Facts for Kids

The Maldives is a beautiful island nation located in the Indian Ocean, southwest of Sri Lanka. It is made up of 26 atolls and has around 1,190 coral islands! 🌴

The capital city is Malé, which has a population of about 200,000 people. The official language is Dhivehi. The Maldives is famous for its stunning white sandy beaches and crystal-clear blue waters, making it a popular place for tourists. 🏖

️ With a tropical climate that stays warm all year round, it's a paradise for beach lovers! 🏄

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The Maldives is famous for its unique plants and animals. 🌺

The islands are covered with coconut palms, hibiscus flowers, and banana trees. You can also find giant clams and sea turtles in the ocean! The Maldives is a haven for marine life, which includes over 2,000 species of fish, like clownfish and parrotfish. 🐠

It’s also home to endangered species like the leatherback sea turtle. The country's rich coral reefs house various marine species, making it a fantastic spot for snorkeling! 🐢

The Maldives has a rich history that goes back over 2,500 years! It was first settled by people from India and Sri Lanka. In 1153, Islam was introduced to the islands, becoming the official religion. The Maldives became a British colony in the 19th century but gained independence in 1965. The culture here is a mix of South Asian, Arab, and African influences. The traditional music called Bodu Beru is popular, and the people enjoy dancing too! 💃

Festivals are colorful and filled with dance, making it exciting for everyone!

The Maldives is a democratic republic with a President as the head of state. 🏛

️ The President is elected by the people and serves for five years. The country has a Parliament called the People's Majlis, where representatives make decisions about laws and policies. The Maldives is divided into 20 administrative atolls to help manage its islands better. Local councils ensure that each island gets proper attention and care 🏠, promoting a strong sense of community!

The Maldives is known for its amazing geography consisting of flat coral islands. Most islands are less than 1 meter above sea level! 🌊

It has a warm tropical climate, where temperatures usually stay between 25°C and 32°C (77°F to 90°F). The rainy season lasts from May to October, which is when the islands get most of their rain. The Maldives is also home to the world's highest coral reefs, perfect for snorkeling and diving. 🌈

The largest atoll, Haa Dhaalu, has some of the best dive spots in the world!

The economy of Maldives relies heavily on tourism, which accounts for about 30% of its income. 🏨

Many tourists come to enjoy the beautiful beaches, luxury resorts, and water sports! Fishing is another important industry, especially tuna fishing. The Maldives also grows crops on its islands, like coconuts and fruits, supporting local communities. 🥥

Unique crafts, such as woven mats and lacquered wooden items, are sold to tourists and have become part of the economy!

Education in the Maldives is free and compulsory for children aged 6 to 16 years. 🏫

Most children attend schools located on their islands, learning subjects like math, science, and Dhivehi language. The literacy rate is quite high, reaching around 98%! 🎓

The government focuses on providing good education by training teachers and improving school facilities. Some students also go abroad for higher education, ensuring they have exciting opportunities for the future! 🌟

Tourism in the Maldives is exciting! 🏝

️ Tourists from all over the world visit to see beautiful beaches and stay in overwater bungalows. Some popular attractions include Maafushi Island, where visitors can swim with nurse sharks and manta rays! 🚤

You can also visit the Maldives National Museum in Malé to learn about the island's history. Each island has its own unique charm, making it great for exploring marine parks and enjoying snorkeling and diving activities! 🌊

The Maldives faces significant environmental challenges, especially due to climate change. 🌍

Rising sea levels threaten to cover many islands, making it a concern for its residents. Coral bleaching caused by warmer ocean temperatures also affects the vibrant marine life. 🐟

The government works hard to protect the environment through awareness campaigns and conservation efforts to preserve the beautiful land and sea! 🌊

Recycling and reducing plastic usage has become a priority to keep the islands safe for future generations.