I hate that the weekend feels so far away… maybe I should move to the Maldives! The island in South Asia runs its weekends from Friday to Saturday, giving locals a head start on relaxation while visitors enjoy uninterrupted beach days. The perfect destination for a teen travel program.
But that’s not the only thing that makes this tropical paradise unique. While the Maldives may be Asia’s smallest country by land area, it’s packed with jaw-dropping marine life, natural wonders, rich history, and fascinating quirks that make it a must-visit destination.
Here are 10 fun and surprising facts about the Maldives!
Key Takeaways:
- The Maldives consists of 1,192 islands, but only 200 are inhabited, offering both luxury resorts and authentic local island experiences
- The Maldives contains over 2,000 fish species and 200 coral species, making it a top travel destination for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts
- The Maldives held the world’s first underwater cabinet meeting to highlight climate change risks
- The Maldives faces serious threats from rising seas, with some islands projected to become uninhabitable by 2050
10 Fun Facts About the Maldives
- The Maldives Held the World’s First Underwater Cabinet Meeting
- The Maldives Has Been Inhabited for Over 3,000 Years
- Maldivian Beaches Have Sand So Soft It Feels Like Walking on Clouds
- The Maldives Is the World’s Lowest-Lying Country
- The Maldives Consists of 1,192 Islands, but Only 200 Are Inhabited
- The Maldives Is One of the World’s Top Honeymoon Destinations
- The Maldives Recognizes the Coconut Tree as Its National Tree
- The Maldives Is Home to Exceptionally Diverse Coral Reefs
- The Maldives Experiences Two Monsoon Seasons
- The Maldives Is an Islamic Country With Unique Cultural Rules
1. The Maldives Held the World’s First Underwater Cabinet Meeting
In 2009, the Maldives made history by holding the world’s first underwater cabinet meeting to raise awareness about climate change and rising sea levels. The country’s then-president, Mohamed Nasheed, along with other government officials, wore full scuba gear while signing a document urging global leaders to cut carbon emissions.
This bold move took place in the Maldives waters, just off one of its low-lying islands, emphasizing the country’s vulnerability. As the flattest country in the world, with an average altitude of less than a fifth of a meter above sea level, the Maldives is on the frontline of climate change discussions.
The meeting gained global attention and influenced discussions at the Copenhagen Climate Change Conference later that year.
Did You Know? No other country has attempted a similar underwater political summit!
2. The Maldives Has Been Inhabited for Over 3,000 Years
Long before it became a dream honeymoon destination, the Maldives was home to early settlers from Sri Lanka, India, and the Middle East. Evidence suggests that civilizations thrived here as far back as 1500 BCE, trading cowrie shells (once used as currency) with Arab and Persian merchants.
Over time, the Maldives became a British protectorate before gaining independence in 1965. The country’s history is deeply influenced by its neighboring countries, and this blend of cultures is still visible today in its language, cuisine, and traditions.
3. Maldivian Beaches Have Sand So Soft It Feels Like Walking on Clouds
Unlike other beaches formed from eroded rock, the white sand of the Maldives Beaches is created by parrotfish, which feed on coral reefs and excrete fine, powdery sand. Because it’s calcium carbonate-based, Maldivian sand stays cool to the touch, even under the blazing sun.
However, past coral mining weakened coral islands, leading to increased erosion. To combat this, the Maldives has enacted conservation efforts to protect its coral reefs and preserve its famous Indian Ocean islands.
Bonus Maldive Fact: Parrotfish produce as much as 85% of the sand on certain Maldivian beaches!
4. The Maldives Is the World’s Lowest-Lying Country
With an average elevation of just 1.5 meters (4 feet 11 inches) above sea level, the Maldives holds the record as the lowest country on Earth. Its highest natural point is 2.4 meters (7 feet 10 inches) above sea level on Villingili Island.
Due to rising waters, the Maldives Islands faces significant risks. A study by the United States Geological Survey warned that, without intervention, multiple low-lying islands could become uninhabitable by 2050 as wave-driven flooding becomes more frequent and freshwater supplies become scarce. The government is investing in floating islands, sea walls, and artificial land projects to fight back.
What are Other Places at Risk: The Maldives isn’t alone. Venice, Tuvalu, Kiribati, and parts of Bangladesh are also under threat from rising sea levels.
5. The Maldives Consists of 1,192 Islands, but Only 200 Are Inhabited
This Indian Ocean paradise is made up of 26 coral atolls, including the popular North Male Atoll, containing 1,192 individual islands but only about 200 have permanent residents. The rest? Either resort islands, uninhabited nature reserves, or tiny sandbanks that appear and disappear with the tides. The southern islands are known for their pristine beaches and exceptional diving spots.
Bonus Fun Fact About The Maldives: Out of these, only nine islands are classified as “resort-free,” offering visitors a more authentic local island experience!
6. The Maldives Is One of the World’s Top Honeymoon Destinations
The Maldive Islands are a top honeymoon destination, according to Travel and Leisure Magazine. Luxury resorts like Rangali Island offer once-in-a-lifetime experiences, including underwater restaurants and private ocean pavilions. But paradise comes at a price.
A honeymoon in the Maldives costs anywhere from $3,500 to $7,000+ for a week, depending on your travel style.
Looking for budget-friendly romance? Local islands like Maafushi and Dhigurah offer affordable guesthouses and cultural experiences for a fraction of the cost!
→ Read these helpful facts about wedding destinations.
7. The Maldives Recognizes the Coconut Tree as Its National Tree
The coconut tree is a national symbol of the Maldives, and is featured on the Maldivian flag. Coconut trees provide shade for beaches, produce coconut milk and oil, and historically served as wood for shelter and boat-building.
The Boduberu drum is one of the most famous Maldivian instruments, and is made from coconut wood and manta ray skin.
8. The Maldives Is Home to Exceptionally Diverse Coral Reefs
The Maldives is a marine paradise with over 2,000 species of fish and 200 species of coral. Divers and snorkelers can spot whale sharks (the gentle giants of the sea), green turtles, olive ridley turtles, and even bioluminescent plankton lighting up the water at night!
Unfortunately, climate change caused coral bleaching threatens ecosystems. Conservation efforts like marine protected areas and coral restoration projects aim to preserve this underwater wonderland.
Dear Turtle Lovers: Five of the world’s seven marine turtle species can be found in the Maldives. The tourism sector thrives as a result.
9. The Maldives Experiences Two Monsoon Seasons
The Maldives has two seasons!
- Winter Northeastern Monsoon (November–April): Dry, sunny, and perfect for beach vacations.
- Southwest Monsoon (May–October): Also called the rainy season, bringing occasional storms and prime surfing waves.
Best Time to Visit? December to April for the driest, sunniest weather!
10. The Maldives Is an Islamic Country With Unique Cultural Rules
The Maldives is an Islamic country, as Islam has been the official religion since 1153 AD. About 99% of Maldivians adhere to Islamic law, including the following:
- Alcohol is only available on resort islands.
- Modest dress is required in public areas (but resorts allow bikinis).
- Only Muslims can be Maldivian citizens, according to the constitution.
Respect Local Customs: If visiting a local island, cover your shoulders and knees, and avoid public displays of affection.
Sources
- Maldives Meteorological Service: Climate of the Maldives
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: Underwater Cabinet Meeting
- Travel and Leisure: These Are the Best Honeymoon Destinations for 2025, According to a New Report
- U.S. Department of State: Tourism in the Maldives