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The republic of the Maldives is an Island nation consisting of a group of atolls between minicoy Island and the Chagos Archipelago in the Laccadive sea of the Indian Ocean. The Maldives 26 atolls feature over a thousand Islets of which 250 are inhabited. It is a popular destination for Maldives holidays, in particular, Maldives package deals.
The Maldives are unique in the respect that it has the lowest highest point of any nation. It is also the smallest Asian country in terms of geographical area (298 square km) and population (350,000). It also holds the status as being the smallest Muslim nation in the world.
Archaeolgical study of the remains of earlier cultures began with the work of H.C.P. Bell. A British Civil servant who was shipwrecked on the Islands on 1879. He investigated ancient Buddhist ruins and found mounds which have been called Havitta or Ustubu. Bell asserted the ancient Maldivians were the descendants of the Theravadan Buddhists by looking at Archaeolgical remains found in the Male museum. Since bell researchers have found that it Mahayana and Vajrayana groups who followed the Theravadians.
The Maldives gained Independence from Britain in 1965. It had been a British protectorate since 1887. Full political independence was signed by the British Ambassador Sir Michael Walker. Shortly afterwards the Maldivian monarchy was abolished and replaced by a republic. Tourism began to be developed in the 1970’s.
Tourism is the largest economic industry in the Maldives, and package holidays to Maldives are very popular. The first resort in 1972 saw tourism develop after that. Now 600,000 tourists visit the Islands every year, particularly on Maldive package deals.
Diving and Snorkelling are very popular on the Islands, and searches for Maldives holiday deals have been increasing on the web in recent years. The psychedelic colours of the islands and the underwater beauty make the Maldives a hotspot for dive enthusiasts. Many resorts in the Maldives have diving instructors and diving schools. Surfing at Lhohoi and Thulusdho make the islands desirable for those who like this sport. Over twenty different species of whales and dolphins can be spotted on the Maldives. From the giant Blue Whale to the tiny Spinner dolphin. This makes the Islands one of the top-5 places in the world for Whale and dolphin watching.
Whether you enjoy history and culture, or sun and sand, Maldive package deals and Maldive holiday deals are sure to please. Check out the lastest finds and bargains for package holidays to Maldives here