|
The Republic of Maldives is an archipelago of 1190 small low-lying coral
islands out of which 200 are inhabited. The islands are formed into 26
natural atolls but for easy administration, they are divided into 20
administrative atolls or units.
These islands stretch more than 800 km from north to south covering a
total area of about 90,000 square km of which about 99% is water. 200
islands are inhabited while 87 islands are developed as resort islands.
The fragile house reefs of these islands act as a barrier of protection
from tides and waves. These reefs also contribute to the formation of
sand and continuation of the life cycle of the marine species. It also
acts as a habitat to thousands of tiny and large organisms.
Marco polo referred to the Maldives as the 'Flower of the Indies', while
Ibn Batuta, the famous 14th century Arab traveller, called it 'one of
the wonders of the world' in his chronicles.
Scattered across the equator in the middle of the Indian Ocean, the
necklace of islands that is the Maldives offers a rare vision of
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 kilometres.
The origins of the Maldivians are lost in antiquity. Historical and
archaeological evidence indicate that the islands were first inhabited
over 5,000 years ago. There are also indications that the Maldives,
having being on an important trade route, were settled by people from
all over the world, leaving the actual origins shrouded mystery.
|
