1. The Maldives has approximately 1190 islands, out of which approximately 200 islands are inhabited and 89 islands are tourist resorts.

2. For over ten years now, the number of tourist visits has exceeded the resident population of the Maldives. In 2006, population and tourist visits were recorded at around 300,000 and 460,000, respectively.

3. “Boduberu” is one of the country’s oldest cultural music and is similar to African tribal music. It’s performed by a group of people with big drums. The songs start with a slow beat, building up to a crescendo towards the end, while dancers maintain the wild beat with their frantic movements ending in some cases in a trance.

4. Garudhiya (fish soup) is a traditional Maldivian dish. It’s prepared by boiling tuna in water with salt, until it is well cooked. Some use chilies and onions to flavor the soup according to their likes while others simply prefer just fish and water.

5. Though English is spoken widely, Dhivehi is the official language of the Maldives. It has its own script called Thaana, which is written from right to left.