Maldives Where is Maldives?
The Maldives is situated in the Indian Ocean, just south of India and Sri Lanka.
It is made up of some 1,190 coral islands, clustered in 26 natural atolls.The islands are spread over an area of almost 90,000 square kilometers, but the actual land area is less than 300 square kilometers.Only about 200 of the islands have people living on them, with many others used for resorts, farming or left empty.The capital Malé is one of the most densely populated cities in the world, squeezed into a very small island.
Geography and Climate
The Maldives is the flattest nation on Earth, with an average height of just 1.5 meters above sea level.
This makes it very vulnerable to rising ocean levels, and the government has spent a lot on building new land, such as Hulhumalé, an artificial island near Malé meant for more people.The climate is tropical, with a rainy season from May to November and a dry season from December to April, which is the best time for tourists.
People and Population
As per reports of 2026, the population of Maldives is about 382000. It is one of the least populated countries in Asia.
The national language is Dhivehi . Islam is the official religion . The constitution states that the citizens must be Muslims .The people are a mixture of South Asian, Arab and African backgrounds from centuries of trade across the Indian Ocean.
Economics & Tourism
Tourism is the major part of the Maldivian economy, with millions of visitors coming every year to enjoy luxury resorts, diving spots and rich marine life such as manta rays, whale sharks and colorful coral reefs.
Fishing, especially for tuna, is the other main economic activity.Due to financial problems, the government has chosen to cut spending, including lowering the president’s salary, rather than asking for help from the IMF.
Fast Facts
- Capital: Malé
- Official language: Dhivehi
- Currency: Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR)
- Government: Presidential republic
- Population: About 382,000
- Highest point: Around 2.4 meters above sea level
- Notable achievement: The Maldives became the first country in the world to ban tobacco for people born after 2007
Why the Maldives Still Captivates
Even with political issues and climate worries, the Maldives continues to attract travelers and policy makers.
It is both a dream vacation spot and a key example of how countries are dealing with a changing climate.Though its map shows many small islands spread across the ocean, its impact on tourism, climate action, and politics in the Indian Ocean is much bigger than its size suggests.
