{"id":29174,"date":"2021-01-19T19:59:00","date_gmt":"2021-01-20T00:59:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mathkind.flywheelsites.com\/?post_type=global-math-stories&p=29174"},"modified":"2026-05-25T14:56:25","modified_gmt":"2026-05-25T18:56:25","slug":"maldives","status":"publish","type":"global-math-stories","link":"https:\/\/mathkind.org\/es\/global-math-stories\/maldives\/","title":{"rendered":"Maldivas"},"content":{"rendered":"

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MALDIVES<\/h3>\n
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Small Wonders<\/h1>\n

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By Chadd McGlone<\/p>\n

Chapel Hill, NC, United States<\/p>\n

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Traveling by sea to the island country of Maldives<\/strong>, you\u2019ll find endless water stretching in all directions. As your boat draws closer, though, you\u2019ll notice dark squares poking above the horizon. They\u2019ll rise in height as you approach. You\u2019ll wonder to yourself how palm trees could have grown rectangular foliage? Then the realization will hit you\u2014<\/p>\n

Those aren\u2019t trees, they\u2019re buildings!<\/em><\/p>\n

Jam-Packed and in a Pickle<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Resembling a sight from a science fiction movie, the capital city of Mal\u00e9 is one of the most densely populated cities on Earth. With just over 210,000 residents living across its compact island of 3.2 square miles (8.3 square kilometers), the urban fabric is built almost continuously from shore to shore.<\/p>\n

Not only is Mal\u00e9 densely populated, but the Maldives is also one of the lowest-lying countries in the world. The nation\u2019s average natural elevation is just about 1.5 meters (4 feet 11 inches) above sea level, with its highest natural point reaching only about 2.4 meters (7 feet 10 inches). This low elevation makes the country highly vulnerable to sea-level rise from climate change.<\/p>\n

A Royal Past<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

The entire archipelago of Maldives started off with a greater number of islands than of inhabitants. An astonishing 1,192 coral islands fan out across approximately 35,000 square miles (90,000 square kilometers). Its population was estimated to be 2,147 in the late 19th century, the earliest count available. At that time, Mal\u00e9 was called “the King\u2019s Island” and was the home of the ruling royal dynasty and its palace.<\/p>\n

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Photo “Male Skyline<\/a>” by Smiskin. Public domain.<\/em><\/p>\n

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During the past century, Mal\u00e9 has undergone tremendous change. Not only has the population grown, but the royal palace has been replaced by concrete buildings, busy harbors, and scenic boardwalks.<\/p>\n

Tourist Tips<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Today many tourists visit Mal\u00e9, often stopping on the way to one of the many beautiful nearby resorts. Visitors rave about the warm, sunny weather and the ease with which they can get from place to place. With a circumference of fewer than four miles, people can easily walk anywhere on Mal\u00e9.<\/p>\n

You could see the entire city on foot in about an hour. Then when you\u2019re ready to cool off in the ocean, head to the accurately named Artificial Beach. Leave your bikini at home, however, as this Muslim country encourages modesty while swimming. You’ll save a bundle on sunscreen!<\/p>\n

\"Tropical<\/p>\n

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Adaptation of “Artificial Beach<\/a>” by David Stanley. Licensed under CC BY 2.0<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

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Have a suggestion for this story? We\u2019d love for you to\u00a0submit it<\/a>!<\/em><\/p>\n

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Are you a teacher who’s interested in telling this story to your students? Here’s a slideshow to get you started.<\/p>\n