Maldives Map

Description: This map shows governmental boundaries of countries, islands, atolls and atoll capital cities in Maldives.
Size: 1250x1914px / 424 Kb
Author: Ontheworldmap.com

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The Maldives is an island nation in the Indian Ocean, located southwest of Sri Lanka and India. The Maldives covers an area of about 115 square miles (298 square kilometers) and consists of 1,192 coral islands grouped into 26 atolls. The country has a population of about 515,000 people living mainly on the capital island of Male, which serves as the political, economic, and cultural center.

The capital city of Malé is home to the government's administrative offices, major financial institutions, and the main international airport. The city also functions as a commercial center with a concentration of businesses and services. Other significant islands include the city of Addu, the second largest urban area, which plays an important role in the southern part of the country.

The economy of Maldives relies heavily on tourism, which accounts for a significant portion of GDP and foreign exchange earnings. The country attracts tourists with its luxurious resorts, clear waters and vibrant marine life, making it a premier destination for diving, snorkeling and vacationing. The growth of the tourism sector is boosting infrastructure and hospitality development, contributing to the diversification of the economy.

Fishing, another cornerstone of the Maldivian economy, supports local employment and exports, especially tuna. The government is also encouraging initiatives to develop other sectors such as information technology and financial services to reduce the economy's dependence on tourism and fishing.

The Maldives faces challenges such as environmental sustainability and climate change, given its low-lying geography and vulnerability to sea level rise. Efforts to address these challenges included investments in renewable energy and sustainable tourism practices to conserve the country's natural resources and ensure long-term economic stability.

The Facts:

Capital:	Malé
Area:	115 sq mi (398 sq km)
Population:	~ 515,000
Official language:	Dhivehi
Currency:	Maldivian rufiyaa (MVR)
Driving side:	left
Calling code:	+960
Internet TLD:	.mv
Time zone:	UTC+5 (MVT)
Gross domestic product 2023 (PPP):	$14.740 billion (Total) $50,093 (Per capita)
Gross domestic product 2023 (nominal):	$11.977 billion (Total) $19,558 (Per capita)

Cities and Towns: Malé, Dhidhdhoo, Kulhudhuffushi, Funadhoo, Eydhafushi, Naifaru, Manadhoo, Ungoofaaru, Rasdhoo, Mahibadhoo, Thulusdhoo, Felidhoo, Kudahuvadhoo, Nilandhoo, Muli, Veymandoo, Vilingili, Thinadhoo, Fuvahmulah, Addu City.

Provinces of Maldives: Upper North, North, North Central, Central, South Central, Upper South, South.

Administrative Divisions: Haa Alif, Haa Dhaalu Shaviyani, Baa, Lhaviyani, Noonu Raa, Alif Alif, Alif Dhaal, Kaafu, Vaavu, Dhaalu, Faafu, Meemu, Thaa, Laamu, Gaafu Alif, Gaafu Dhaalu, Gnaviyani and Addu City.

Atolls of the Maldives: Ihavandhippolhu Atoll, Boduthiladhunmathi Atoll, Māmakunudhoo Atoll, Etthingili Alifushi Atoll, Northern Maalhosmadulu Atoll, Fasdhūtherē Atoll, Southern Maalhosmadulu Atoll, Goidhu Atoll, Faadhippolhu Atoll, Kaashidhu Atoll, Gahaafaru Atoll, North Malé Atoll, South Malé Atoll, Thoddu Atoll, Rasdhu Atoll, Ari Atoll, Felidhe Atoll, Vattaru Atoll, Mulaku Atoll, Northern Nilandhe Atoll, Southern Nilandhe Atoll, Kolhumadulu Atoll, Haddhunmathi Atoll, Huvadhoo Atoll, Fuvahmulah, Addu Atoll.

Geography of Maldives

The Maldives, located in the Indian Ocean southwest of Sri Lanka and India, consists of 1,192 coral islands organized into 26 atolls. The country's geography is characterized by low-lying islands with an average elevation of 1.5 meters above sea level, making it one of the flattest countries in the world.

The Maldives has a tropical monsoon climate characterized by year-round warm temperatures averaging 26-30°C (79-86°F). Two distinct seasons prevail: the dry northeast monsoon from November to April and the wet southwest monsoon from May to October.

The atolls, formed on top of an underwater volcanic mountain range, support diverse marine ecosystems including coral reefs and rich marine life. These geographical features make the Maldives a significant area of marine biodiversity and a popular destination for water activities such as diving and snorkeling.

Brief History of Maldives

The history of the Maldives stems from its strategic location along ancient trade routes in the Indian Ocean. Early settlers, probably from Sri Lanka and southern India, arrived here around 500 BC. Buddhism dominated the islands until the 12th century, when Islam became the state religion following the conversion of King Dhovemi.

Over the centuries, the Maldives has experienced periods of foreign influence and control, including Portuguese occupation in the 16th century and British protectorate status from 1887 to 1965.

The Maldives gained independence from Britain in 1965, establishing a sultanate that transitioned to a republic in 1968. Since then, political developments have included a change in authoritarian rule and democratic reforms, as well as ongoing efforts to strengthen governance and address environmental issues.