An ‘Island nation’   Scattered across the equator in the middle of the Indian Ocean, the gem like island of the Maldives depict the rare vision of a tropical paradise. Palm fringed islands with sparkling white beaches turquoise lagoons, clear warm waters and coral reefs teeming with abundant varieties of marine flora and fauna, continue to fascinate visitors, as it has fascinated others in the past, for thousands of years. Marco polo referred to the Maldives as the ‘…flower of the Indies’, and Ibn Batuta called her in his chronicles ‘One of the wonders of the world’.

Truly a natural wonder, the height of the islands rarely reaches above two meters. The 1,190 islands, consisting of 26 atoll formations, are spread over an area of 90,000 square kilometers. The Maldivian atolls are a classic discovery in its own right: the world atoll has been derived from Dhivehi, the Maldivian language, from the word atholhu.

Crystal clear lagoons enclosed by coral reefs surround the islands. The unique islands provide visitors with one of the most breathtaking views of underwater life in the world.

Formed above peaks emerging from the depths of the ocean, upon layers of both living and dead coral, and remnants of other marine life, the islands are generally covered with dense tropical vegetation. Coconut palms towering above dense shrubs and hardy plants protecting the shores from erosion are natural features in most of the islands. The smaller island and sand banks under formation are also are also wonders in themselves. These islands together embody living entities in various stages of formation, as inter-dependant elements in ecology. In a food chain where birds, fish and other marine life co-exist, with humans as its apex as caretakers for centuries.

Measuring 820 kilometers north to south and 120 kilometers east to west at its greatest width, the closest neighbors are India and Sri Lanka. With a population of 244,544 (1995 official estimate), only 199 islands are inhabited. Of which Male’ is the capital. Another 74 islands are set aside exclusively for tourists resort development.

The origins of the Maldives are lost in ancient history. There are historical and archeological records, which indicate the islands to have been inhabited for over 5000years. There are also indications that the Maldives being on an important trade route was settled by people from all over the world. This leaves the origins of the people enshrined in mystery.