The Maldives is a tropical island nation in the Indian Ocean, located southwest of Sri Lanka and India. It is made up of around 1,200 small coral islands, grouped into 26 natural atolls, with only about 200 islands inhabited.
The country is famous for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and vibrant coral reefs, making it one of the world’s top destinations for luxury tourism, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Many resorts occupy their own private islands and feature overwater villas.
The Maldives has a warm, tropical climate year-round and a culture strongly influenced by South Asian, Arab, and African traditions. Islam is the official religion, and Dhivehi is the national language. Fishing and tourism are the main pillars of the economy.
Despite its beauty, the Maldives is also one of the lowest-lying countries in the world, making it especially vulnerable to sea-level rise and climate change.