MALE' THE CAPITAL

Male’ is considered as one of the smallest capitals in the world, whilst it is also known as one the most densely populated areas in the world with over 75,000 people (almost one third of the population) living on two square kilometer of land.
Male' is different from all other islands in the country with high-rise multi story buildings, paved roads and latest luxury vehicles, the main government offices are located in one area while the main streets are lined with shops and private offices, In the old bazaar area which is still considered as the country’s hub of wholesale and retail trade, the lanes are so narrow that a single vehicle would find it difficult to navigate through, especially with its throngs of busy people.
There are no beaches on Male’; instead seawalls surround all its sides. However, a newly landscaped artificial beach area and adjoining breakwater stretching all the way round to the harbor in the southwest of the island provide a pleasant jogging route, especially popular in the evenings when it is cooler. Male’ is still relatively green and pleasant. The streets in the residential areas are shaded with trees, at places forming an arch overhead. A fair number of main streets are lined with huge trees providing shade on both sides. Although Male’ is densely populated, it is one of the safer and secure city among the all neighboring capitals. Fortunately Male’ does not have activities such as robbing and pocket picking. People are friendly and helpful they greet with a friendly smiling face. It is not difficult to find your way around Male’ if you carry a map with you. Most souvenir shops lined the northern end of Chaandanee Magu, Guides and vendors are able to speak English, French, German, Italian, and other languages, also patiently they are waiting to serve the visitors in a hospitably manner. While shopping do keep in mind that export of products made of turtle shell, black coral, pearl oyster shell and red coral is prohibited.
Beside souvenir shops you may find latest electronics, jeweleries, dive gears and some fancy stuff such as sun glasses. The shops are stocked with an ample supply of gifts and souvenir items.

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MALDIVES HISTORY, CLIMATE AND CULTURE

It is believed that the first settlers of the Maldives immigrated from neighboring countries; these events date back to 5 th Century BC. Traders from Arabia , India , Sri Lanka etc…visited the Maldives to exchange goods during the early days. These visitors contributed much to the language and culture of the Maldives .
Maldivians practiced Hinduism & Buddhism during the early days; a Moroccan Scholar converted the country to Islam in 1153 AD. And since then Maldives has been a 100% Muslim Nation.
The abundance of cowry shells, coir rope and ambergris in Maldives attracted the Portuguese to Maldives . Consequently the Portuguese launched attacks against Maldives until they captured the country in 1558, In 1573 the Portuguese were chased away from Maldives with great bravery of few Maldivian Heroes.

British Influence in the Indian Ocean had effects on Maldives too. They recognized the strategic location of Maldives and offered Maldives a treaty which finally put Maldives under British Protectorate in 1887. Even today historians disagree the extent of freedom Maldives had under British Protectorate. Maldives finally got Independent from the British in 1965. This historic agreement was signed on 25 July 1965 in Sri Lanka . However they stayed in Addu Atoll until 1976. A written constitution did not exist in Maldives until 1932, customs and traditions along with Islamic Shariah formed the Law.
In 1953 the Maldives was converted to a Republic. However the republic was short-lived, after only 8 months the country was once again transformed to a sultanate and lasted a Sultanate until 1968. In 1968 once again Maldives was transformed to republic. On 11 November 1968, Mr Ibrahim Nasir was proclaimed the First President of the Second Republic . In 1978 Mr Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom was elected the President of the Maldives. And the current president Mr. Mohamed Nasheed was elected on 11 November 2008.

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