Maldives is formally the Republic of Maldives, an archipelagic nation in the Indian subcontinent of Asia, positioned in the Indian Sea. It lies southwest of Sri Lanka as well as India, concerning 750 kilometres (470 miles; 400 nautical miles) from the Asian continent’s mainland. The chain of 26 atolls extends from Ihavandhippolhu Atoll in the north to Addu Atoll in the south (throughout the Equator).

Comprising a region extending approximately 90,000 square kilometres (35,000 sq mi) consisting of the sea, land area of all the islands consists of 298 square kilometres (115 sq mi), Maldives is just one of the globe’s most geographically spread sovereign states as well as the smallest Oriental nation along with among the smallest Muslim-majority countries by land area and, with around 557,751 residents, the 2nd the very least populated nation in Asia. Malé is the resources as well as one of the most populated city, commonly called the “King’s Island” where the old royal dynasties ruled for its main place.

The Maldivian Archipelago is situated on the Chagos– Laccadive Ridge, a large submarine range of mountains in the Indian Ocean; this also develops a terrestrial ecoregion, along with the Chagos Archipelago as well as Lakshadweep. With an average ground-level altitude of 1.5 metres (4 feet 11 in) over water level, as well as a highest natural point of just 2.4 meters, it is the world’s lowest-lying nation.

In the 12th century Islam got to the Maldivian Island chain, which was settled as a sultanate, developing solid business and also cultural ties with Asia as well as Africa. From the mid-16th century, the area came under the raising impact of European colonial powers, with Maldives ending up being a British protectorate in 1887. Independence from the United Kingdom came in 1965, as well as a governmental republic was developed in 1968 with an elected People’s Majlis. The taking place decades have actually seen political instability, initiatives at democratic reform, and ecological obstacles presented by environment adjustment.

Maldives ended up being a starting participant of the South Oriental Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). It is additionally a participant of the United Nations, the Republic of Nations, the Organisation of Islamic Participation, and the Non-Aligned Activity. The Globe Financial institution classifies the Maldives as having an upper-middle revenue economic situation.

Angling has historically been the dominant economic activity, as well as remains the biggest industry by far, adhered to by the quickly expanding tourist industry. The Maldives prices “high” on the Person Growth Index, with per capita income dramatically greater than other SAARC nations.

Maldives was a member of the Commonwealth of Nations from July 1982 up until taking out from the organisation in October 2016 in objection of allegations by other nations of its human rights misuses as well as failing freedom. Maldives rejoined the Commonwealth on 1 February 2020 after revealing evidence of working democratic processes as well as prominent support.