Interesting things about Maldives paradise

The island nation of Maldives is located in the middle of the Indian Ocean, made up of 1,190 coral islands spanning more than 90,000 square kilometers.

Maldives was founded by an exiled prince

Maldives is an island chain with many important trade routes.

The cabinet meets at the bottom of the sea

Climate change and rising sea levels are threatening the survival of the Maldives.

President Mohamed Nasheed at a cabinet meeting in 2009. Photo: Telegraph.

98% of adults are literate

The Maldives boasts a 98% adult literacy rate, a huge jump from 70% in 1978. Residents are scattered across about 200 islands.

Maldives used to be a Buddhist country

Visitors to the Maldives must comply with local regulations and Islamic traditions.

Rich marine life

In many places, each whale watching tour has to spend hours on a boat just to see one or two whales, but unfortunately there are none.

Swim with whale sharks in the Maldives.

The use of alcoholic beverages outside the resorts is prohibited

Visitors to the Maldives must respect and adhere to traditional Islamic regulations.

Whipping and punishing adulterers

Adulterers will be brought before the public and flogged.

Extreme religion

Maldivians are famous for their intolerance towards those who insult their religion.

Believe in spells

Most Maldivians have a strong belief in supernatural powers, including the use of spells.