The Maldives is composed of over 1,190 stunning islands, formed from prehistoric underwater volcanoes. These islands include uninhabited natural islands, sandbanks, and local islands inhabited by the beautiful Maldivian people. Most atolls are protected by a spectacular circular-shaped outer coral reef. The country spans 99,000 sq. k., with just 298 sq. k. being dry land; the remaining 99% is the Indian Ocean, which makes up the Maldives!

An interesting fact about the Maldives that surprises many travelers is how widespread it is – 820 kilometers from north to south and 130 kilometers from east to west. It takes almost 2.5 hours to fly from the northernmost point to the southernmost point of the Maldives. Neighboring countries include India and Sri Lanka. The Maldives is the lowest-lying nation in the world, at just 1 to 3 meters above sea level, which means it faces significant threats from climate change. Many islands are currently at risk of being permanently submerged back into the Indian Ocean. As the flattest country in the world, the Maldives has no hills or mountains, and 80% of the land lies just 1 meter above sea level. The longest single island is 8 kilometers in length, with most islands spanning 1 to 2 square kilometers.

Tourism: Out of the 1,190 islands, 167 host luxury Maldives resorts, mostly owned by major international hotel brands. Of the 200 inhabited islands where Maldivians reside, 60 local islands welcome tourists to stay in guesthouses and hotels.