The Maldives is a tropical paradise in the Indian Ocean, southwest of Sri Lanka and India. It’s best known for its stunning white-sand beaches, turquoise lagoons, and overwater bungalows. The country consists of 1,190 coral islands grouped into 26 atolls, spread across roughly 90,000 square kilometers of ocean, making it one of the world’s most geographically dispersed nations.
Key Facts:
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Capital: Malé
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Population: Around 500,000
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Official Language: Dhivehi
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Religion: Islam (official state religion)
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Currency: Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR)
Highlights:
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Tourism: The Maldives is a luxury travel destination popular for honeymoons, diving, and snorkeling. Its coral reefs are teeming with marine life, including manta rays, whale sharks, and vibrant coral.
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Climate: Tropical, with two main seasons – dry (northeast monsoon) and wet (southwest monsoon). Temperatures average around 25–31°C (77–88°F) year-round.
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Sustainability Challenges: The Maldives is one of the world’s most low-lying countries, with an average elevation of just 1.5 meters. It’s extremely vulnerable to climate change and sea-level rise.
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