Maldives

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Gaumii salaam

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Maldives (orthographic projection)

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Maldives location map

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Loamaafaanu

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ConstantinoBraganca

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Codice Casanatense Maldivans

Island country in South Asia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Malé
• Tourism in the Maldives
• Geography of the Maldives
• History of the Maldives
• Economy of the Maldives
• Culture of the Maldives
• Politics of the Maldives

References

Template:South Asia

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