Maldives

The Maldives is an archipelagic nation located in South Asia.

It sits in the northern Indian Ocean within the eastern Arabian Sea. The country is positioned southwest of India and Sri Lanka. The Maldives is composed of a chain of 26 atolls.

These coral formations stretch across the equator from Ihavandhippolhu Atoll in the north to Addu Atoll in the south. It is the smallest and most remote country in Asia. The nation is one of the most spatially dispersed sovereign states in the world. This is because its tiny land area is spread over a massive area of the sea.

The geography of the Maldives is defined by its extreme low elevation. The average ground level is only about 1.5 meters above sea level. The highest natural point is Mount Villingili, which reaches only about 2.4 meters.

This makes the Maldives the lowest-lying country on Earth. Because the land is so close to the water, the islands face serious environmental challenges. Rising sea levels caused by climate change pose a direct threat to the islands. The population was 515,132 according to the 2022 census. This makes it the second least populous country in Asia. However, it is also one of the most densely populated nations.

The history of the islands spans over 2,500 years.

Legends suggest the first settlers were known as the Dheyvis. They may have arrived from the southern shores of the Indian subcontinent. Historical evidence shows that Buddhism was the dominant religion for about 1,400 years. This Buddhist period was foundational for Maldivian culture. It shaped the local language, architecture, and ruling institutions. Archaeological remains, such as stupas and monasteries, provide evidence of this era.

The local language, Dhivehi, and early scripts also originated during this time.

In the 12th century, the religious and political landscape changed significantly. Arab traders from the Indian Ocean played a major role in this transition. The last Buddhist king, Dhovemi, converted to Islam around 1153 or 1193. This led to the establishment of several Islamic dynasties. The Maldives became a sultanate with strong commercial ties to Asia and Africa. The formal title of the ruler was the Sultan of Land and Sea.

This period of Islamic influence continues to define the country today.

European colonial powers began to exert influence in the mid-16th century. The Maldives eventually became a British protectorate in 1887. The nation finally achieved independence from the United Kingdom in 1965.

In 1968, a presidential republic was established. This included an elected People's Majlis. The country has experienced periods of political instability and efforts toward democratic reform. In 2016, the Maldives temporarily withdrew from the Commonwealth of Nations. It was readmitted on February 1, 2020, after showing evidence of democratic processes.

The economy of the Maldives has shifted over many decades. Fishing has historically been the dominant economic activity. Today, it remains the second largest sector of the economy. The tourism industry has grown rapidly to become the largest sector. The World Bank classifies the Maldives as an upper-middle income economy. Its per capita income is significantly higher than other South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) nations.

The capital city is Malé, which is also the most populated city. It was traditionally known as the "King's Island."

There are many interesting theories regarding the name of the country. Some scholars suggest it comes from the Sanskrit words for "garland of islands." This is reflected in the Sinhala term Maala Divaina, meaning "Necklace Islands."

Others note that medieval Muslim travelers called the islands "Djazirat al-Malik" from the Arabic word for "palace." This likely referred to the capital, Malé. The local name in the Dhivehi language is Dhivehi Raajje. The people are called Maldivians. The country remains a vital part of global maritime and environmental discussions.