Overview

The Maldives is an island nation composed of many small islands scattered across the Indian Ocean. Located southwest of India, it occupies a narrow band of tropical sea whose land area is extremely limited compared with its maritime territory. The nation’s islands are formed from coral and sand atop a submarine ridge and are grouped broadly into natural archipelagos.

Geography and structure

The archipelagic layout includes the traditional Maldive and Suadive groupings and is usually described in terms of about 26 natural atolls. There are over a thousand islands in total; only roughly two hundred are inhabited. The country contains extensive coral reefs and lagoon systems. The Maldives is the flattest country in the world: its maximum natural elevation is tiny, approximately 2 metres above sea level (around 7 ft), which shapes both daily life and long-term planning.

Population, capital and culture

The capital city, Malé, is the political and economic center and contains a large share of the nation's residents; its population is commonly cited near 150,000. The Maldives is a predominantly Muslim country; Islam is the state religion and plays a central role in public life and law. The main spoken language is Dhivehi, an Indo-Aryan tongue with its own script and literary traditions.

Environment, economy and uses

The natural environment—shallow lagoons, fringing reefs and clear waters—underpins key livelihoods: fishing has long been a foundation of the economy, while tourism (resort islands, diving and marine recreation) is the dominant foreign-earnings sector today. Reefs support biodiversity, coastal protection and fisheries but are sensitive to warming, pollution and physical damage.

Challenges and adaptation

Because of its low elevation and reliance on the sea, the Maldives faces acute risks from sea-level rise, storm surges and coral bleaching. The government and international partners pursue adaptation measures that include coastal defences, reef restoration, land reclamation and climate diplomacy. Economic resilience also depends on diversifying beyond tourism and improving infrastructure on inhabited islands.

Notes and distinctions

  • Administrative atolls are a political layer that does not always match the natural reef atolls.
  • Many islands are small and densely settled, while others are kept as single-purpose resort islands.
  • The archipelago’s appearance and size can change over time because of sediment movement, erosion and human engineering.

The Maldives is widely studied as an example of island geography, marine conservation challenges and international climate-policy debates. It remains prized for its unique seascapes, coral ecosystems and cultural heritage built around seafaring, fishing and Islamic traditions.