Maldives

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File:Gaumii salaam.ogg

Maldives (orthographic projection)
Maldives location map
Loamaafaanu
ConstantinoBraganca
Codice Casanatense Maldivans
Republic of Maldives
ދިވެހިރާއްޖޭގެ ރާއްޖެ
Flag of Maldives
Flag
Coat of arms of Maldives
Coat of arms
Motto: "މިނިވަނަކަށް ދިވެހިރާއްޖެ"
Anthem: Gaumii salaam
Location of the Maldives
Location of the Maldives
Capital
and largest city
Malé
Official languagesDhivehi
GovernmentUnitary presidential republic
• President
Ibrahim Mohamed Solih
Faisal Naseem
Area
• Total
298 km2 (115 sq mi)
Population
• 2022 estimate
557,751
CurrencyMaldivian rufiyaa (MVR)
Time zoneUTC+05:00 (MST)
Driving sideleft
Calling code+960
ISO 3166 code[[ISO 3166-2:MV

|MV

]]
Internet TLD.mv


The Maldives, officially the Republic of Maldives, is a small island nation in South Asia, situated in the Indian Ocean. It lies southwest of Sri Lanka and India, about 700 kilometers (430 mi) from the Asian continent's mainland. The Maldives is one of the world's most geographically dispersed sovereign states and the smallest Asian country by land area and population.

History[edit | edit source]

The Maldives has a long history of settlement, with evidence of habitation dating back to the 5th century BCE. The islands were historically significant for their strategic location along major maritime trade routes. The Maldives became a British protectorate in 1887 and gained full independence in 1965. The country transitioned to a republic in 1968.

Geography[edit | edit source]

The Maldives consists of 26 atolls, which are made up of more than 1,000 coral islands. The atolls are spread over roughly 90,000 square kilometers, making the Maldives one of the most dispersed countries in the world. The highest natural point in the Maldives is only about 2.4 meters (7 feet 10 inches) above sea level, making it the world's lowest country.

Climate[edit | edit source]

The Maldives has a tropical monsoon climate, characterized by two distinct seasons: the dry season (northeast monsoon) and the wet season (southwest monsoon). The average temperature ranges between 25°C (77°F) and 30°C (86°F) throughout the year.

Economy[edit | edit source]

The Maldivian economy is primarily based on tourism, which accounts for nearly 28% of the GDP and more than 60% of the Maldives' foreign exchange receipts. Other significant sectors include fishing, agriculture, and shipping. The Maldives is known for its luxury resorts and pristine beaches, attracting tourists from around the world.

Demographics[edit | edit source]

The population of the Maldives is approximately 557,751 as of 2022. The majority of the population is of Maldivian ethnicity, and the official language is Dhivehi. The predominant religion is Islam, which is also the state religion.

Culture[edit | edit source]

Maldivian culture is a blend of various influences, including South Indian, Sinhalese, and Arab cultures. Traditional music, dance, and crafts are integral parts of Maldivian cultural heritage. The Maldives celebrates several national holidays, including Independence Day and Republic Day.

Related Pages[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


Template:South Asia

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