In this article, we are going to see all the details about the Maldives map. Most travelers who are going or planning a trip to the Maldives have a simple question that arises in many of you: exactly where are the Maldives located?
Table of Contents
Where are the Maldives located?
The Maldives is located in the north-central Indian Ocean, about 700 km (270 miles) off the coast of mainland Asia and to the southwest of India. It is an archipelagic nation with a total land area of 298 sq. km (115 sq. miles) in the Indian Ocean, which consists of 26 atolls and more than 1,100 islands, making it the smallest country on the Asian continent.
Maldives location map: all details
Location | Coordinates |
---|---|
Country | Maldives |
Region | Indian Ocean |
Nearest Mainland | Sri Lanka and India |
Distance from Mainland | Approximately 700 km (430 mi) |
Geographic Coordinates | 3°15′N 73°00′E |
Land Area | 298 sq. km (115 sq mi) |
Water Area | Not available |
Population | 530,953 (as of November 9, 2020) |
Capital City | Male |
Currency | Rufiyaa (MVR) |
GDP | $5.73 Billion (as of November 9, 2020) |
GDP Per Capita | $10,790.50 (as of November 9, 2020) |
Maldives location geographically
The Maldives is made up of a group of 26 atolls and over 1,100 islands straddling the Equator, with parts of the country lying in both the northern and southern hemispheres. The geographic coordinates of the Maldives are approximately 3°15′N 73°00′E, and it spans across the equator.
The country covers an area of approximately 90,000 square kilometers, with only 298 square kilometers of dry land. The islands are grouped into a double chain of 26 atolls, and the atolls sit atop a submarine ridge rising from the Indian Ocean. The Maldives is totally covered with 99% water and only 1% land.
Maldives Map
Maldives Language
The language spoken in the Maldives is Dhivehi. It is the national language of the Maldives, an Indo-Aryan language related to Sinhalese, with influences from Arabic, French, Portuguese, Persian, and English. While Dhivehi is the primary language, many Maldivians also speak and understand English, as well as other languages like French, German, Russian, Italian, and Chinese.
How to get to the Maldives
Here is how to reach the Maldives from various countries, including India, the US, and the UK:
From India
- By Air: The Maldives is easily accessible from various cities in India, such as Mumbai, New Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Goa, Pune, Cochin, and Trivandrum. Direct flights are available from these cities to Malé, the capital of the Maldives. The travel time from cities like New Delhi to Malé is approximately 4 hours and 10 minutes.
From the US
- By Air: There are no direct flights from the US to the Maldives. Travelers can reach the Maldives from the US with connecting flights through various international hubs such as Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi. The travel time from the US to the Maldives can vary, with options for connecting flights via different cities and airlines.
From the UK
- By Air: Travelers from the UK can reach the Maldives by air with connecting flights through international hubs such as Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi. There are no direct flights from the UK to the Maldives, so travelers will need to take connecting flights to reach their destination.
What is the main religion in the Maldives?
The Maldives is an Islamic nation, and Sunni Islam is the official state religion. The 2008 Constitution of the Maldives designates Islam as the state religion, requiring citizens to be Muslim. Non-Muslims are not allowed to become citizens of the Maldives Approximately 95–98% of the population in the Maldives follows Sunni Islam, and the constitution states that Islam forms the basis of all laws in the country.
The Atolls of Maldives
The Maldives is made up of 26 natural atolls, which are further divided into 20 administrative atolls. An atoll is a group of islands with a reef that nearly or entirely encloses a ring-like lagoon. The atolls of the Maldives are spread over nearly 90,000 square kilometers, with the country’s land area covering only about 298 square kilometers. For more information, you can refer to the official site of Maldives Visit Maldves
Maldives local islands
The Maldives is an archipelago consisting of nearly 1,200 islands, of which 200 are inhabited. Each island offers unique experiences with beautiful attractions. Here are some of the best local islands in the Maldives:
- Maafushi Island: Located in Kaafu Atoll, Maafushi is one of the most developed local islands and is easily accessible from Malé. It offers a range of accommodation options and is known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant marine life.
- Fulhidoo Island: Often referred to as the castaway paradise, Fulhidoo is known for its picturesque beaches and tranquil atmosphere. The island is perfect for exploring the coral reefs and the equatorial fish.
- Dhigurah Island: Located on the Alif Dhaal Atoll, Dhigurah is one of the least populated islands in the Maldives. It is popular for whale shark tours, multiple diving spots, and the longest beach in the Maldives.
- Ukulhas Island: Known as the first eco-friendly local island, Ukulhas is perfect for those wanting an island experience with a focus on sustainability and environmental conservation.
- Mathiveri Island: Located in Alif Alif Atoll, Mathiveri is popular for its three beaches and water sports opportunities like wakeboarding, diving, snorkeling, and dolphin and manta ray watching.
- Huraa Island: Just 35 minutes away from Male, Huraa Island is a local island that offers a more authentic Maldivian experience.
These all-local islands give you a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture, explore the beautiful beaches, and engage with the friendly locals.
FAQ’s
- Maldives map location in world map
The Maldives is located in the Indian Ocean, southwest of India, and about 700 km (430 mi) off the coast of mainland Asia.
- Where are the Maldives located in which country?
The Maldives is an island nation located in the Indian Ocean, southwest of India and Sri Lanka.