Maldives
The
Maldives is a stunning archipelago country located in the north-central Indian Ocean southwest of Sri Lanka. It consists of 1,200 small coral islands and sandbanks, some 200 of which are inhabited, grouped in clusters known as atolls. This stunning chain of islands stretches more than 510 miles (820 kilometers) from north to south, and 80 miles (130 kilometers) from east to west. The Maldives has a total area of 115 square miles (298 kilometers), and its population is estimated to be 606,800 people in 2022.
The capital of the Maldives is Male (Male’), and the country is home to an ethnically diverse population that includes descendants of Tamil and Sinhalese peoples, Arabs, Chinese, and other Asians from neighboring countries. Dhivehi (Maldivian) is the official language, while Islam is the official religion. The currency is the rufiyaa.
The islands of the Maldives are all low-lying, with none rising more than 6 feet (1.8 meters) above sea level. These tropical islands boast sandy beaches, lagoons, and lush coconut palms, as well as breadfruit trees and other tropical foliage. Despite being one of the world’s poorest countries, the Maldives has an economy based on fishing, tourism, boatbuilding, and boat repairs. It is a republic that is governed by a president, and it has one legislative house known as the People’s Majlis.
Useful resources
- Theemuge - former presidential palace until 2008, today home to the Supreme Court of the Maldives.
- Department of Heritage - stately museum in a former place setting featuring historical artifacts, costume, and sculpture.