National Flag

The colours 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 heroes in sacrifice, 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 used on government documents.

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 branches are used as material for the roofs, giving them their thatch-like appearance and for brooms, essential for the daily sweeping of the roads and yards. On special occasions you can admire huge fish or other objects and decorations made out of these branches - an artform 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 shorteats 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 National Flower in 1985. It is a rare beauty - just like the country it represents.