The Republic of Maldives is an island country in the Indian Ocean. It has 1199 islands that are clustered into 26 major atolls. An atoll is a ring-shaped coral reef or a string of closely spaced coral islands. The natural coral reefs of the Maldives are surrounded by the sea all around and stand out as a pearl in the Indian Ocean. The Maldives is the eighth smallest country in the world with an area of only 300 square kilometers. It is the smallest Asian country in terms of population and size.

People have been living on the islands of the Maldives for nearly 3000 years. They set sail from different parts of the world-Asia, Arabia, Europe and Americato come to these islands. The earliest settlers of the Maldives were probably from southern India and Sri Lanka who came to these islands in the fourth and fifth centuries BC. In the 12th century AD, sailors from East Africa and Arab countries came to the Maldives. As a result, the Maldivians who were originally Buddhists were converted to Sunni Islam in the mid-12th century. In 1344 Ibn Batuta, a famous Arab historian and scholar travelled around the Maldives.

In the 16th century, the Portuguese conquered the Maldives and ruled the country for 15 years. Although governed as an independent Islamic sultanate for most of its history from 1153 to 1968, the Maldives was a British colony from 1887 to 1965. Following independence from Britain in 1965, the sultanate continued to operate for another 3 years. On November 11, 1968, the sultanate was abolished and replaced by a republic and the country assumed its present name.

The Maldives is famous as a tourist destination because of its pleasant weather, heavenly beaches and lagoons, luxurious holiday resorts and the peace-loving people. The Maldives was ranked as the best country for beautiful beaches andfacilities for recreation in 2008.

The Maldives is well known for being the lowest country in the world. Unfortunately, this small country with idyllic natural beauty is under threat from rising sea levels due to global warming. Most of the country is just 1.5 meters above sea level with the highest point of 2.3 meters! Many predictions have been made with respect to Maldives being swept away by the rising water level in the Indian Ocean. When the power tsunami of 2004 hit the island nation, many of the island’s dry parts were flooded by the sea water. The government of the Maldives has begun to purchase land from nearby countries for resettling its people in case the islands go under water! In order to highlight the threats of global warming to its low lying islands, the government of Maldives held a cabinet meeting underwater in 2009. That was the first ever underwater cabinet meeting in the world. The meeting took place about 5 meters underwater, in a blue-green lagoon on a small island. While underwater, the cabinet signed a document calling on all nations to cut their carbon emissions.

Bengali Translation:

মালদ্বীপ প্রজাতন্ত্র হল ভারত মহাসাগরের একটি দ্বীপ দেশ। এখানে ১১৯৯টি দ্বীপ রয়েছে, যা ২৬টি প্রধান প্রবালপ্রাচীরে (অ্যাটল) বিভক্ত। একটি অ্যাটল হল একটি রিং–আকৃতির প্রবাল প্রাচীর বা কাছাকাছি অবস্থিত প্রবাল দ্বীপপুঞ্জ। মালদ্বীপের প্রাকৃতিক প্রবাল প্রাচীর সমুদ্র দ্বারা বেষ্টিত এবং ভারত মহাসাগরে একটি মুক্তার মতো দাঁড়িয়ে আছে। মালদ্বীপ আয়তনে বিশ্বের অষ্টম ক্ষুদ্রতম দেশ, যার মাত্র ৩০০ বর্গকিলোমিটার এলাকা। জনসংখ্যা ও আকারের দিক থেকে এটি এশিয়ার সবচেয়ে ছোট দেশ।

মালদ্বীপের দ্বীপগুলিতে প্রায় ৩০০০ বছর ধরে মানুষ বসবাস করছে। তারা এশিয়া, আরব, ইউরোপ ও আমেরিকার বিভিন্ন অংশ থেকে এই দ্বীপগুলোতে এসেছে। মালদ্বীপের প্রথম বসতি স্থাপনকারীরা সম্ভবত দক্ষিণ ভারত ও শ্রীলঙ্কা থেকে খ্রিস্টপূর্ব চতুর্থ ও পঞ্চম শতাব্দীতে এসেছিল। খ্রিস্টীয় ১২তম শতাব্দীতে, পূর্ব আফ্রিকা ও আরব দেশের নাবিকেরা মালদ্বীপে আসে। ফলে, মূলত বৌদ্ধ ধর্মাবলম্বী মালদ্বীপবাসীরা ১২শ শতাব্দীর মাঝামাঝি সুন্নি ইসলামে ধর্মান্তরিত হয়। ১৩৪৪ সালে বিখ্যাত আরব ইতিহাসবিদ ও পণ্ডিত ইবনে বতুতা মালদ্বীপ ভ্রমণ করেছিলেন।

১৬শ শতাব্দীতে, পর্তুগিজরা মালদ্বীপ জয় করে এবং ১৫ বছর শাসন করে। যদিও ১১৫৩ থেকে ১৯৬৮ সাল পর্যন্ত বেশিরভাগ সময় এটি একটি স্বাধীন ইসলামী সুলতানাত হিসাবে শাসিত হয়েছিল, মালদ্বীপ ১৮৮৭ থেকে ১৯৬৫ সাল পর্যন্ত ব্রিটিশ উপনিবেশ ছিল। ১৯৬৫ সালে ব্রিটেন থেকে স্বাধীনতা লাভের পর, সুলতানাত আরও ৩ বছর চলেছিল। ১১ই নভেম্বর, ১৯৬৮ সালে, সুলতানাত বিলুপ্ত করা হয় এবং একটি প্রজাতন্ত্র দ্বারা প্রতিস্থাপিত হয় এবং দেশটি তার বর্তমান নাম গ্রহণ করে।

মালদ্বীপ তার মনোরম আবহাওয়া, স্বর্গীয় সৈকত ও লেগুন, বিলাসবহুল ছুটির রিসোর্ট এবং শান্তিপ্রিয় মানুষের জন্য একটি পর্যটন গন্তব্য হিসাবে বিখ্যাত। ২০০৮ সালে মালদ্বীপকে সুন্দর সৈকত এবং বিনোদনের সুবিধার জন্য সেরা দেশ হিসাবে র্যাঙ্ক করা হয়েছিল।

মালদ্বীপ বিশ্বের সর্বনিম্ন উচ্চতাযুক্ত দেশ হিসাবে পরিচিত। দুর্ভাগ্যবশত, এই ছোট্ট দেশটি, যা প্রাকৃতিক সৌন্দর্যে ভরা, তা বৈশ্বিক উষ্ণায়নের কারণে সমুদ্রপৃষ্ঠের উচ্চতা বৃদ্ধির হুমকির মুখে। দেশের বেশিরভাগ অংশ সমুদ্রপৃষ্ঠ থেকে মাত্র ১.৫ মিটার উঁচু, যার সর্বোচ্চ বিন্দু ২.৩ মিটার! মালদ্বীপ ভারত মহাসাগরের বাড়তে থাকা জলস্তর দ্বারা ভেসে যাওয়ার বিষয়ে অনেক ভবিষ্যদ্বাণী করা হয়েছে। ২০০৪ সালের শক্তিশালী সুনামি যখন এই দ্বীপ দেশটিকে আঘাত করেছিল, তখন অনেক দ্বীপের শুকনো অংশ সমুদ্রের জলে প্লাবিত হয়েছিল। মালদ্বীপ সরকার দ্বীপগুলি জলের নিচে চলে গেলে তার জনগণকে পুনর্বাসনের জন্য পার্শ্ববর্তী দেশগুলি থেকে জমি কেনা শুরু করেছে! বৈশ্বিক উষ্ণায়নের হুমকি তুলে ধরার জন্য, মালদ্বীপ সরকার ২০০৯ সালে একটি ক্যাবিনেট বৈঠক আয়োজন করেছিল পানির নিচে। এটি ছিল বিশ্বের প্রথম পানির নিচে ক্যাবিনেট বৈঠক। এই বৈঠকটি একটি ছোট দ্বীপের নীল–সবুজ লেগুনে প্রায় ৫ মিটার পানির নিচে অনুষ্ঠিত হয়েছিল। পানির নিচে থাকা অবস্থায়, মন্ত্রিসভা একটি দলিলে স্বাক্ষর করে যেখানে সকল দেশকে তাদের কার্বন নিঃসরণ কমানোর আহ্বান জানানো হয়েছিল।

Here are 50 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) based on the passage about the Maldives

Geography & Location

1. The Maldives is located in the —.
   (a) Pacific Ocean
   (b) Indian Ocean
   (c) Atlantic Ocean
   (d) Arctic Ocean
2. How many islands make up the Maldives?
   (a) 500
   (b) 1,199
   (c) 2,000
   (d) 50
3. The islands of the Maldives are grouped into —.
   (a) mountains
   (b) atolls
   (c) deserts
   (d) forests
4. The Maldives is the — smallest country in the world.
   (a) 5th
   (b) 8th
   (c) 10th
   (d) 12th
5. What is the total area of the Maldives?
   (a) 100 square kilometers
   (b) 300 square kilometers
   (c) 500 square kilometers
   (d) 700 square kilometers

History & Culture

6. The earliest settlers of the Maldives came from —.
   (a) China and Japan
   (b) Southern India and Sri Lanka
   (c) Europe and America
   (d) Australia and New Zealand
7. Before converting to Islam, Maldivians followed —.
   (a) Hinduism
   (b) Buddhism
   (c) Christianity
   (d) Judaism
8. The famous Arab traveler who visited the Maldives was —.
   (a) Ibn Battuta
   (b) Marco Polo
   (c) Christopher Columbus
   (d) Vasco da Gama
9. Which European country ruled the Maldives in the 16th century?
   (a) Spain
   (b) Portugal
   (c) France
   (d) Netherlands
10. The Maldives became a republic in —.
    (a) 1950
    (b) 1968
    (c) 1975
    (d) 1980

Climate & Environment

11. The biggest threat to the Maldives is —.
    (a) earthquakes
    (b) volcanoes
    (c) rising sea levels
    (d) sandstorms
12. Most of the Maldives is just — above sea level.
    (a) 0.5 meters
    (b) 1.5 meters
    (c) 3 meters
    (d) 5 meters
13. In 2009, the Maldives government held a cabinet meeting —.
    (a) on a boat
    (b) underwater
    (c) on a mountain
    (d) in a forest
14. The 2004 tsunami caused — in the Maldives.
    (a) drought
    (b) earthquakes
    (c) flooding
    (d) volcanic eruptions
15. The Maldives is working on — to fight climate change.
    (a) building taller buildings
    (b) renewable energy
    (c) digging deeper wells
    (d) cutting down trees

Tourism & Economy

16. The Maldives is famous for its —.
    (a) snowy mountains
    (b) deserts
    (c) beaches and lagoons
    (d) dense forests
17. A popular type of accommodation for tourists is —.
    (a) treehouses
    (b) water villas
    (c) caves
    (d) tents
18. Tourists enjoy — in the Maldives.
    (a) skiing
    (b) snorkeling and diving
    (c) hiking
    (d) camel riding
19. The best time to visit the Maldives is between —.
    (a) January and March
    (b) November and April
    (c) May and July
    (d) August and October
20. The Maldives was ranked best for — in 2008.
    (a) shopping
    (b) beaches and recreation
    (c) historical sites
    (d) wildlife

People & Lifestyle

21. The capital of the Maldives is —.
    (a) Colombo
    (b) Malé
    (c) Dhaka
    (d) Mumbai
22. The official language of the Maldives is —.
    (a) English
    (b) Dhivehi
    (c) Hindi
    (d) Arabic
23. Most Maldivians follow — religion.
    (a) Hinduism
    (b) Buddhism
    (c) Islam
    (d) Christianity
24. A traditional Maldivian dish is —.
    (a) pizza
    (b) sushi
    (c) Mas Huni
    (d) burgers
25. A traditional Maldivian dance uses —.
    (a) guitars
    (b) drums (bodu beru)
    (c) flutes
    (d) violins

Transport & Islands

26. People travel between islands using —.
    (a) cars
    (b) trains
    (c) boats and seaplanes
    (d) bicycles
27. Many Maldives islands have no —.
    (a) trees
    (b) cars
    (c) houses
    (d) schools
28. The highest point in the Maldives is —.
    (a) 1 meter
    (b) 2.3 meters
    (c) 5 meters
    (d) 10 meters
29. The Maldives is made up of —.
    (a) one big island
    (b) 26 atolls
    (c) 100 mountains
    (d) 50 rivers
30. The weather in the Maldives is usually —.
    (a) cold and snowy
    (b) hot and dry
    (c) warm and sunny
    (d) rainy and windy

Wildlife & Nature

31. Tourists can see — in the Maldives.
    (a) polar bears
    (b) elephants
    (c) colorful fish and turtles
    (d) lions
32. Coral reefs are important because they —.
    (a) produce oil
    (b) protect islands from waves
    (c) grow fruits
    (d) create clouds
33. A common fish eaten in the Maldives is —.
    (a) salmon
    (b) tuna
    (c) goldfish
    (d) shark
34. The Maldives is known for its —.
    (a) tall buildings
    (b) coral reefs
    (c) deserts
    (d) frozen lakes
35. Dolphins and — are often seen near the islands.
    (a) penguins
    (b) kangaroos
    (c) manta rays
    (d) zebras

Government & Future

36. The Maldives government is buying land in other countries to —.
    (a) build hotels
    (b) relocate people if islands sink
    (c) start farms
    (d) mine gold
37. The underwater cabinet meeting was held to —.
    (a) explore the ocean
    (b) protest against fishing
    (c) highlight climate change threats
    (d) study marine life
38. The Maldives wants other countries to reduce —.
    (a) tourism
    (b) carbon emissions
    (c) fishing
    (d) airplane flights
39. If sea levels rise too much, the Maldives could —.
    (a) grow bigger
    (b) disappear underwater
    (c) become a desert
    (d) freeze
40. Students can help the Maldives by —.
    (a) wasting water
    (b) learning about climate change
    (c) using more plastic
    (d) ignoring pollution

General Knowledge

41. The Maldives is the smallest country in Asia in terms of —.
    (a) population and size
    (b) number of islands
    (c) number of schools
    (d) number of cars
42. The first settlers arrived in the Maldives around —.
    (a) 500 years ago
    (b) 1,000 years ago
    (c) 2,500 years ago
    (d) 5,000 years ago
43. The Maldives was a British colony from —.
    (a) 1800-1820
    (b) 1887-1965
    (c) 1900-1950
    (d) 2000-2010
44. The Maldives is a popular destination for —.
    (a) honeymoons
    (b) skiing trips
    (c) desert safaris
    (d) jungle adventures
45. Alcohol is restricted in the Maldives because it is a — country.
    (a) Hindu
    (b) Buddhist
    (c) Muslim
    (d) Christian
46. The main economic activities in the Maldives are —.
    (a) mining and manufacturing
    (b) fishing and tourism
    (c) farming and logging
    (d) oil drilling
47. The Maldives has a — climate.
    (a) polar
    (b) tropical
    (c) desert
    (d) temperate
48. The traditional music of the Maldives features —.
    (a) electric guitars
    (b) drums (bodu beru)
    (c) pianos
    (d) violins
49. The Maldives is working on using more — energy.
    (a) coal
    (b) solar
    (c) nuclear
    (d) oil
50. The Maldives is special because of its —.
    (a) snow
    (b) unique beauty and culture
    (c) tall mountains
    (d) large cities

Here are the correct answers for the 50 MCQs:

Geography & Location

1. (b) Indian Ocean
2. (b) 1,199
3. (b) atolls
4. (b) 8th
5. (b) 300 square kilometers

History & Culture

6. (b) Southern India and Sri Lanka
7. (b) Buddhism
8. (a) Ibn Battuta
9. (b) Portugal
10. (b) 1968

Climate & Environment

11. (c) rising sea levels
12. (b) 1.5 meters
13. (b) underwater
14. (c) flooding
15. (b) renewable energy

Tourism & Economy

16. (c) beaches and lagoons
17. (b) water villas
18. (b) snorkeling and diving
19. (b) November and April
20. (b) beaches and recreation

People & Lifestyle

21. (b) Malé
22. (b) Dhivehi
23. (c) Islam
24. (c) Mas Huni
25. (b) drums (bodu beru)

Transport & Islands

26. (c) boats and seaplanes
27. (b) cars
28. (b) 2.3 meters
29. (b) 26 atolls
30. (c) warm and sunny

Wildlife & Nature

31. (c) colorful fish and turtles
32. (b) protect islands from waves
33. (b) tuna
34. (b) coral reefs
35. (c) manta rays

Government & Future

36. (b) relocate people if islands sink
37. (c) highlight climate change threats
38. (b) carbon emissions
39. (b) disappear underwater
40. (b) learning about climate change

General Knowledge

41. (a) population and size
42. (c) 2,500 years ago
43. (b) 1887-1965
44. (a) honeymoons
45. (c) Muslim
46. (b) fishing and tourism
47. (b) tropical
48. (b) drums (bodu beru)
49. (b) solar
50. (b) unique beauty and culture

Answer the following questions (1-50):

1. Where is the Maldives located?
2. How many islands does the Maldives have?
3. What is an atoll?
4. Why is the Maldives called a “pearl” of the Indian Ocean?
5. How big is the Maldives in area?
6. Is the Maldives the smallest country in Asia?
7. How long have people lived in the Maldives?
8. Who were the earliest settlers of the Maldives?
9. When did Arab sailors come to the Maldives?
10. What religion did Maldivians follow before Islam?
11. Who was Ibn Batuta?
12. Which European country ruled the Maldives in the 16th century?
13. How long was the Maldives a British colony?
14. When did the Maldives become a republic?
15. Why is the Maldives a popular tourist destination?
16. What award did the Maldives win in 2008?
17. Why is the Maldives called the “lowest country”?
18. What is the biggest threat to the Maldives?
19. What happened during the 2004 tsunami?
20. What is the Maldives government doing to save its people?
21. Why did the Maldives hold an underwater cabinet meeting?
22. How deep was the underwater cabinet meeting held?
23. What did the cabinet sign during the underwater meeting?
24. What is the main cause of rising sea levels?
25. How can countries help the Maldives?
26. What is the capital of the Maldives?
27. Why is Malé important?
28. What language do Maldivians speak?
29. What is the main religion in the Maldives?
30. Why can’t tourists bring alcohol into the Maldives?
31. What is the traditional food of the Maldives?
32. Why is fishing important in the Maldives?
33. What type of fish is commonly eaten in the Maldives?
34. Why are coral reefs important to the Maldives?
35. What animals can tourists see in the Maldives?
36. Why is the Maldives in danger from climate change?
37. What is the government doing to fight climate change?
38. Why do tourists love visiting the Maldives?
39. What is a “water villa” in the Maldives?
40. How do people travel between islands in the Maldives?
41. Why are there no cars on many Maldives islands?
42. What is the weather like in the Maldives?
43. When is the best time to visit the Maldives?
44. Why is the Maldives called a “honeymoon destination”?
45. How does tourism help the Maldives?
46. What is a “bodu beru” in Maldivian culture?
47. Why is the Maldives working on renewable energy?
48. What happens if the Maldives sinks underwater?
49. How can students help protect the Maldives?
50. Why is the Maldives a special country?

Answers (1-50):

1. The Maldives is an island country in the Indian Ocean. It is made up of 1,199 small islands.
2. The Maldives has 1,199 islands. These islands are grouped into 26 atolls.
3. An atoll is a ring-shaped coral reef. It can also be a chain of coral islands.
4. Because its beautiful coral reefs stand out like a pearl. The islands are surrounded by clear blue sea.
5. The Maldives is very small, covering only 300 square kilometers. It is the 8th smallest country in the world.
6. Yes, it is the smallest Asian country in both size and population.
7. People have lived there for nearly 3,000 years. The first settlers came around the 4th-5th century BC.
8. They were probably from southern India and Sri Lanka. They arrived around 2,500 years ago.
9. Arab sailors arrived in the 12th century AD. They brought Islam to the islands.
10. They were originally Buddhists. Later, they converted to Sunni Islam.
11. He was a famous Arab traveler and scholar. He visited the Maldives in 1344.
12. The Portuguese ruled the Maldives for 15 years. They were later driven out.
13. It was a British colony from 1887 to 1965. After that, it became independent.
14. The sultanate ended on November 11, 1968. The country became a republic then.
15. It has beautiful beaches, lagoons, and luxury resorts. The weather is also very pleasant.
16. It was ranked the best country for beaches and recreation. Tourists love its natural beauty.
17. Because most of its land is just 1.5 meters above sea level. The highest point is only 2.3 meters!
18. Rising sea levels due to global warming. The islands may sink underwater in the future.
19. Many islands were flooded by seawater. It caused a lot of damage.
20. They are buying land in other countries. This is for relocating people if the islands sink.
21. To show the danger of rising sea levels. It was a message to the world about climate change.
22. It was about 5 meters underwater. They met in a lagoon near a small island.
23. They signed a document asking nations to reduce carbon emissions. This helps fight global warming.
24. Global warming melts ice and heats oceans. This makes sea levels rise.
25. By reducing pollution and carbon emissions. This slows down global warming.
26. The capital is Malé. It is one of the most densely populated cities in the world.
27. It is the political and economic center of the Maldives. Many government offices and businesses are located there.
28. The official language is Dhivehi. English is also widely spoken, especially in tourist areas.
29. The majority of Maldivians are Sunni Muslims. Islam is the state religion.
30. Because the Maldives is a Muslim country with strict rules. Alcohol is only allowed in resorts for tourists.
31. A popular dish is Mas Huni(tuna with coconut and onions). Fish and rice are staple foods.
32. It is a major source of food and income. Many Maldivians work as fishermen.
33. Tuna is the most common fish. It is used in many traditional dishes.
34. They protect the islands from waves and storms. They also attract tourists for snorkeling and diving.
35. They can see colorful fish, turtles, and even sharks. Dolphins and manta rays are also common.
36. Because most islands are very low. If sea levels rise, the country could disappear underwater.
37. They are asking other countries to reduce pollution. They also promote eco-friendly tourism.
38. Because of its clear blue water, white sandy beaches, and luxury resorts. It feels like paradise.
39. It is a hotel room built over the water. Tourists can see fish swimming below their floor!
40. They use boats, seaplanes, or small airplanes. There are no bridges connecting the islands.
41. Because the islands are very small. People walk or use bicycles instead.
42. It is warm and sunny all year. There are two main seasons: dry and rainy.
43. The best time is between November and April. The weather is dry and perfect for beaches.
44. Because it has romantic resorts and private beaches. Many couples go there for weddings and vacations.
45. It brings money and jobs to the country. Many people work in hotels, restaurants, and diving centers.
46. It is a traditional drum music performance. People dance to its rhythmic beats.
47. To reduce pollution from fossil fuels. Solar power is being used in many islands.
48. The people may have to move to other countries. The government is already planning for this.
49. By learning about climate change and reducing waste. Small actions can make a big difference.
50. Because of its unique beauty and culture. It also shows the world why we must protect our planet.