Maldives is a small island nation in the Indian Ocean and has been a major destination for tourists due to its gorgeous beaches and stunning scenery. Its economy is mostly based on tourism, fishing and other services, but is also supported by construction, distribution, real estate, and government industries.
The main religion is Islam and the language is Divehi. The capital city is Male’ and the country has a unicameral parliament and 19 atoll courts.
Seafood is a big part of local cuisine in the Maldives and spices are also widely used. Various seafood dishes are served on the menus of resorts and restaurants, as well as grilled fish and coconut curry. Rice is a staple food in the Maldives and can be enjoyed with most meals. Coconut is a major ingredient and can be used in grated form, as milk, or as oil which is often used to deep fry foods. Favourite fish include skipjack tuna, little tunney, yellowfin tuna, frigate tuna, bigeye scad, wahoo and mahi mahi.
There are several unique dining experiences available on many of the islands including underwater restaurants where diners can see the stunning marine life below them. Guests can also enjoy meals with celebrity chefs and attend cooking classes to learn the art of Maldivian cuisine.
Visitors are welcome to visit the Maldives, but it is important to respect the culture and follow local dress codes. Women should cover their legs and shoulders, while men should keep their chests covered and wear shorts if visiting non-resort islands. It is also important to remove shoes when entering homes or mosques.