Beautiful Maldives

The republic of Maldives is a beautiful chain of low-lying islands located in the Indian Ocean. Secluded from the rest of the world for many years, it has now become a paradise for travelers who are looking for water sports and sunshine. Tourism has become the main economic activity on the islands with the development of appropriate tourist infrastructure consisting of hotels, restaurants, bars, and casinos.

Although the country has become one of the most popular long-haul tourist destinations in the world, the local people are still conservative and rarely mingle with the foreigners. The local populace is referred to as the Dhivehin who trace their roots to different ethnic groups such as the Aryan, Negroid, Sinhalese, Dravidian and Arab descent. This vibrant mix of different cultures is mainly because various ethnic groups controlled the region over the centuries, namely the Muslims during the 12th century, the Portuguese during the 16th century and the British during the 17th century. After achieving independence as a Sultanate in 1965, Ibrahim Nasir was declared as the president of the Republic of the Maldives. In 1978, he was succeeded by Maumoon Abdul Gayoom who played a dominant role in the islands' politics for many years.

Apart from its rich history, the country has plenty to offer to tourists such as night-fishing trips, windsurfing and scuba diving. Many islands in the region have vast lagoons where sparkling blue water laps gently against the white sandy beaches. The natural beauty of the Maldives can only be discovered when you actually visit the islands as the vibrant colors and shades are difficult to describe in words.

More than eighty percent of Maldives' territory is low-lying, less than one meter above sea level, which makes its beaches very conducive for snorkeling. However, due to rising global temperatures, many environmentalists believe that the region faces a threat of being submerged in the next 25 to 50 years. The islands were recently devastated by the tsunami on 26 December 2004 in which twenty of the 199 inhabited islands in the region were completely destroyed. The region has also sparked international outrage on the detention of citizens who voiced their opinions against the governments conduct.

In spite of the slight political unrest, innumerous tourists flock to the islands every year. Although the culture and history is fascinating, it is the spellbinding natural beauty of the islands that lure most visitors. The Maldives are a perfect vacation retreat for those looking for an unforgettable vacation in a quaint and rustic environment.