Wikijunior:Asia/Maldives

Maldives is a smallest countries in Asia, comprising of 298km2 (smaller than Singapore at 692km2). It is one of the unique countries in the world where it does not share any land borders with any countries. It also known as Republic of Maldives or Maldive Islands, independent island country in the north-central Indian Ocean. It consists of a chain of about 1,200 small coral islands and sandbanks (some 200 of which are inhabited), grouped in clusters, or atolls.

They are built up from the crowns of a submerged ancient volcanic mountain range. All the islands are low-lying, none rising to more than 2 meters above sea level. The atolls have sandy beaches, lagoons, and a luxuriant growth of coconut palms, together with breadfruit trees and tropical bushes. Fish abound in the reefs, lagoons, and seas adjoining the islands.

Maldives capital city is Malé and the Maldives currency used is Rufiyaa.

Where is Maldives?
It is located between Arabian Sea and Indian Sea. Approximately it is located south west to  Sri Lanka. The islands extend more than 820 km from north to south and 130 km from east to west.The northernmost atoll is about 600 km south-southwest of the Indian mainland

How many people live in Maldives?
Based on 2014 census, there are 344 thousands people living in Maldives.The people living there call themselves as Maldivians.

What are the most common languages in Maldives?
The official language is an Indo-European language called Dhivehi or Maldivian is the national language in Maldives. However, for government official functions, English is used instead.

What is the most common religion in Maldives?
Islam is the official religion in the Maldives. The Maldivians are not allowed to practice other religions other than Islam.

What is the sport of Maldives?
There are no national sport in Maldives. However, cricket is gaining popularity in recent times.

What are some important sites?
Male Market - Sellers sell their products from personal stalls. Different foods tourists can hope to enjoy include native vegetables, nuts, breadfruit chips, fruits, yams, bottles of pickles, packets of sweetmeat, and bunches of bananas on a cable suspended from the ceiling.

Tsunami Monuments - Situated on the southeastern portion of Malé Island on the Boduthakurufaanu Magu, Tsunami Monument is devoted to those who laid down their lives in the tsunami happened by the 2004 Indian Ocean tremor. This is one of the most visited tourist spots in Maldives.The central part has vertical iron rods representing the lives of those lost, the steel balls symbolize the country’s 20 atolls, and the lofty design marks the ascending waters. The victims’ names are carved on the memorial.

National Museum of Male - It is located in Male and it preserves a large collection of historic artefacts that traces the history of Maldivian Islands. This three-storied museum is a part of the 17th century Maldivian Royal Palace compound, which also has a Sultan Park (Public Park). Inside the museum, you will find a collection of well preserved galleries and artifacts of weaponry, household wares, religious paraphernalia, Arabic and Thaana-engraved pieces of wood and more. The major highlights of the museum are the 11th-century piece from Alifu Thoddoo, a coral stone head of Lord Buddha; a 13th-century engraved wooden plank from Hukuru Miskiiy and Feyli Kolhu of Sultan Ghaazee Mohamed.