Undoubtedly, the Maldives holds the distinction of being the world’s flattest country, with an average altitude of just 1.8 meters above sea level. In comparison, its closest contender, Qatar, boasts an average elevation of 28 meters, a staggering 26.2 meters higher. The Maldives’ terrain is truly characterized by its remarkable flatness. In fact, the highest point in the entire country is a mere 2.3 meters, found on Villingili Island.
In 2009, the president of Maldives, Mohamed Nasheed organized a meeting of all cabinet ministers underwater at the sea bed, so as to raise awareness about the dangers the oceans of the world are facing, and how humans are interfering with freshwater resources.
An intriguing historical fact about the Maldives is that it was founded by an exiled Indian prince. Around 270 BC, as a form of punishment, a prince named Sri Soorudasaruna Adeettiya was sent from the kingdom of Kalinga to govern the islands of Maldives. He became the first king of the island, which was known as Dheeva Maari at the time, and established the Adeetta Dynasty, marking the beginnings of Maldivian history.
Six Senses Kanuhura Maldives is renowned for its pristine white sandy beaches, which are distinct from the traditional yellow sand found in many other destinations. This unique characteristic can be attributed to the composition of the sand, which is largely made up of coralline particles rather than quartz, as is common in other beaches. Coralline sand is relatively rare, constituting only 5% of all beaches worldwide, making the Maldives’ beaches truly special. The fine, powdery texture of the coralline sand adds to the allure of the Maldivian beaches, creating a picturesque and idyllic setting for travelers to enjoy.
The Maldives has gained recognition in the international community as one of the safest tourist destinations in the world. The unique geography of the Maldives, with its islands being isolated from each other and relatively small and manageable, contributes to its reputation for safety. The secluded nature of the islands provides a sense of privacy and security for travelers, allowing them to enjoy a serene and peaceful vacation experience.
The Maldives, with its 26 atolls and 1190 islands, is a unique archipelago where ocean travel is a common mode of transportation. Among these islands, nearly 200 are inhabited, while 110 are exclusively reserved for tourism and luxury purposes. Six Senses Kanuhura Maldives is situated on Lhaviyani Atoll. As a result, navigating the turquoise waters of the Maldives by boat or other marine vessels is a familiar and integral part of the local lifestyle and tourism experience.
The Maldives is a treasure trove of biological diversity, boasting a rich array of marine life. Notably, it is home to an impressive five out of the seven species of marine turtles found worldwide. These include the Olive Ridley turtle, the loggerhead turtle, the leatherback turtle, the green turtle, and the hawksbill turtle. The Maldives’ warm waters, coral reefs, and abundant marine ecosystems provide crucial habitats for these magnificent creatures. As such, the Maldives plays a vital role in the conservation of marine turtle populations, contributing to the global efforts to protect these endangered species and their delicate marine ecosystems.
Cowry shells, which were used as currency in the past, hold historical significance in the Maldives and can still be found today. These small, glossy shells were once used as a form of currency in the olden days, and their importance is acknowledged by the locals. In fact, cowry shells are even featured on modern currency bills and coins in the Maldives, serving as a testament to their cultural and historical value. This reflects the Maldivian people’s pride in their heritage and the significance of cowry shells in their traditional currency system, which has left a lasting impact on their modern currency and numismatic culture.
The Maldives is known for being home to the largest population of whale sharks in the world, making it a prime destination for divers and marine life enthusiasts. These majestic creatures can often be found in the waters around the Maldives, particularly near Sun Island and other popular diving spots such as Rangali Island and Hanifaru Bay. They have also been spotted near to Six Senses Kanuhura Maldives.
The coconut tree holds special significance in the Maldives and is often used as a symbol to represent the nation. This is for good reason, as coconut trees are widely grown across the islands of the Maldives and are an integral part of the local culture and lifestyle. The towering palm trees provide much-needed shade on the sandy beaches, offering respite from the tropical sun for both locals and tourists alike.
In addition to their use as shade providers, coconuts also offer a valuable source of wood for building traditional Maldivian boats known as dhonis. The strong and durable wood from coconut trees is used in the construction of these iconic boats, which have been used by Maldivians for centuries for fishing, transportation, and trade in the Indian Ocean. The versatility of the coconut tree, from providing shade on the beaches to being used as a building material, makes it a symbol of the Maldives’ cultural and natural heritage, and an important part of the Maldivian way of life.
Due to its proximity to the equator, the Maldives receives sunlight at nearly a 90-degree angle. As an island nation located in the tropical region of the Indian Ocean, the Maldives lies just north of the equator. This geographic location results in the sun’s rays hitting the Maldives nearly perpendicular to the earth’s surface, resulting in abundant sunlight throughout the year.
