National Symbols

National Flag

The colors green, red and white characterize the Maldivian National flag: The green rectangle, which represents the innumerable palm trees, the life source of the islands, is surrounded by red, the blood of the nation’s martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the nation, and is dominated by a white crescent in the centre, the symbol of Islamic faith.

National Emblem

The crescent, a star, a coconut palm, two national flags and a banner with the traditional title of the state “ Ad–Dawlat Al–Mahaldheebiyya” (“The State of the Maldives”) represent the National emblem.

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National Tree

Maldivians have done the beneficial coconut palm justice by declaring it the National Tree in 1985. All parts of it can and are used; there is no waste. Its leaves/branches are used as material for the roofs. The product, cadjan, is widely used for roofing the bungalows at the newly built resorts. The branches are also used for making local brooms, essential for the daily sweeping of the roads and yards in the islands. On special occasions you can admire huge fish or other objects and decorations made out of these branches – an art form in itself.

The fruit itself is an essential part of Maldivian cuisine, the juice of a young fruit “kurumba”, is a delicious, refreshing drink. The ripe coconut is used with dried fish, in short eats or as coconut milk. Coconut shells are a good source of fuel keeping a fire burning for a long time and on the islands you can still find specially made irons heated by these shells.

National Flower

The pink rose was declared the National Flower in 1985. It is a rare beauty – just like the country it represents.