The Maldives

The Maldives is a beautiful group of islands and an independent country located in the Indian Ocean, about 560 miles south of Sri Lanka. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, plenty of accommodation options, high-quality services, and various entertainment opportunities.

The official name of the country is the Republic of the Maldives, and it has a long and complex history shaped by periods of colonization and national development. Today, the country’s economy is largely based on tourism, along with fishing and seafood production. The capital city, Malé, is a modern business center and an important transportation hub for the islands.

The archipelago consists of 26 atolls formed by underwater mountains along the Chagos–Laccadive Ridge. The total land area of the country is estimated to be about 115 square miles, making the Maldives one of the smallest countries in Asia. Geographically, it is also one of the flattest countries in the world, with the highest natural point of just about 17 feet and an average elevation of about 4 feet above sea level.

Due to this extremely low elevation, the Maldives is expected to be heavily affected by rising sea levels. Experts predict that by the end of the current century, large parts of the country could become uninhabitable, potentially forcing the evacuation of much of the population.