Maldives Facts

Maldives Facts for Kids

Here are some interesting Maldives facts which were chosen and researched by kids especially for kids.

• Population: roughly 550,000 people (2021)
• Capital: Malé with about 200,000 inhabitants
• Name: Republic of Maldives. The name comes from the city of Malé and refers to the islands of Malé.

• Government: Presidential Republic
• Language: Dhivehi
• Religion: predominantly Muslim 
• Currency: 1 Maldivian rufiyaa = 100 laari
• National Day: 26 July
• National Symbols: yellowfin tuna, coconut palm
• National Colours: red, green and white

• History: The atolls in the Maldives are populated for over 2,500 years as mentioned in ancient Tamil writing. Buddhist faith was dominant on the islands until the 12th century after this the population converted to Islam. From the 15th century the Maldives was first colonised by the Portuguese and later the British. In 1965, Maldives gained independence from the UK.