The Maldives is a tropical island nation in the Indian Ocean, southwest of Sri Lanka and India. It is world-renowned for its crystal-clear lagoons, coral reefs, and luxury overwater bungalows. The country is made up of about 1,200 coral islands grouped into atolls, making it one of the most geographically dispersed nations on Earth.
- Capital
- Malé
- Continent
- Asia
- Region
- Southern Asia
- Area
- 300 km²
- Coordinates
- 3.25° N, 73° E
Country facts
- The Maldives is the lowest-lying country in the world, with most of its land just over one metre above sea level.
- Islam has been the official religion of the Maldives since the 12th century, when the islands converted from Buddhism.
- Dhivehi is the official language, written in a unique script called Thaana that reads from right to left.
- The yellowfin tuna is central to Maldivian cuisine and has historically been the backbone of its fishing industry.
- The Maldives gained full independence from British protection in 1965.
Capital facts
- Malé is one of the most densely populated cities in the world, packed onto a tiny island of roughly 5.8 square kilometres.
- The Hukuru Miskiy, also known as the Old Friday Mosque, was built in 1658 and is the oldest mosque in the Maldives.
- Malé serves as the political, economic, and cultural hub of the entire Maldivian archipelago.
- The city is connected to the international airport on nearby Hulhulé Island by the Sinamalé Bridge, opened in 2018.
- Colourful painted buildings and a busy fish market on the waterfront are signature features of the capital's streetscape.