Interesting facts about the Maldives. from personal experience. Interesting facts about the Maldives. Did you know that... Interesting articles in magazines about the Maldives

Paradise Island in the Indian Ocean - this is roughly how we imagine the Republic of Maldives. However, life in the country is very different from advertising pictures for tourists. We invite you to familiarize yourself with the most extraordinary facts about the Maldives.

The state of the Maldives was founded by an exiled prince

The Maldives has long been an important island due to its location near numerous trade routes. The first colonizers here were the Indians - the exact date of this event remains unknown, but there is a version that it happened in 269 BC. Legend has it that the Maldives had no government, but was home to a small community of peace-loving people who worshiped water and the sun. The first kingdom here was created by the son of the Indian king Kalinga named Sri Soorudasaruna Adeettia, who somehow angered his father and was exiled to the Maldives for this. There is also a legend about copper plates that contained information about a princess who was exiled from her home island and sent here in the 1100s. In the 14th century, the plates were allegedly found by a group of scientists, translated and buried in sand. Since then they have been lost forever.

98% literate population

The Maldives is very proud of its adult literacy rate, which reaches 98%. This is a huge leap forward from 70% in 1978. Residents are very dispersed across all the islands (there are about 200 of them), which makes it very difficult to establish a centralized education system, and for 35% of the country's residents under 18 years of age, education is the main key to future success. With the help of UNICEF, a unified educational program was developed in 1978. A special training center was built, which, using the Internet, allows you to study with residents of the scattered islands. The curriculum is designed so that both children and their parents or guardians can learn. As a result, 100% of children study in primary school. For comparison, studies by the US Department of Education have shown that the literacy rate of the US population has remained at the same level over the past 10 years - 14% of the adult population is still illiterate.

"Underwater" meetings

Climate change and rising sea levels are a real threat to the Maldives. A number of islands have already been evacuated - rising sea levels have led to the destruction of fresh water sources. To draw attention to these problems, President Mohamed Nasheed moved his meeting room to... the ocean in October 2009. The President and 13 officials sat at desks that were submerged in water. This was to remind everyone present of the threats posed by the ocean. Mohamed also wanted to raise awareness of sustainability issues such as using sun, water and wind for energy and reducing emissions.

Ocean inhabitants of the Maldives

Seeing a live whale or dolphin in its natural habitat is considered quite rare, but not in the Maldives. Here you can be guaranteed to see from 1,500 to 2,500 thousand whales and dolphins. At any time of the year, there are 10 to 12 species of these animals that live in the coral reefs of the Maldives. In addition to dwarf sperm whales and killer whales, you can see striped and spotted dolphins, as well as bottlenose dolphins and pilot whales. The population of one species of dolphins can reach 200 individuals. In addition, the Maldives is famous for the opportunity to see the most big fish in the world - a whale shark. Its dimensions can reach up to 10 meters and you can see it in natural environment habitat is a truly unique sight.

Muslim Nation

Tourists should remember that the residents of the Maldives are strict Muslims, so compliance with all local laws and traditions is a prerequisite. Sharia and Jafari schools are represented on the islands. The originally Buddhist people of the Maldives underwent religious reforms in the 12th century thanks to the preachers of Islam who accompanied traders and merchants throughout long voyages. In the 16th century, the islands were colonized by the Portuguese, who tried to instill Christianity, but they failed to do so, and it all ended in bloodshed. With the advent of his own government, the king's "office" began to be seen as sacred place which Allah has approved. By law, the president and all members of the government of the Maldives must be Sunni Muslims.

Forced resignation

The Maldives has always been a place of strong religious beliefs and active politics. In 2012, President Mohamed Nasheed was forced to leave office at gunpoint after three weeks of protests. On the day he resigned, about 50 people besides the president were injured on the streets - the police used tear gas. It all started when Nasheed ordered the arrest of his predecessor's associates for interfering in an investigation into corruption and human rights violations. Nasheed was replaced by a vice president who denied any allegations of forced resignation, attacks or hidden agendas.

Alcohol ban

As we have already said, due to the strict rules of Islam, tourists are required to strictly obey all laws and traditions while staying on the island. Alcohol is prohibited everywhere except in resorts, and taking it out is strictly prohibited. Anything that infringes on the beliefs of Muslims is considered illegal import - the second product after alcohol is pork. During Ramadan, tourists should avoid eating, smoking and drinking during daylight hours. Some establishments are still ready to please tourists, but they are carefully hidden from prying eyes. And contrary to many photos taken in the Maldives, appearing naked or topless on the beach is absolutely unacceptable, even on the resort islands.

Public spanking is still in fashion

According to the laws of the Maldives, all people are equal and deserve the same protection in the event of anything. But given the piety of the population, sometimes the laws of religion become more important than the laws of the country. As a result, those caught committing adultery may be subject to public flogging. The vast majority of victims of this punishment are women. Thus, in 2006, 184 people were sentenced to public flogging for extramarital sex, of which only 38 were men. Amnesty International became involved in this conflict when it alleged human rights violations. The main argument was the fact that dissatisfaction with the rules was kept silent for fear of causing even worse consequences. In 2009, an 18-year-old mother was flogged 100 times and then sent to hospital to heal her wounds. She did not admit the charges, but was named guilty because she was pregnant. Two men accused along with her were acquitted.

Religious intolerance

The Maldives is notorious not only for its religious devotion, but also for religious intolerance. If you insult or disrespect anything, the threat of going to jail becomes very real. Alcohol, drugs, gay sex and pornography can lead to jail time. The Constitution of the Maldives was written in 1997. It clearly states that citizens of the islands must be Muslims - this automatically prohibits any other religion. Religion is also closely included in the educational program. Freedom of speech is extremely limited, so verbiage of any kind is not common. The traditions are so strong that foreigners were specially invited to work with tourists so that the citizens of the Maldives would stay away from dubious things and entertainment.

The elections were rigged... coconut

Many people in the Maldives still have faith in supernatural powers, including black and white magic. In September 2013, the police “detained”... a coconut. His presence near the polling station seemed very strange to law enforcement officers, and the main accusation against the coconut was election fraud. This is due to the belief that coconuts are often used in black magic rituals. The police called a white magician to check the dangerous fruit for threats and curses. None of this was found, and all charges against the coconut were dropped.

1. Maldives is Island state in the Indian Ocean, located south of India and Sri Lanka.

2. The Maldives are included in the Guinness Book of Records as the country with the flattest terrain: there are no hills or rivers, and none of the islands protrudes more than 2.4 meters from the water.

3. The Maldives consists of 1190 small coral islands and a land area of only 298 km2. Of these, only 200 islands are inhabited, 44 are suitable exclusively for resort holidays.

4. The name "Maldives" comes from the Hindu words "mahal" (palace) and "diva" (island).

5. The Maldives are located almost on the equator, and therefore average annual temperature in the Maldives it is 25-30 degrees. The night temperature differs from the day temperature by only 1-2 degrees.

6. The Maldives is possibly the only country in the world with a 100% Muslim population.

7. Maldivian language Dhivehi - National language, which is a mixture of Singaporean, Tamil, Urdu, Persian and Arabic. The Maldivian script, known as Thaana, is written from left to right. Thaana consists of 24 letters, vowel sounds are indicated by circles and commas placed above or below the consonants.

8. Citizens of Russia and the CIS do not require a visa to the Maldives. A visa is issued upon arrival at Male airport upon presentation of a passport, return ticket and an amount of money sufficient to live in the country.

9. It is prohibited to bring alcohol with you to the Maldives. You can drink only in specially designated places - in hotel bars and restaurants serving visitors from Sri Lanka and India (citizens of the Maldives are prohibited from selling alcohol).

10. The Maldives is the smallest Muslim country in the world.

11. The Maldives are located almost on the equator, and therefore all year round the temperature in the Maldives does not fall below +27 C°.

12. Flight time from Moscow to Male is about 8 hours.

13. The Maldivian currency is the rufiyaa and the laari. 1 Maldivian rufiyaa is equal to 100 laari. 1 US dollar is approximately equal to 12 rufiyaa.

14. The burqa is not mandatory for Maldivian women. Quite the contrary - according to a recently adopted law, no one has the right to completely cover their face in a public place.

15. 25.7% of the country's population lives in Male.

16. Maldivians often call each other by their last name instead of their first name.

17. Maldivians usually do not greet each other. If a tourist says “good morning” to a Maldivian, he may only receive a smile or a nod in response.

18. The Maldives is the most popular honeymoon destination in the world.

19. Male Island is only 2 kilometers long and 1 kilometer wide.

20. The main attraction in Male is the Good Friday Mosque, decorated with a golden dome. The Islamic Center is located on its territory. This one great mosque Maldives.

21. There are simply no alcohol shops in the towns, and tourists are prohibited from importing alcoholic beverages.

22. There is usually one hotel on one island.

23. The first island hotel opened in 1972 and is called Kurumba Maldives. Distance from the capital Male - 3.2 km.

24. The village of Male, the namesake of the capital of the Maldives, is located in the Komi Republic, Russian Federation.

25. According to Maldivian laws, the height of hotel buildings cannot exceed the tallest palm tree on the island.

26. Since the establishment of the first hotel in the Maldives, there has not been a single case of shark attack on people.

27. English language is the main subject at school.

28. The artificially built-up area of the hotel cannot occupy more than 20% of the total area land plot islands.

29. Approximately half of all hotels are owned by Maldivian businessmen, another quarter by foreigners and the remainder are joint ventures.

30. The most big Island The Maldives has a size of 4500 meters by 1200 meters and is called Fuvahmulah.

31. “No news, no shoes - Maldives” - the slogan is true. Shoes there are an unnecessary extravagance, and there is no news at all. No newspapers, no television.

32. The main atolls of the Maldives: Baa and Ari, Nilande and Lhaviyani.

33. From 1558 to 1573, the Maldives were under Portuguese rule. Further, in the 17th century, power over the Maldives passed into the hands of Holland. And in 1887, Great Britain took control of the Maldives. In 1965, the Maldives finally gained independence.

34. Although the Maldives consists of 1190 islands, total length landmass is only 115 square kilometers.

35. Tourism and fishing are the main sources of income in the Maldives.

36. Most high point in the Maldives is located on the island of Vilingili and its height is 2.4 meters!

37. Male is one of the smallest capitals in the world (area about 1.8 sq. km) and one of the most densely populated cities on the planet.

38. By religion, the Maldivians are Sunni Muslims.

39. There are prohibitions that apply throughout the country, even in resort areas. Firstly, tourists and local residents are not allowed to swim without swimsuits, that is, completely naked, and secondly, spearfishing is prohibited. The only place on the archipelago for nudists and topless sunbathers is Kuramati Island.

40. The flag of the Maldives is a red banner with a green rectangle in the center. The green and red colors of the Maldivian flag express the desire for success and victory, and the crescent symbolizes the state's affiliation with Islam.

41. Not all islands are open to tourists. To be on a non-resort island open to the public, you need to obtain a special permit indicating the name of the place.

42. The queen of local flora is the coconut palm.

43. There are practically no cars or other “horses of steel” in the Maldives, even bicycles are rare, and highways are only built in the capital and the resort of Gan.

44. Families here are large - 5 - 9 people each, men mainly fish, and women manage the housework.

45. Before Islamization, matriarchy reigned in the Maldives, but now the strong half of humanity dominates the family and society. Men retain all important decisions, as well as the right to be the first to sit down at the table.

47. There is a colossal number of divorces in this country, the highest percentage among the states that have joined the UN. The reason is that lovers are punished with canes for extramarital affairs, and even if the passion lasts only a few months, the relationship is sealed by union.

48. The interior of a Maldivian home is incredibly simple - just a few hammocks, a bench-bed, and a swing in the yard.

49. Each Maldivian can marry a maximum of 4 women. But today it is a rare Muslim who is able to support more than 2 wives - after all, each of them will have to build a separate house..

50. From time immemorial, the outfits of the islanders have remained unchanged - a loincloth in the form of trousers and a turban or scarf. Except that in the capital they dress in European style.

51. The most famous Maldivian dance is called “bodu beru”. About 20 people perform it to the sounds of chants, the accompaniment of large drums and “onugadu” bamboo.

53. The day off in the Republic of Maldives, when the entire population visits the mosque, is Friday. The second official weekend is Saturday.

54. Islamic holidays fall on different dates each year because moon calendar counts only 354 days a year and is 12 days shorter than the solar one.

55. The main ingredients of Maldivian cuisine are rice and gifts Indian Ocean, but they prepare it here in a special way: they do not rush to send freshly caught fish to the kitchen, but first dry it in the sun until it hardens.

56. In t-shops you can buy exotic delicacies such as rose and orange milk, sweet palm juice “raa”, as well as coffee powder, beloved by the aborigines.

57. The most delicious and popular fish is Mediterranean tuna; local treats include chicken with rice and vegetables, generously seasoned with spices.

58. All variations of coconut dishes, as well as local fish, have a magical effect on male power, turning ordinary lovers into guru of sexual pleasures. After the Maldivian diet, you can safely start a harem!

59. The main type of recreation in the Maldives is snorkeling and diving.

60. Time is ahead in the Maldives Moscow time for one hour.

61. Under the influence of the northeastern monsoons, the climate is dry from November to March and under the influence of the southwestern monsoons, it is rainy from June to August.

62. In the Maldives, a glass suite for newlyweds was opened at the bottom of the Indian Ocean. Initially, the premises were used as a restaurant in one of the hotels of the Conrad Hotels chain, but in honor of the hotel’s fifth anniversary, the restaurant was converted into a room.

63. When going to the Maldives, take money, not beer! Alcohol is expensive in hotels and restaurants, and its import into the country is prohibited.

64. A strange feeling of unsteadiness will visit you when the plane begins to descend straight into the ocean and only at the last moment runs across runway, exactly the width of the wingspan. Then it’s just water.

65. Peak tourist season falls in the winter months and August.

66. The equatorial sun will surprise you not with its burning intensity, but rather with its density - you can get a decent tan even in the shade of palm trees.

67. For drugs they can leave you in this warm place for 25 years.

68. You must wear special slippers when going into the water. The coral fragments are very sharp.

69. Of the dangerous marine life in the Maldives, there is a stone fish. It is considered one of the most poisonous fish in the world.

70. Life in the Maldives is quite expensive, since there is virtually no production. Apart from canned fish, clothes and bricks, they make nothing.

71. A salary of 400 dollars (paid in hotels) is considered small, so many visiting Sri Lankans work in the tourism industry. Fishermen earn more.

72. Houses are now built from foam blocks, previously from coral.

73. A liter of gasoline costs 1 dollar.

74. Maldivian rufiyaa is very cool - with palm trees, boats and shells. Despite their currency, green ones are accepted everywhere.

75. Many people have papaya growing in their garden.

76. Parks and areas in front of hotels in the Maldives are planted with roses, orchids, marshmallows, hibiscus, white, yellow and pink plumerias, the delicate aroma of which fills the area.

77. The number of motorcycles in Male is amazing. They are everywhere! Some townspeople have two or three motorcycles.

78. Tipping is not officially accepted in the Maldives. Of course, if you want, no one forbids you to thank the service staff - a hotel employee - $10, a waiter - 5% of the bill.

79. The National Emblem includes the Coconut Tree, Crescent Moon and Star.

80. Political system- democracy, the head of state is the president.

81. Any Maldives island can be crossed in 1.5 - 2 hours.

82. Most popular look water transport- Doni boats (speed 7 knots per hour).

83. According to Maldivian laws, it is prohibited to break living and non-living corals and to fish near the islands. Fine - $500.

84. You cannot rent a car to drive it yourself in the Maldives.

85. There are no dogs in the Maldives because keeping them is prohibited.

86. There are about 5,000 species of shellfish in Maldivian waters.

87. Birthdays are usually not celebrated; often they are not even remembered.

88. Maldivians pray five times a day. During prayer, all television programs are stopped, even BBC World and foreign satellite channels.

89. Tourist resort islands are classified as "uninhabited" - the result of a policy that only truly uninhabited islands can be leased out for development as tourist areas.

90. Citizenship is given only to Muslims, and only to those who have already lived in the Maldives for several years.

91. In the Maldives, the classification of hotels “by stars” is not accepted.

92. The Maldives is considered one of the oldest countries in the world. The islands were discovered already 2000 BC. (they are the same age as Egypt).

93. It is in the Maldives that fish for aquariums are caught.

94. For the convenience of tourists, who often find it difficult to pronounce the names of atolls, the government decided to designate them with letters. You can see these letters on boats heading to one or another atoll.

95. Even without knowing how to swim, you can admire the corals while standing waist-deep in the water - it is so transparent.

96. In the 1st millennium AD e. The Maldives was inhabited by Sinhalese, Indians and Malays who professed Buddhism. From the 12th century The penetration of Islam began with the Arab merchants.

97. National anthem: “We salute all of you who cherish national unity.”

98. The discoverer of the islands is considered to be the traveler Marco Polo, who gave them the name “flower of the Indian Ocean”.

99. In the Maldives you can visit the underwater restaurant at the Hilton Maldives Resort and Spa, which is designed for only 14 visitors. The uniqueness of the restaurant, called “Itha”, which means “pearl” in the local Dhivehi language, lies in the fact that, being entirely made of glass, it is located under water: above it is a five-meter thick water of the Indian Ocean, and around it is a colorful world of coral reefs .

100. And finally - watch out for coconuts! Do not place sun loungers directly under palm trees, because if a two-kilogram nut falling down from a 15-meter height lands on your head, at best, this will only be the end of your vacation.

When writing this article, materials from the Internet were used.

They have long been a standard heavenly holiday for tourists from all over the world and remain firmly at the top of the world rankings best resorts. Many travelers love to come to the Maldives for peace and luxury. However, such a tempting and fabulous Maldives still remains a mystery that is pleasant to unravel gradually. After several visits to the Maldivian archipelago, I decided to compile a small selection of interesting facts about the Maldives, which will briefly tell you about this extraordinary country that captivated me at first sight.

Despite the fact that the Maldives seems like paradise on earth, not everything is so simple and smooth here either. And undoubtedly, there are such interesting facts that you should definitely pay attention to when preparing for and during your visit to the Maldives. I’ll say right away that I didn’t want to make another collection of well-known information, which is already abundant on the Internet. Therefore, I decided to combine all my practical knowledge about the Maldives on topics that concern any tourist who is just dreaming of coming here on vacation or has already bought a ticket and.

So these will not just be dry facts that no one needs, which will be forgotten almost immediately after reading, but I will share the necessary knowledge that remains relevant on the islands themselves. I'll start with the simplest thing.

The Maldives is an archipelago and island nation in the Indian Ocean. The numerous Maldives islands form a couple of dozen, which are located near the equator (and therefore it is so warm here). The weather in the Maldives is incredibly comfortable for beach holiday, because all year round there is a pleasant temperature of +28..30°C, and the water heats up to +27..29°C.

The flight from Moscow to the Maldives takes quite a long time - a whole nine hours on a direct Aeroflot flight! it will be even longer, for example 13-15 hours via Dubai. But it's worth it, isn't it? And yet, an undoubted advantage for tourists is that!

Good to know:

You know, there is practically nothing in the Maldives that you can be afraid of. If you, like me, don’t like insects, snakes and other unpleasant creatures, then the Maldives is the place for you! There are no spiders or cockroaches here! When relaxing on, I always worry that they are lurking somewhere and waiting to appear at the most inopportune moment. But in the Maldives everything is fine, because in this tropical country there are no insects and reptiles of impressive size that suddenly burst into your paradise idyll. So rejoice, girls! And it’s quite good to drive from this point of view.

Sharks in the Maldives also do not attack tourists. And although there are even whale sharks in the waters of the Indian Ocean, they are completely safe for humans, since they feed on plankton. But you can look at these 10-meter giants during the excursion. And there’s nothing to say! As soon as you leave your island by boat, there are dolphins right there! Tested in my own experience many times.

And although the inhabitants of sea waters are not too dangerous, and jellyfish and other unpleasant creatures are practically not found in the sea in the Maldives, you should still follow safety rules and exercise caution while swimming. Remember that it is better not to step on corals, because you can destroy them or injure your leg, or accidentally step on a stone fish. And in the Maldives, a new fun has recently appeared - the crab race. Today, in almost any place, even, you will definitely be shown crab races as entertainment.

Crabs bask in the sun

4. What to do in the Maldives

As you know, the Maldives is surrounded on all sides by the waters of the Indian Ocean. 99% of the territory of the Republic of Maldives is occupied by the ocean. This means that in addition to ideal beaches and relaxation under the equatorial sun, here you also need to explore the underwater world. From kayaking to canals and passages to explore the reef, the Maldives has every possible activity available.

Read also:

But what to do if you want to go to the Maldives, but swimming underwater is not very good, but get to know underwater world still very interesting? Of course, there is a way out. In a hotel Conrad They made a restaurant underwater and the first in the Maldives, where through a transparent dome you can admire the blue abyss (read).

Maldives - the best place for newlyweds. Is it possible to imagine something more romantic than a wedding ceremony on white sand right on the shore? azure sea? So if you are planning a wedding, then keep in mind that Honeymoon It's worth going to the Maldives. And if you have been married for a long time, and love does not leave your home, then why not renew your vows on tropical island in luxurious surroundings?

Good to know:

5. What islands are there in the Maldives?

There are indecently many islands in the Maldives - more than 1200 in total. And only 200 of them are inhabited. All the Maldives islands are united into groups called atolls. There are only 26 such atolls. It is customary to distinguish between geographical and administrative atolls.

Most of the islands in the Maldives are quite small in size. The largest are the island of Hithadhoo, whose length is as much as 7 km, and the island of Gan, unique in that it is connected to other islands by an 18 km long road. And in Ghana there are ancient Havitta pyramids, witnesses to the long history of the Maldives. These islands are even larger in size than.

For tourists, of course, the most interesting thing is the division of the Maldives into inhabited and uninhabited. As I already said, there are only about two hundred inhabited islands (on which the country’s population lives). There are about a hundred more uninhabited resort islands on which luxury hotels have been built to receive tourists. Usually there is only one hotel on one such island. They are considered the best for relaxation.

Map of atolls in the Maldives (click to enlarge)

As you can see from the map of the Maldives, there are quite a lot of hotels here, so you should pay attention. We approached this issue with the utmost seriousness and, before our first trip, we searched through all the information available on the Internet to choose the most suitable island for ourselves. From our research these articles were subsequently born:

Just a few years ago, holidays in the Maldives were available only to the richest tourists. But everything changed in 2009 after the adoption of a new law allowing local residents to build mini-hotels and hotels on inhabited islands. Over time, serious international companies, and now on the local islands you can find the most modern hotels, equipped with the latest technology.

However, read our selections of hotels and choose which one you like best:

Interesting to know: It is also very interesting that the Maldives are divided into natural and artificial. , for example, were created specifically when the era of air transportation of tourists to the Maldives began. And on some artificial islands people even live permanently - like on the nearest neighbor Male - which is even included with it in a single metropolitan agglomeration.

Island resort with dense vegetation

6. How to move between islands in the Maldives

As I already mentioned, the Maldives has 26 atolls and 1,200 islands, 100 of which are dedicated to nature hotels. But how to get to the islands remote from the airport if the length of the entire archipelago is 750 km? The good news is that the capital and airport are located in the center of the state, therefore, no matter what part of its territory (northern or southern) your hotel is located, getting there will be equally convenient in time.

The local population in the Maldives traditionally traveled between islands on wooden dhoni boats. They are still in use for those who want to take a romantic sunset trip or go somewhere nearby. But you can get from the airport to your island in one of the following ways:

on a small boat or speedboat if the island is located very close to the airport (30-60 minutes);
on a seaplane, if you fly for about half an hour;
by domestic flight, if you fly from half an hour to an hour, and then transfer to a boat;
by public ferry or by boat, if you decide to relax on one of the island villages.

Holidays in the Maldives in modern world is considered almost the standard of luxury and comfortable pastime. But in a small state in the Indian Ocean, a thousand-year history, many traditions and customs are hidden.

So what do we know about the inhabitants of the Maldives archipelago? What rules of good manners should you follow, and what should you absolutely not do?

We offer you the most interesting facts about the Maldives.

international Airport Male

Mentality and characteristics of the population

Maldivians are not used to greeting each other. In response to “hello” you can only count on a modest smile or nod.

One of the interesting facts in the Maldives is that it is customary here to call each other by their last name.

It is not customary to celebrate birthdays in the Maldives. According to established tradition, on this day local residents try to work as much as possible.

Unlike most Muslim countries, in the Maldives displaying one's wealth is in poor taste. Here it is believed that the richer a person is, the more simply he should dress, not to mention precious jewelry.

The average age of marriage in the Maldives is 24 years. Guardians of Islamic morality can easily call an unmarried 25-year-old girl an “old maid.”

However, more than 50% of marriages in the Maldives break up after six months. The attitude towards divorce is more tolerant than in the rest of the Islamic world, but after divorce, women are allowed to remarry only after 3 months.

Children born out of wedlock are considered illegitimate in the Maldives. Also, raising a child by one parent is not encouraged here, even in the event of the death of a spouse.

Open tourism policies have had no impact on social inequality within Maldivian society. It will be very difficult for someone who comes from “the people” to make a successful career here, unlike the hereditary elite.

The traditional Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha in the Maldives is called Bodu Eid. On this day, according to the Koran, you need to make a ritual sacrifice to Allah. However, instead of sheep, the Maldivians prefer to slaughter a cow or goat.

It is customary to speak English with tourists in the Maldives. Residents of the archipelago communicate among themselves in a mixture of several languages, including Arabic.

The literacy rate in the Maldives is 98% of the entire adult population. This is one of the highest rates in the world, and the highest among Muslim states.

Wedding in the Maldives

The working week in the Maldives is from Sunday to Thursday. Friday and Saturday in any month are official holidays, and finding a restaurant open on these days will not be easy.

Despite their Muslim roots, the people of the Maldives do not force their women to cover their heads with a burqa or hijab.

The inhabitants of the Maldives came to Islam only in the 12th century - before that, Buddhism with elements of animalistic beliefs was practiced here. Attempts to colonize the islands by the Portuguese in the 16th century led to bloody uprisings and the restoration of the Islamic dynasty of kings. Since then, the country's top officials have been obliged to demonstrate their commitment to Sunni Islam.

The morality police monitor the purity of religious morals and compliance with Sharia law in the Maldives. Any propaganda of a religion other than Sunni Islam is punishable by several years in prison.

Adultery is a criminal offense in the Maldives. The punishment for proven adultery is 100 public lashes. Most often, women, unfaithful husbands and lovers are among the culprits who fall under this law - only 30%.

In addition to the “unclean” pigs, according to the Koran, the Maldives have a similar attitude towards dogs. An exception was made only for shepherd dogs serving in the police. Tourists are strictly prohibited from bringing a pet. Violation of this rule may result in a serious fine and placement of the dog in the sanitary area of the airport.

Halloween is also strictly prohibited in the Maldives. Any public mention of him may cause conflict and disciplinary conversation with the police.

Possession of any drug in the Maldives carries a life sentence. For sales and production - the death penalty.

Fresh water in the Maldives is worth its weight in gold. Even in rich houses they do not hesitate to take dishes outside during the rains to collect some clean rainwater.

One of the national pastimes of the Maldivians is crab racing. Races are regularly held at most hotels. Any tourist can place a bet and win, if not a large sum of money, then at least a bottle of alcohol, the sale of which is strictly limited in the country.

Mosque in Male

Other facts

The Maldives is a small state located on 1,200 coral islands in the Indian Ocean. The islands form a chain of 26 atolls.

Only about 200 of the republic's islands are inhabited, and 44 islands are reserved for private resort holidays.

Large islands in Republic of Maldives no, the largest of them can be crossed by car in 1.5 - 2 hours, and some can be walked on foot in 15 minutes. The largest island is Hithadhoo, its length is 8 km.

Maldives Airport is built on artificial island in the middle of the ocean.

99% of the country's territory is occupied by blue ocean waters.

The Maldives is the closest state to the ocean on our planet. The average height above sea level here is 1.5 meters, and the highest point is 2.4 meters.

The air temperature in the Maldives is extremely stable, and is around +25 ° C all year round.

One of business cards Maldives is the construction of the Islamic Center - a project of the end of the last century.

One of the most interesting places in the Maldives is the fish market in Male. Here you can buy tuna - the favorite delicacy of the locals, shrimp, octopus and barracuda.

Maldives - most popular place among newlyweds - many newly-made families strive to spend their honeymoon here.

Our compatriots can go to the Maldives without worrying about purchasing a visa. You receive it upon arrival at the airport in Male; all you need to have is your passport, return ticket and funds for living in the country.

The import of alcoholic beverages into the Maldives is not permitted. You can only abuse alcohol in local bars and hotel restaurants.

There is rarely more than one hotel on one island.

In the Maldives, it is prohibited to build hotels higher than the tallest palm tree on the island.

In the Maldives, everyone lives under the slogan “No news, no shoes - Maldives”. There are really no local newspapers or national television here.

The Maldives depends on tourism and fishing.

The capital of the Maldives - the city of Male - is one of the smallest capitals in the world, but at the same time it is one of the most densely populated cities on the planet.

Important: Neither local residents nor tourists are allowed to swim naked on the islands. This can only be done on Kuramati Island in a specially designated area.

Spearfishing is also prohibited in the Maldives.

The choice of transport in the Maldives is very poor, there are practically no cars here, and bicycles are a rarity.

Coconut tree on the beach

In Maldivian cuisine, most dishes are prepared from rice and gifts from the Indian Ocean, but a special approach to preparing fish is practiced here - it is first dried before cooking.

In the Maldives, you can try such exotic delicacies as rose and orange milk, raa palm juice and coffee powder, which the locals love so much.

Most often, tourists on the islands are entertained by snorkeling and diving.

At the bottom of the Indian Ocean in the Maldives, you can become a guest of a glass room in a hotel of the Conrad Hotels chain.

When approaching the Maldives, the plane begins to land in the water, and only closer to the ground does it touch the landing pad.

Swimming on coral beaches is fraught with danger; when entering the water, it is better to wear slippers on your feet to avoid coral debris.

Among the dangerous marine life in the Maldives is the stone fish, the poison of which poses a serious threat to human life.

Holidays in the Maldives in the modern world are considered almost the standard of luxury and comfortable pastime. But in a small state in the Indian Ocean, a thousand-year history, many traditions and customs are hidden.

So what do we know about the inhabitants of the Maldives archipelago? What rules of good manners should you follow, and what should you absolutely not do?

We offer you the most interesting facts about the Maldives.

Male International Airport

Mentality and characteristics of the population

Maldivians are not used to greeting each other. In response to “hello” you can only count on a modest smile or nod.

One of the interesting facts in the Maldives is that it is customary here to call each other by their last name.

It is not customary to celebrate birthdays in the Maldives. According to established tradition, on this day local residents try to work as much as possible.

The average age of marriage in the Maldives is 24 years. Guardians of Islamic morality can easily call an unmarried 25-year-old girl an “old maid.”

Children born out of wedlock are considered illegitimate in the Maldives. Also, raising a child by one parent is not encouraged here, even in the event of the death of a spouse.

It is customary to speak English with tourists in the Maldives. Residents of the archipelago communicate among themselves in a mixture of several languages, including Arabic.

The literacy rate in the Maldives is 98% of the entire adult population. This is one of the highest rates in the world, and the highest among Muslim states.

Wedding in the Maldives

The working week in the Maldives is from Sunday to Thursday. Friday and Saturday in any month are official holidays, and finding a restaurant open on these days will not be easy.

Despite their Muslim roots, the people of the Maldives do not force their women to cover their heads with a burqa or hijab.

Halloween is also strictly prohibited in the Maldives. Any public mention of him may cause conflict and disciplinary conversation with the police.

Possession of any drug in the Maldives carries a life sentence. For sales and production - death penalty.

Fresh water in the Maldives is worth its weight in gold. Even in rich houses they do not hesitate to take dishes outside during the rains to collect some clean rainwater.

Mosque in Male

Other facts

The Maldives is a small state located on 1,200 coral islands in the Indian Ocean. The islands form a chain of 26 atolls.

Only about 200 of the republic's islands are inhabited, and 44 islands are reserved for private resort holidays.

There are no large islands in the Republic of Maldives; the largest of them can be crossed by car in 1.5 - 2 hours, and some can be walked on foot in 15 minutes. The largest island is Hithadhoo, its length is 8 km.

The Maldives airport is built on an artificial island in the middle of the ocean.

99% of the country's territory is occupied by blue ocean waters.

The Maldives is the closest state to the ocean on our planet. The average height above sea level here is 1.5 meters, and the highest point is 2.4 meters.

The air temperature in the Maldives is extremely stable, and is around +25 ° C all year round.

One of the hallmarks of the Maldives is the construction of the Islamic Center - a project at the end of the last century.

One of the most interesting places in the Maldives is the fish market in Male. Here you can buy tuna - the favorite delicacy of the locals, shrimp, octopus and barracuda.

The Maldives is a popular destination among newlyweds - many newlywed families seek to spend their honeymoon here.

The import of alcoholic beverages into the Maldives is not permitted. You can only abuse alcohol in local bars and hotel restaurants.

There is rarely more than one hotel on one island.

In the Maldives, it is prohibited to build hotels higher than the tallest palm tree on the island.

In the Maldives, everyone lives under the slogan “No news, no shoes - Maldives”. There are really no local newspapers or national television here.

The Maldives depends on tourism and fishing.

The capital of the Maldives - the city of Male - is one of the smallest capitals in the world, but at the same time it is one of the most densely populated cities on the planet.

Important: Neither local residents nor tourists are allowed to swim naked on the islands. This can only be done on Kuramati Island in a specially designated area.

Spearfishing is also prohibited in the Maldives.

The choice of transport in the Maldives is very poor, there are practically no cars here, and bicycles are a rarity.

Coconut tree on the beach

In Maldivian cuisine, most dishes are prepared from rice and gifts from the Indian Ocean, but a special approach to preparing fish is practiced here - it is first dried before cooking.

In the Maldives, you can try such exotic delicacies as rose and orange milk, raa palm juice and coffee powder, which the locals love so much.

Most often, tourists on the islands are entertained by snorkeling and diving.

At the bottom of the Indian Ocean in the Maldives, you can become a guest of a glass room in a hotel of the Conrad Hotels chain.

When approaching the Maldives, the plane begins to land in the water, and only closer to the ground does it touch the landing pad.

Swimming on coral beaches is fraught with danger; when entering the water, it is better to wear slippers on your feet to avoid coral debris.

Among the dangerous marine life in the Maldives is the stone fish, the poison of which poses a serious threat to human life.

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