You probably dream of the Maldives for its overwater bungalows and crystal clear lagoons. However, this island nation fights a daily battle against the ocean that surrounds it. Beyond the luxury resorts, you will find a culture shaped by ancient trade routes and strict traditions. Furthermore, the very sand you walk on has a biological origin that might surprise you. Prepare to dive deep into the secrets of this fragile paradise.
Maldives
Geographically, this is the lowest country on the entire planet. The ground level averages just 1.5 meters above the sea. Therefore, the nation faces a serious threat from rising ocean levels caused by climate change.
Desperately, the government held an underwater cabinet meeting in 2009. President Mohamed Nasheed and his ministers wore scuba gear and signed a document at the bottom of the sea. Consequently, they drew global attention to their sinking homeland.
Surprisingly, the famous white sand is actually fish poop. Parrotfish eat coral rock to get the algae inside and then excrete the crushed coral as sand. Thus, a single fish can produce a ton of sand every year.
Historically, Maldives served as a bank for the ancient world. The beaches provided millions of cowrie shells that traders used as currency across Africa and Asia. In fact, people called the Maldives the “Money Isles” for centuries.
The nation consists of 99 percent water. Although the territory covers a massive area of the Indian Ocean, dry land makes up only a tiny fraction of it. You essentially visit a country that is almost entirely liquid.
Strictly, the law bans all dogs from the country. Authorities consider dogs unclean and prohibit anyone from bringing them into the islands. Therefore, you will never see a pet dog walking on a Maldivian beach.
Locals observe the weekend on Friday and Saturday. Because the Maldives is a Muslim nation, Friday serves as the holy day for rest and prayer. As a result, businesses reopen on Sunday, which marks the start of the workweek.
Legally, you cannot drink alcohol on local inhabited islands. The government restricts alcohol consumption exclusively to tourist resorts and liveaboard boats. Consequently, visitors staying in local guesthouses must remain sober during their trip.
Historically, the population practiced Buddhism before Islam. Archaeological remains of stupas and temples prove that a Buddhist culture thrived here for 1,400 years. However, the entire nation converted to Islam in 1153 AD.
Uniquely, the coconut palm is the national tree. Maldivians use every part of this versatile plant for food, timber, and medicine. Fittingly, the emblem on the national flag features this vital resource.
Nature provides a spectacular light show called the “Sea of Stars.” Bioluminescent plankton defends itself by glowing blue when the water moves. This creates a magical effect where the waves look like a starry night sky.
Traditional shipbuilders build boats without blueprints. Craftsmen build the iconic “dhoni” boats using only their eyes and experience to guide the design. Amazingly, they pass these skills down through generations without writing anything down.
The sun shines directly from overhead twice a year. Because the islands straddle the equator, the sunlight hits at a perfect 90-degree angle during the equinoxes. This intense heat requires visitors to wear extra sun protection.
Scientists consider it a sanctuary for whale sharks. The South Ari Atoll remains one of the only places on Earth where you can see these giants year-round. Fortuitously, the abundance of plankton keeps them in the area constantly.
Finally, the weekends and holidays feature traditional Bodu Beru music. Musicians play large drums and sing rhythmic songs that gradually increase in tempo. Eventually, the performance ends in a frantic, trance-like dance.
