The Maldives is a picturesque island nation located in the Indian Ocean, southwest of Sri Lanka and India. It consists of 26 atolls, which are made up of over 1,000 coral islands. The Maldives is renowned for its stunning white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life, making it a popular destination for honeymooners, divers, and beach enthusiasts from around the world.
Geography
Climate
The Maldives enjoys a tropical climate with two distinct seasons: the dry season (northeast monsoon) from December to April and the wet season (southwest monsoon) from May to November. The average temperature ranges from 25°C to 31°C (77°F to 88°F) year-round, offering warm and sunny weather perfect for beach activities.
Fauna
The Maldives is home to a diverse array of marine life, including colorful coral reefs, tropical fish, sea turtles, dolphins, and whale sharks. The coral reefs surrounding the islands are among the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet, attracting snorkelers and scuba divers from all over.
Longest Rivers
The Maldives is a unique geographical formation consisting primarily of coral islands and atolls, and as such, it does not have any rivers.
Highest Mountains
Similarly, due to its geographical makeup, the Maldives does not have any significant mountains. The highest point in the country is only a few meters above sea level.
History
Prehistory
The history of the Maldives dates back over 2,000 years, with evidence of human settlement dating to the ancient period. The islands were likely first inhabited by Austronesian peoples, followed by seafaring traders from the Indian subcontinent, Arabia, and East Africa.
Early Civilizations
The Maldives became a crossroads of trade and culture, influenced by various civilizations, including Buddhist and Hindu empires. Buddhism was the predominant religion in the region until the 12th century when Islam was introduced by Arab traders. The Maldives became a Muslim sultanate and established itself as an important center of Islamic learning and commerce in the Indian Ocean.
Colonial Era
European colonial powers, including the Portuguese, Dutch, and British, vied for control of the Maldives due to its strategic location along key trade routes. However, the Maldives managed to maintain its sovereignty through a system of tribute payments to the colonial powers.
Independence and Modern Age
The Maldives gained independence from British protection in 1965, becoming a republic with a presidential form of government. Since then, the country has experienced rapid development in tourism, fishing, and infrastructure. However, it also faces challenges such as climate change and environmental degradation due to rising sea levels and coral bleaching.
Demographics
The Maldives has a population of approximately 530,000 people, predominantly of Maldivian descent. The official language is Dhivehi, although English is widely spoken, especially in the tourism industry. Islam is the official religion, and the Maldives follows a Sunni Muslim tradition. The population is concentrated in the capital city of Male and other urban centers, with the majority of the workforce employed in tourism, fishing, and government services.
Administrative Divisions
The Maldives is divided into 26 atolls, each comprising numerous coral islands. The administrative divisions are further subdivided into districts and inhabited islands.
List of Administrative Divisions with Population
- Alif Alif Atoll – Population: 11,000
- Alif Dhaal Atoll – Population: 12,000
- Baa Atoll – Population: 12,000
- Dhaalu Atoll – Population: 11,000
- Faafu Atoll – Population: 10,000
- Gaafu Alif Atoll – Population: 12,000
- Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll – Population: 11,000
- Gnaviyani Atoll – Population: 10,000
- Haa Alif Atoll – Population: 11,000
- Haa Dhaalu Atoll – Population: 12,000
- Kaafu Atoll – Population: 25,000
- Laamu Atoll – Population: 10,000
- Lhaviyani Atoll – Population: 10,000
- Malé Atoll – Population: 150,000 (including Malé city)
- Meemu Atoll – Population: 9,000
- Noonu Atoll – Population: 10,000
- Raa Atoll – Population: 10,000
- Seenu Atoll – Population: 10,000
- Shaviyani Atoll – Population: 10,000
- Thaa Atoll – Population: 10,000
- Vaavu Atoll – Population: 8,000
10 Largest Cities by Population
- Malé – Population: 150,000
- Addu City – Population: 33,000
- Fuvahmulah – Population: 12,000
- Kulhudhuffushi – Population: 9,000
- Thinadhoo – Population: 8,000
- Naifaru – Population: 6,000
- Hithadhoo – Population: 5,000
- Dhidhdhoo – Population: 4,000
- Eydhafushi – Population: 3,000
- Mahibadhoo – Population: 2,000
Education Systems
Education in the Maldives is free and compulsory for children between the ages of 6 and 16. The education system follows a combination of Islamic and Western curricula, with an emphasis on religious studies, English, and mathematics. The Maldives National University is the country’s premier institution of higher education, offering undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various fields.
Transportation
The Maldives has a well-developed transportation system, primarily focused on maritime and air travel.
Airports
The Maldives has several domestic and international airports, with Ibrahim Nasir International Airport in Malé serving as the main gateway to the country. Other major airports include Gan International Airport in Addu City and Hanimaadhoo International Airport in Haa Dhaalu Atoll.
Ports
The Maldives has numerous ports and harbors scattered across the islands, facilitating inter-island transport and trade. The main ports include Malé Commercial Harbor, Addu Atoll Commercial Harbor, and Thilafushi Industrial Port.
Country Facts
- Population: 530,000
- Capital: Malé
- Language: Dhivehi
- Religion: Islam
- Currency: Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR)
- ISO Country Code: MV
- International Calling Code: +960
- Top-level Domain: .mv