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A string of pearls
scattered over the deep blue Indian Ocean - The first glimpse you get
of this fascinating atoll- formation confirms two unique aspects of
the Republic of Maldives.Not only does it consist of the most
beautiful tropical islands, but 99% of its 90.000 km˛ is covered by
the sea. 1190 islands are spread over 26 atolls, ringlike coral
formations enclosing a lagoon, which gives the Maldives its unique
paradise-like appearance. They stretch for about 820 km from North to
South, 130 km at the widest point and do not exceed a length of 4.5
miles or an altitude of 6 feet above sea level. No more than 200
islands are inhabited, the rest includes the 87 tourist resorts and
uninhabited islands, some of which are used for drying fish or other
agricultural activities. The capital Malé, the seat of government and
the centre of trade, commerce, business, health and education, is
located in the middle of the atoll chain, a small island buzzing with
the sounds and activities of about 75.000 people which is about one
third of the population.
ATOLL FORMATION
The atolls of the Maldives
are formed from coral structures, separated by lagoons. The atolls are
in fact part of a greater structure known as the Laccadives-Chagos
Ridge, which stretches over 2000 kilometres. The islands are low lying
with the highest point at approximately 8 feet above sea level. 'Faru'
or ring-shaped reef structures form the atolls and these reefs provide
natural defense against wind and wave action, on these delicate
islands. |
Information provided by Maldives Tourism Promotion Board,
Ministry of Tourism, Republic of Maldives.
