Geography

The Maldives is a nation of islands in the Indian Ocean, that spans across the equator. The country is comprised of 1192 islands that stretch along a length of 871 kilometers. While the country covers an area of approximately 90,000 square kilometers, only 298 square kilometers of that is dry land. The islands are grouped into a double chain of 26 atolls.
The country’s unique geography mesmerizes the visitor. Reefs that offer bands of color, tiny jewel-like islands rimmed with the whitest of soft sand surrounded by the clearest shallow waters that one can imagine. Only 200 of the islands are inhabited, and a select few on each of the atolls are resorts and some of the islands are used for industry and agriculture.
The beauty of the Maldives is not only above the water. The Maldives is home to about five percent of the planet’s reefs that comes with an explosion of color contributed by soft and hard corals that form them. The reefs are home to a thousand species of fish. Lured by the rich nutrients that flow in with the currents, large pelagic fishes such as manta rays and whale sharks also make the Maldives their home.

Culture

Although home to just over half a million people the Maldives has its own unique culture and traditions. While heavily influenced by various cultures around the rim of the Indian Ocean, the Maldivian culture, craft and traditions have been shaped by the island environment and the seas that surround us.
Dhivehi is the language of the Maldivian people. Our current script, Thaana is unique and was developed from Arabic numerals around the 16th century. Maldivians are master boat builders. The traditional Maldivian boat, dhoni has been shaped over centuries, resulting in a craft that perfectly suits the various conditions of the seas. The traditional cuisine is heavily based on fish and coconut, with several dishes that have no parallels anywhere in the region.

Environment

The Maldives has one of the most delicate environments anywhere on the planet. Coral reefs are the foundation of the islands. They offer protection to the tiny islands as its natural defense system, and the country’s economy depends heavily on the health of its reefs and ecosystems.
Several conservation efforts are underway to protect the valuable marine environment of Maldives. While several marine species and birds are protected by law, protected areas have been designated to ensure the conservation of specific ecosystems and the rich biodiversity of the country. This includes designated nature reserves in islands of various atolls to protect wetlands and mangroves and the protection of marine areas and the designation of biosphere reserves that covers coral reefs, islands, sea grass beds and mangroves.
Several resorts too conduct their own programs. While some programs conducted by resorts focus on the protection and rehabilitation of sea turtles, others are engaged in cutting edge research on regeneration of coral reefs. Several community education programs are also conducted by resorts for school children and the community at large. Non-governmental organizations also play an important role through their voluntary programs and conduct regular beach and reef clean up programs.
Visitors to Maldives are advised to carry back their own non-biodegradable waste and to take care not to stand on, touch or remove coral structures while snorkeling or diving.

Cuisine

Since the Maldives is almost 99% sea, fish (mainly tuna) is the most important staple. The cuisine found in the island nation is a mix of Arabic, Indian, Sri Lankan, and East Asian influences. But the tourist resorts scattered throughout the islands offer diverse international menus, so it’s entirely possible to eat your way around the world while staying in luxury at one of these resorts. Sample Japanese teppanyaki, fine Italian cuisine, the spicy flavours of India and Thailand, traditional Chinese, fine upscale dining, or just a casual snack. Seafood plays a starring role, regardless of how it’s prepared, but those who prefer their food to come from dry land will still have plenty of options.

Coconut is another major part of many dishes in the Maldives and can be served in grated form, as milk, or as coconut oil which is used to deep fry foods. Maldivians use coconuts in almost all of their dishes, varying from the savory to the sweet. Favourite fish include Skipjack, Snappers, Yellow-fin tuna, Groupers and Mahi mahis.

Maldivian breakfast consists of tea, flatbread (Roshi) and curries and omelettes. ‘Mashuni’, a mix of tuna, scraped coconut, onions and spices is one of the most popular breakfast dishes.

Lunch and dinner typically consists of ‘Garudhiya’ or curries eaten alongside white rice or roshi.

It is customary to have short eats, known as ‘Hedhika’ along with tea at late afternoon. Maldivians make a variety of sweet and savory hedhika.