based almost solely on fishing and tourism. Tourism is a fast-growing sector within the islands’ economy. It is the reason that there are so many well-established resorts here like the Adaaran Prestige Water Villas.
