Maldives
South Asia
Maldives is a country in South Asia, home to 530,000 people, with an area of 300 km². Its capital is Malé.
- Capital
- Malé
- Population
- 530,000
- Area
- 300 km²
- Region
- South Asia
- Density
- 1,767 / km²
- Status
- Sovereign state
Population: UN World Population Prospects, 2024 revision. Area: CIA World Factbook.
What Maldives is known for
Maldives is best known for Scuba diving and snorkeling, Beaches and Local island tours.
Maldives is a tropical island nation located in the Indian Ocean. It is made up of 26 atolls, which are composed of more than 1,000 coral islands. The capital city is Malé.
Maldives at a glance
- Language
- Dhivehi is the official language, but English is widely spoken
- Currency
- Maldivian rufiyaa (MVR)
- Religion
- Islam is the official religion of the Maldives
- National dish
- Mas huni (a dish made with shredded smoked tuna, grated coconut, onions, and chili peppers, usually served for breakfast)
- Climate
- The Maldives has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons: a dry season from December to April and a wet season from May to November
- Main industries
- Tourism, fishing, and shipping are the main industries in the Maldives
- GDP
- $5.92 billion (nominal, 2021 estimate)
- Development
- The Maldives is considered a developing country with a human development index (HDI) ranking of 107 out of 189 countries (2020)
Things to do in Maldives
Some of the main tourist attractions in the Maldives include:
- Scuba diving and snorkeling The Maldives is known for its crystal-clear waters and diverse marine life, making it a popular destination for scuba diving and snorkeling.
- Beaches The Maldives is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, with white sand and turquoise waters.
- Local island tours Visitors can take a tour of local islands to experience the culture and way of life of the Maldivian people.
- Whale shark and manta ray watching The Maldives is one of the few places in the world where visitors can swim with whale sharks and manta rays.
- Luxury resorts The Maldives is home to some of the most luxurious resorts in the world, with overwater bungalows and private villas.
These are just a few examples of the many attractions that the Maldives has to offer. The country is also known for its rich history and culture, with a mix of South Asian, Arab, and East African influences.
Maldives in pictures
Maldives on video
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Maldives compared with its neighbours
How it sits against the other countries of South Asia.
| Country | Population | Area | Capital |
|---|---|---|---|
 Nepal | 29.7 million | 147,181 km² | Kathmandu |
 Sri Lanka | 23.1 million | 65,610 km² | Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte |
 Bhutan | 790,000 | 38,394 km² | Thimphu |
| Maldives | 530,000 | 300 km² | Malé |
Ranked 167th of 195 countries by population and 187th by area.
Questions about Maldives
What is the capital of Maldives?
The capital of Maldives is Malé.
How many people live in Maldives?
About 530,000 people. Ranked 167th of 195 countries by population and 187th by area.
How big is Maldives?
Maldives covers 300 km², in South Asia.
What is Maldives known for?
Maldives is best known for Scuba diving and snorkeling, Beaches and Local island tours.
What language is spoken in Maldives?
Dhivehi is the official language, but English is widely spoken.
What currency is used in Maldives?
Maldivian rufiyaa (MVR).
Is Maldives a country?
Yes. Maldives is a sovereign state and is counted among the 195 countries this generator draws from.