The Maldives is a tropical island nation located in the Indian Ocean, southwest of Sri Lanka and India. It is made up of around 1,200 coral islands grouped into 26 atolls, with only about 200 islands inhabited. The capital city is Malé.

The Maldives is known for its stunning white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and luxury resorts, making it one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations. Its marine biodiversity and coral reefs also attract scuba divers and nature lovers from around the globe.

The population is predominantly ethnic Maldivians, and the official language is Dhivehi. Islam is the state religion, and the country has a presidential republic form of government.

The Maldives gained independence from British protection in 1965. Due to its low elevation — the average ground level is just about 1.5 meters above sea level — it is considered one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change and sea-level rise.