Where is Maldives? Location Map, Geography, Facts

Maldives is an island nation of Southern Asia situated in the north-central Indian Ocean. It lies southwest of India and Sri Lanka, and It lies between latitudes 1°S and 8°N, and longitudes 72° and 74°E. The Maldives consists of 1,192 coral islands grouped in a double chain of 26 atolls. Malé is the Cpital of Maldives.

Location Map of Maldives

Where is Maldives
About Map: Map showing location of Maldives in the Indian Ocean in Southern Asia.

Where is Maldives located

The given Maldives location map shows that Maldives is located in the Indian Ocean. Maldives consists of a chain of about 1,200 small coral islands and sandbanks, which are constituted of a double chain of about 26 atolls. It lies between the Minicoy Island (Lakshadweep islands, India) and Chagos Archipelago. Maldives closest neighbours are India, about 600 kilometres north-north-east, and Sri Lanka, about 645 kilometres north-east.

Surprisingly, the atolls of the Maldives comprise of a territory spread over approximately 90,000 square kilometers. This geographic feature categorizes it as one of the most dispersed countries in the world in terms area. The government type of Maldives is a presidential republic where the President used to be head of the government as well as head of the state. Maldives are the smallest Asian island country in terms of geographic area as well as population. By virtue of being located in the Indian Ocean, the climate of Mildives are largely controlled; and hence, Maldives posses mild temperatures. The variation of temperature is also low. The country's economy is largely depends upon the tourism. Since, the coral islands have so much natural beautiful landscape featured with mild climate and other beauties islands attract thousands of tourists every year.

Maldives Facts & Information

ContinentAsia
LocationLocation of Maldives in the Indian Ocean
NeighboursIndia, about 600 kilometres and Sri Lanka, about 645 kilometres
Coordinates: 4.18°N 73.51°E
Capital and largest cityMalé
Official languagesDhivehi
Recognised languagesEnglish
CurrencyMaldivian rufiyaa (MVR)
Time zoneUTC+5 (Maldives Time)
Total Area300[8] km2 (120 sq mi) (186th)
Population (2020 estimate)557426 (178th)
• Density1,102.5/km2 (2,855.5/sq mi) (11th)
Ethnic groups (2019)≈100% Maldivians
ReligionSunni Islam (mandated by law)
Demonym(s)Maldivian
GovernmentUnitary presidential republic
LegislaturePeople's Majlis
Independence from the United Kingdom26 July 1965
• Republic proclaimed11 November 1968
• Current constitution7 August 2008
GDP (PPP) 2021 estimate$8.972 billion[10] (163rd)
HDI (2019)0.740 high · 95t
GNI (U.S.$ '000,000) (2019) 5,137
Driving sideleft
Calling code960
ISO 3166 codeMV
Main AirportVelana International Airport (VIA) (IATA: MLE, ICAO: VRMM)
ClimateTropical monsoon climate
Internet TLD.mv
Official Websitewww.maldivesinfo.gov.mv/home/

Places to Visit & Attractions in Maldives

DestinationFamous For
Meeru IslandSmall island & all inclusive resort
Atmosphere Kanifushi MaldivesResort island with seaplane access
Ithaa Undersea RestaurantSeafood, coral reef and honeymoon
MaafushiEasygoing island for water sports
VilamendhooTiny island with a resort & diving
LandaagiraavaruTropical island with a vacation resort
Malé AtollSerene destination with scenic beaches
MilaidhooTropical island & biosphere reserve
BandosTiny island with an upscale resort
BarosLuxurious resort island with villas
HulhumaleMan made residential island with beaches
KomandooAdults only, all inclusive island resort
MaalefushiPeaceful atoll with a resort & beaches
Ari AtollLarge natural atoll made of 105 islands
AlimathaaTranquil island with white sand beaches
RasdhooSmall island known for beaches & diving
VihamanaafushiResort island with bungalows & eateries
FuvahmulahIsland with towns, beaches & ruins
BiyadhooHoneymoon and beach
National Museum, MaldivesMuseum
GuraidhooIsland for surfing, diving & snorkeling