جزر المالديف: جنة مشمسة في المحيط الهندي

At the heart of the Indian Ocean sits Maldives, an independent island country consisting of almost 1,200 small islands stretching along 871 kilometers. The country's unique geography, which spans across the equator, means one can consistently enjoy a tropical climate that is hot and humid all year round, with an average annual temperature of 28 degrees Celsius. Due to these natural factors, it is inevitably advertised to the world as "The Sunny Side of Life." Combined beautifully together with its picturesque beaches and an incredible array of stunning marine life, it is also commonly described as a "tropical paradise."

Home to just over half a million people, the Maldives follow the principles of Islam, designated as the official state religion, with the majority of the population practicing Sunni Islam. The Grand Friday Mosque is the largest mosque in Maldives, situated in the capital city of Malé. The Thoddoo Buddhist Temple is another important historical site discovered in the 1950s and houses Buddhist artifacts.

Regarding arts and crafts, Maldivians have gained a reputation for being avid artisans. The mastery and inventiveness can be seen in their distinctive lacquer works, or “Liyelaa Jehun,” as it’s known in the local tongue, which is wood sculpturing. One of the most famous Maldivian cultural displays involving singing and dancing is the Boduberu.

Maldives’ vibrant ecosystems are home to a myriad of marine life ranging from hundreds of species of fish-people to sea turtle and dolphin-people.

As the lowest nation in the world, there are serious concerns about the effects of rising sea levels and the dangers of flooding posed by climate change to the Maldivians. To counter the effects of climate change, the Maldives government has embarked on a new-age solution to protect its people against tidal swells and beach erosion. “A floating city may mean hope for the Maldives.” To ensure a green sustainable future, the Maldives has also introduced a single-use-plastic phaseout by 2023, which has been implemented since June 1, 2021!