The Maldives are a collection of islands in the Indian Ocean. It is a chain of 26 atolls, which are ring shaped islands or reefs made of coral that formed from prehistoric volcanoes that are now extinct. The coral grew on the volcanic rims and formed barrier reefs, allowing calm and shallow lagoons to form inside. It is the world’s lowest lying country with a highest point of only 17 feet above sea level! The islands are home to 500,000 people. The national language is Dhivehi and the national religion is Islam, mandated by the constitution. The Maldives gained independence from Britain in 1965.
We stayed on the small island of Dhiffushi, which is only 0.6 miles long and 0.12 miles wide. It is located in the Kaafu Atoll, with a population of just over 1000 people (INCLUDING tourists!)
