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Maldives was established by an exiled prince. Prior to embracing Islam, this island nation once followed the Buddhist path.
Exploring the Wonders of Maldives
The Maldives archipelago, located in the middle of the Indian Ocean, is formed by 1,190 coral islands stretching over 90,000 km². With 90% of its area as seawater, Maldives boasts a 3,000-year-old cultural heritage and a modern education system. Below are more intriguing details.
Founded by an Exiled Prince
Maldives is an island chain with significant trade routes. The initial settlers arrived around 269 BCE from India, forming a community that cherished peace, worshipped the sun, and revered water. The first kingdom was established by Prince Sri Soorudasaruna Adeettiya, the estranged son of the Indian king of Kalinga. Unhappy with his son, the king exiled him to Maldives, also known as Dheeva Maari. The early history of Maldives intertwines with legend. Ancient kings are mainly known through oral traditions.
Cabinet Meetings Under the Sea
Climate change and rising sea levels are posing a threat to the survival of the Maldives. Some islands have to be evacuated due to the rising sea levels, encroaching on freshwater sources. To draw attention to this concern, President Mohamed Nasheed moved the cabinet meeting in October 2009 underwater. The President and 13 government members, equipped with diving gear, conducted the meeting at a table set on the ocean floor.
98% of Adults Literate
The Maldives takes pride in having a literacy rate of 98% among adults, a significant leap from 70% in 1978. With the population scattered across about 200 islands, achieving a unified education system is challenging. With 35% of the population under 18 years old, education is the key to ensuring a bright future. With the assistance of UNICEF, the Maldives implemented a unified education system since 1978. They established Teacher Training Centers, utilizing the internet for remote teaching. As a result, 100% of children receive primary education. Meanwhile, according to the U.S. Department of Education statistics over the past 10 years, the country still has a 14% illiteracy rate.
Maldives was Once a Buddhist Nation
Visitors to the Maldives must adhere to local regulations and Islamic traditions. However, few are aware that initially, the Maldives was a Buddhist nation. By the 12th century, the Maldives converted to Islam as Muslim traders arrived. In the 16th century, the archipelago became a Portuguese colony. They attempted to spread Christianity but failed. The law stipulates that the President and members of the cabinet must be Muslims.
Diverse Marine Life
In many places, a whale-watching tour might take hours on a boat just to catch a glimpse of one or two whales, if you're lucky. In contrast, visitors to the Maldives can witness whales at any location, with numbers ranging from 1,500 to 2,500 whales and dolphins. Throughout the year, around 10–12 species of whales and dolphins inhabit the coral reefs. A whale pod can consist of up to 200 individuals. The Maldives is also renowned for the world's largest fish – the whale shark, measuring from 5.5 to 10 meters.
Prohibition of Alcohol Consumption Outside Resorts
Tourists in the Maldives must respect and adhere to traditional Islamic regulations. Alcohol consumption is prohibited, allowed only within the premises of hotels and resorts. Importing banned items such as pork and pork products is illegal. During the month of Ramadan, tourists must refrain from eating and smoking in public places. Moreover, nudity and topless sunbathing on beaches or within resort areas are not permitted.
Public Flogging for Adulterers
Those involved in adultery will be brought before the public and flogged. In reality, the majority subjected to flogging are women. According to the 2006 statistics, 184 women were flogged, with only 38 being men. Most men accused deny the allegations and are pardoned. In 2009, an 18-year-old mother was flogged 100 times and had to be hospitalized. She denied the charges but was accused of being pregnant. The two men associated with the girl were acquitted.
Extremist Religion
The people of the Maldives are known for their intolerance towards those who disrespect their religion. Travelers should be cautious unless they want to face imprisonment. Offenses such as drug trafficking, displaying any religious idol other than Islam, explicit adult content, or alcoholic beverages are all punishable. Same-sex relationships can also lead to imprisonment. The 1997 Maldivian constitution dictates that citizens must adhere to Islam, rejecting any other religion. Changing one's religion equals losing citizenship rights.
Belief in Spells
The majority of Maldivians hold a strong belief in supernatural powers, including the use of spells. In September 2013, an unripe coconut was seized by the police after suspicion arose about its presence near a presidential election venue, suggesting an attempt to manipulate the election results. Coconuts are a common ingredient in spellcasting. The police invited a benevolent water-divining sorcerer to examine the coconut for any threatening enchantments. The sorcerer declared the coconut innocent, finding no evidence of the alleged spell.
According to Vnexpress.net
