The Maldives is a chain of 1,200 low-lying coral islands south-west of Sri Lanka, the lowest country on Earth by elevation, world-famous for over-water bungalows and a rapidly threatened reef ecosystem.
Geography & landscape
Maldives sits in Southern Asia, in the northern hemisphere of Asia. With an area of approximately 298 km², it is a compact territory, set in the northern hemisphere and exposed to the tropical climate band typical of its latitude. Its capital, Malé, lies near coordinates 3.25°, 73°.
The country shares the cultural and geographic context of Asia, with neighbouring states and trade routes shaped by its position in the wider Southern Asia region. Topography, watersheds and coastline (where present) define the practical realities of agriculture, settlement and transport across Maldives.
People & society
The population of Maldives is around 520K. Communities, dialects and customs vary by region, and the country’s sense of identity is shaped by its history, its borders and the everyday rhythms of its towns and cities.
The official language is Dhivehi, used in government, education and most public life. Regional dialects, minority languages and immigrant communities add further linguistic texture.
Government & politics
Maldives is structured as a presidential republic. Political authority is exercised through institutions based primarily in Malé, with the head of state and head of government performing constitutional roles defined by the country’s legal framework. Domestic policy, foreign relations and the administration of public services all flow from this constitutional core.
Economy & currency
The official currency of Maldives is the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR). Monetary policy, banking, taxation and trade are managed nationally, often in coordination with regional and international institutions. Major economic activity tends to cluster around Malé and other principal urban centres, with secondary economies built on the country’s natural resources, manufacturing capacity and service industries.
Culture & everyday life
The cultural footprint of Maldives shows up in cuisine, music, sport, religious life, festivals and design. National holidays mark the country’s historical pivots; family meals, café culture and street life follow patterns rooted in geography and tradition. International audiences usually meet Maldives through its sport, its music, its food, or the global diaspora that carries those things abroad.
Travel essentials
The capital, Malé, is the natural starting point for first-time visitors. International dialling uses the country code +960, and clocks are set to the MVT (UTC+5) time zone. ISO standards identify Maldives as MV (alpha-2) and MDV (alpha-3) — useful when booking flights, decoding number plates, or matching customs paperwork. The flag, 🇲🇻, appears at every border post and on every passport.
By the numbers
Sort or filter the table below to compare key metrics at a glance.
| Metric | Value | Unit / Note |
|---|---|---|
| Capital city | Malé | — |
| Continent | Asia | — |
| Sub-region | Southern Asia | — |
| Population | 520K | people |
| Area | 298 | km² |
| Currency | Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) | — |
| Calling code | +960 | international dialling |
| Time zone | MVT (UTC+5) | standard time |
| Government type | Presidential republic | — |
| ISO 3166 alpha-2 | MV | 2-letter code |
| ISO 3166 alpha-3 | MDV | 3-letter code |
| Latitude | 3.25 | degrees |
| Longitude | 73 | degrees |
Did you know?
The Maldives is the world's flattest country — its highest natural point is just 2.4 metres above sea level.
