Tell about Maldives ?

Not only is the Maldives South Asia’s smallest country, it is the smallest Muslim country of any in the entire world.

Visitors should realize that the Maldives is a strictly Muslim nation, and obeying local laws and traditions are a requirement. Both the Shari’a and Ja’fari schools of law are represented on the islands, with the Shari’a overseeing family and criminal law. Originally a Buddhist nation, the Maldives were converted in the 12th century by traveling Islamic holy men, who were accompanying traders and merchants on their long journeys.

Like other Muslim countries, the Maldives take their weekend on Friday and Saturday, not Saturday and Sunday as the western countries do.

The islands’ amazing sand is white and extremely fine as it is coralline in origin and not made from quartz, as beach sand typically is. Representing less than five percent of the world’s beaches, coralline ones are rare.

In the 16th century, the islands were colonized by the Portuguese, who attempted to convert them to Christianity. The conversion failed, ending in violence and bloodshed. With the restoration of their government, the position of King came to be seen as a sacred position made possible by Allah. By law, the president and all cabinet members must be Sunni Muslim.

The Maldives are ranked the world’s third most endangered nation due to flooding from climate change and global warming.

The Maldives has always been a place of highly charged politics and religious beliefs. In 2012, President Mohamed Nasheed (mentioned above in the underwater cabinet entry), was forced at gunpoint to step down as president after three weeks of protests and revolts. A day after he resigned, a riot in the streets left him and nearly 50 other people injured after the the police and military forces began launching tear gas at the ousted president.

Located close to the equator, the sun’s rays shine almost directly down on you so bring plenty of highly rated sun protection with you. They strike at a 90° angle.

The 26 December 2004 tsunami resulting from an Indian Ocean floor earthquake caused serious damage to the infrastructures of 57 islands, caused 14 to be totally evacuated, and destroyed six completely. There were 21 resort islands that closed due to serious damage and 108 deaths.

In 2011, UNESCO designated an area comprised of 75 islands as the Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve. This reserve has coral reefs as its most important habitat type in terms of sheer area as well as biodiversity of life. It supports approximately 250 species of coral and many other ocean life species.

It all began when the President issued orders to arrest associates of his predecessor for interfering with a criminal court case investigating corruption and human rights violations. Nasheed was replaced with his vice president, who denied any knowledge of the forced resignation, the assaults, or the planning behind it.

Two seasons dominate the Maldives’ weather: the winter northeastern monsoon season and the rainy southwestern summer monsoon season. The closer to the equator the islands are, the greater is the monsoon influence

The Maldives is home to five of the world’s seven species of marine turtles: the green turtle, the hawksbill, the olive ridley turtle, the loggerhead, and the leatherback turtle.

People from India were the first to officially colonize these islands, sometime before 269 B.C. Its first kingdom was established by an exiled Indian prince, disgraced son of the king of Kalinga in India. The king sent him to what was then known as Dheeva Maari.

Because of the country’s strict Islamic beliefs, tourists are expected to obey and respect Muslim traditions while on the islands. Alcohol is prohibited everywhere except resort hotels, and the beverages cannot be taken off resort property.

The parrot fish makes a huge contribution to the beauty of the Maldives’ beaches. The corrallite sand is the undigested coral they eat. One adult parrot fish can produce an estimated ton of sand per year!

The customs and people of the Maldives were greatly influenced by Indians, Sri Lankans, North Africans, Arabs and Europeans traveling through the trade routes of the Indian Ocean. Maldivians developed their own language and cultural identity.

During the month of Ramadan, tourists are expected to respect Muslim traditions; this can include avoiding food, drink, and smoking during the daylight hours. Some restaurants will still cater to tourists, but they might be screened from public view.

The Maldives is one of the world’s safest travel destinations. This is largely because of the isolation of its island resorts.

The people of the Maldives converted to Islam in 1153 A.D. and today it is a strictly Muslim nation. Visitors must obey local laws and traditions: no alcohol is allowed (outside of the resorts). Local religious standards for beach wear and public dress should be followed.

There is no public observation of any other faith allowed, although acknowledgment of the tourists’ beliefs have made private worship acceptable. And contrary to implications that might be given in some of the beach photos of the Maldives, nudity and topless sunbathing absolutely aren’t allowed, even on resort islands.

Accommodations for holiday travelers include guest houses, resorts, hotels and liveaboard opportunities on boats and yachts.

According to the political laws of the Maldives, all people are equal and deserve equal protection. However, the extremely devout nation often bows to religious law before secular; as a consequence, those who are found guilty of committing adultery can expect a public flogging.

Not only is the Maldives South Asia’s smallest country, it is the smallest Muslim country of any in the entire world.

Home to 21 species of whale and dolphin, independent dolphin watching cruises by dhoni (traditional boats) can be arranged. The whale submarine allows you to explore the underwater world while staying perfectly dry.