The conversion to Islam took place in 1153. Legend tells us that during this time a demon rose from the depths of the ocean once every month and demanded a virgin girl to be sacrificed. A pious Moroccan saint, Abu al-Barakat, who visited Maldives at that time learned of the story and exorcised the demon by reading verses from the Quran. The event led the King at the time to embrace Islam.
The country has remained independent except for short periods of time, the longest being the 17-year Portuguese rule in the 16th Century. In 1573, Mohammed Thakurufaanu, the greatest Maldivian hero, led a band of men into Male’ harbour and in the pitch darkness of the night searched for and slaughtered the enemy. In 1782 the Malabars from the East Coast of India attacked the Maldives destroying the palace and driving the Sultan into exile. Their rule was short-lived. Within months the people became resistant and a group led by Ghaazee Hassan Izzuddeen fought against the enemy forces and defeated them.
In 1887 the Maldives became a British protectorate. However, the British never interfered with the internal politics of the country. In 1965 the country became a fully independent state and in 1968 a Republic was declared.
Scattered across the equator in the middle of the Indian Ocean, the necklace of islands that form the Maldives offer a rare vision of a tropical paradise. Palm fringed islands with sparkling white beaches, turquoise lagoons, clear warm waters and coral reefs teeming with abundant marine flora and fauna, continue to fascinate visitors.
Truly a natural wonder, the islands rarely exceed two meters in height. The 1,190 islands, consisting of 26 atoll formations, are spread over an area of some 90,000 square kilometers.
The origins of the Maldivians are lost in antiquity. Historical and archeological evidence indicate that the islands were first inhabited over 5,000 years ago. There are also indications that the Maldives, being on an important trade route, were settled by people from all over the world leaving the origins shrouded mystery
Location and GeographyFormed above peaks emerging from the depths of the ocean, upon layers of both living and dead coral, and remnants of other marine life, most of the islands are covered with dense tropical vegetation. Coconut palms towering above dense shrubs and hardy plants protecting the shores from erosion are natural features on most islands. The smaller islands and sandbanks under formation are also wonders in themselves. They embody living entities in various stages of formation, as interdependent elements in an ecosystem, a food chain where birds, fish, and other marine life co-exist. Humans form the apex, as caretakers.
Out of a total of 1190 islands, 200 are inhabited, 88 are set aside for exclusive tourist resort development. Measuring 820 kilometers north to south and 120 kilometers east to west at its greatest width, the closest neighbours are India and Sri Lanka.
Climate - What to wearWhat to wear: Dress is generally casual, T-shirts and cotton clothing are most suitable. In Male', the capital island, and in other inhabited islands it is recommended that women wear modest clothing without revealing too much.
The peopleCulture: A proud history and rich culture evolved from the time of the first settlers who were from various parts of the world, travelling the seas in ancient times. The Maldives has been a melting pot of different cultures as people from different parts of the world came here and settled down. Some of the local music and dance for instance resemble African influences, with handbeating of drums and songs in a language unknown to any but certainly represents that of East African countries. As one would expect there is a great South Asian influence in some of the music and dancing and especially in the traditional food of the Maldivians. However many of the South Asian customs especially with regard to women - for instance the Indian tradition of secluding women from public view - are not tenets of life here. In fact women play a major role in society - not surprising considering the fact men spend the whole day out at sea fishing. Many of the traditions are strongly related to the seas and the fact that life is dependent on the seas around us.
Language: ‘Dhivehi’ is the native language of the Maldives. However English is widely spoken throughout the country and in the resorts, a variety of languages including English, German, Italian, French and Japanese are spoken by the staff.
A Fragile BeautyThe whole capital island is enclosed within sea walls, a protection measure to reduce the impending hazards of climatic change and sea level rise.
In 1989 the first National Environmental Action Plan was developed forming a base for future actions to prevent environmental hazards.
Protected Marine Areas
Steps have been taken to avoid over-exploitation of natural resources. Protected Marine Areas were established in 1995. This was the first step in protecting these areas from the detrimental effects of over-fishing, coral mining, anchor damage and rubbish. The killing of turtles, which is under threat of extinction, is banned and the export of turtle shells and products made of turtle shell is prohibited. Many other marine species are similarly protected.
Sport fishing practiced by some islands is now confined to the tag and release method.