If you’re thinking about where is the Maldives located on a map, then it is important to know that the Maldives are a small group of islands in the Indian Ocean located in the southwest region of the Asia continent.
Table of Contents
Where is the Maldives located?
The Republic of the Maldives is located in the Indian Ocean, southwest of Sri Lanka and India. The equator line is very close to this island due to its geographic coordinates at 3°15′N 73°00′E. The country is a group of multiple islands, such as 26 atolls and 1,192 small coral islands, which cover an area of about 90,000 square kilometers.
The Maldives is the smallest country on the Asian continent. This island is known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear water of the Indian Ocean, and coral reefs, making it a popular tourist destination for many travelers seeking a unique and romantic experience. The Maldives has one of the biggest islands, called Gan, which belongs to Laamu Atoll. It has the lowest levels of earth to sea, which are the maximum and average natural ground levels of only 2.4 meters.
Where are the Maldives located geographically?
The Maldives is an archipelagic nation located in the Indian Ocean, southwest of Sri Lanka and India. It is situated about 700 km (430 mi) off the coast of mainland Asia and to the southwest of India. The country’s chain of 26 atolls stretches across the equator, and the islands are dispersed across about 90,000 sq. km of the ocean. The Maldives is the smallest country in Asia, both in terms of land area and population, and is one of the world’s most geographically dispersed sovereign states
Maldives Wikipidea
| Location | The Maldives is an island nation in the Indian Ocean, situated southwest of Sri Lanka and India. |
|---|---|
| Capital | Malé, the capital and largest city, is located on the largest island in the Malé Atoll, measuring nearly 2.5 square kilometers. |
| Land Area | The Maldives has a land area of 298 square kilometers. |
| Atolls | It is formed by a chain of 1,900 coral islands grouped into 26 atolls. |
| Population | The Maldives has a population of a little over 393,500 inhabitants. |
| Elevation | The average ground-level elevation of the Maldives is 1.5 meters above sea level, making it the world’s lowest country. |
| Geographic | The Maldives is located between 3°15 N, 73°00 E and stretches from 0°S to 7° 0 N, with Minicoy at 8° 2. The islands are strategically located astride and along major sea lanes in the Indian Ocean. |
Capital of Maldives
Male City is the capital of the Maldives and is located on the North Male Atoll. It is also the most populated and popular city in the country. The Male city covers a total land area of about 8.30 square kilometers. It is one of the smallest capital cities in the world, with a population of 211,908 people as of 2022.
Malé is known for its lively culture, stunning beaches, and bustling markets. The city’s architecture shows a mix of traditional Maldivian and contemporary styles. Malé is accessible to all travelers 24/7, but individual attractions may have specific times. In conclusion, Male City is the most popular tourist destination in the Maldives. If you are seeking to travel to the Maldives, then the major airport is in Male City.
Where is the Maldives on a map?
Atolls in Maldives
The Maldives is a group of many islands in the Indian Ocean that are made up of 26 atolls, which are ring-like coral formations enclosing a lagoon. These atolls included about 1,190 islands, of which 187 are inhabited. The atolls are divided into 20 administrative divisions, and each atoll has a formal name.
The atolls stretch for about 820 km from north to south, 130 km at the widest point, and they cannot exceed a length of 4.5 miles. The altitude of the Maldives is about 1.5 to 2.4 meters above sea level, which is the lowest compared to any country in the world.
Total number of islands in maldives
According to the Maldives Bureau of Statistics, there are a total of 1,192 islands in the Maldives, of which 187 are inhabited. The Maldives is grouped into 26 atolls, and they are divided into three categories: inhabited islands, uninhabited islands, and resort islands.
Inhabited islands are also called local islands and are officially recognized as towns, villages, fishing, and farming communities with permanent human habitation. Uninhabited islands are those with no permanent human habitations, while resort islands are privately owned and cater to tourists.
The Maldives is a popular tourist destination, with a variety of luxury resorts on every island that provide a unique luxury experience for visitors looking for a vacation in the Maldives.
Read more: Best Places to Visit in the Maldives in February
Best Island
The Maldives are all beautiful islands, but according to the most visited tourist destinations, here are some of the best islands in the Maldives, according to various sources:
- Kuramathi Island Resort – The kuramathi island, which is occupied by these resorts located in the natural atoll of Rasdhoo, is on a teardrop-shaped island where walking trails weave through lush greenery, which provides privacy to visitors due to the large number of villas set back from the beach.
- Kandolhu Maldives – If you are looking for a romantic gateway, then this is the best island in the Maldives for you. This island offers crystal-clear coral reefs and velvety white sands as standard, and its intimate size of just 30 villas gives you maximum privacy.
- Lankanfinolhu Island – It is easily accessible to this island from Malé, and offering a luxurious yet adventurous Lankanfinolhu Island is perfect for those seeking the traditional glitz of the Maldives and wanting to bring the kids along.
- Funadhoo Island – There is also the best island, which is family-friendly and known as the best island in the Maldives for families. It is located on Miladhummadulhu Atoll.
- Thulusdhoo Island – The most beautiful island in the Maldives, is a destination that reeks of Caribbean vibes and spirits.
These are the islands that offer a range of activities, from beach relaxation and snorkeling adventures to shopping and indulging in local food from street stalls. Ultimately, the best island in the Maldives for you will depend on your travel style and preferences.
Read more: 7 Best Island in Maldives in 2024
How many inhabited islands in Maldives?
There are a total of 1,192 islands in the Maldives, out of which 187 are inhabited. On inhabited islands, the locals are officially recognized as towns, villages, fishing, and farming communities with permanent human habitation. Each of these inhabited islands has an island office and island chiefs. The remaining islands are either uninhabited or occupied by tourist resorts to engage visitors to their country and offer luxury accommodations. The 26 atolls are ring-like coral formations enclosing a lagoon. The Maldives is known for its unique geography, with the majority of its land area consisting of small, low-lying islands with amazing beauty.
If you like to read more related articles about Maldives, then
CLICK HERE
What is the time zone in the Maldives?
The Maldives nation follows Maldives Time (MVT), which is 5 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+5). The Maldives does not observe Daylight Saving Time, so the time difference remains constant throughout the year. Therefore, when it is 12:00 p.m. (noon) Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), it is 5:00 p.m. in the Maldives.
Important Tips: If you are planning a vacation trip to the Maldives, then while booking, consider the time zone of the Maldives.
What currency is used in the Maldives?
The Maldives is not the biggest country in the world, but it has its own official currency, the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR), which is divided into 100 larees. Paper notes come in denominations of 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 500 rufiyaa, although the lowest two are uncommon.
The commonly used coins are 10, 25, and 50 larees, and one and two-rufiyaa denominations. The Rufiyaa is considered an exotic currency by foreign exchange dealers, so it is difficult for visitors to exchange money from outside the country. However, US dollars are widely accepted, and it may be useful to have some small denomination bills in the local currency or US dollars to use.
Important Tips: The majority of the shop sellers and numerous resorts located on various Maldivian islands accept US dollars. But in some places, only Maldivian rufiyaa is used, so it’s important to carry some currency.
Where is the Maldives airport?
The main international airport in the Maldives is Velana International Airport (VIA), which is located on Hulhulé Island in the North Malé Atoll, near the capital island of Malé. This airport is well connected with major city airports around the world and easily accessible from the gateway to the Maldives for tourists. It is also known as Maldives International Airport and MLE Airport. There is also a domestic terminal, which is located within 3 minutes walking distance on the right side of the international terminal.
The Maldives is a geographically dispersed sovereign state, and there are also many options for visitors seeking domestic flight transfers to reach their final destination. The Maldives has 14 airports, including five international airports.
What is the flag of Maldives?
The flag of the Maldives consists of a red field with a green rectangle in the center. Inside the green rectangle, there is a vertical white crescent moon. The closed side of the crescent is on the hoist side of the flag. The red color symbolizes the bloodshed and boldness of the nation, while the green represents peace and prosperity. The white crescent moon and star are symbols of Islam, the predominant religion in the Maldives. The flag was adopted on July 25, 1965, after the Maldives gained independence from the United Kingdom. The flag’s design has remained unchanged since then, making it a potent symbol of the country’s identity and heritage.
What religion is Maldives?
The Maldives is an Islamic (Muslim) nation, and the constitution of the Maldives, revised in 2008, declares Islam as the official religion and the basis of all the country’s laws. It also requires that citizenship status be based on adherence to the state religion, making the country’s citizens 100% Muslim.
The traditional Islamic law code of sharia forms the Maldives’ basic code of law, as interpreted to conform to local Maldivian conditions by the President, the Attorney General, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Majlis. The law also restricts the practice of other religions, and public worship by adherents of religions other than Islam is forbidden on the inhabited islands. The majority of the population in the Maldives practices Sunni Islam.
What language is spoken in the Maldives?
Dhivehi is the official Maldivian language that is spoken in this nation, also known as Maldivian, which is an Indo-Aryan language closely related to the Sinhala language, which is similar to Sri Lankan. According to the Maldives Bureau of Statistics, 98.6% of Maldivians speak Dhivehi, but most of the people in the Maldives also speak English, especially at tourist sites and resorts.
Additionally, many Maldivians understand and speak languages such as French, German, Russian, Italian, and Chinese, particularly in the hospitality industry to cater to international visitors. Arabic is also taught in schools and mosques as the language of the Quran and Sunnah, as Sunni Islam is the state religion of the Maldives.
Best time to go to maldives
If you are seeking to travel to the Maldives, then it is very important to get there. The best time to visit the Maldives is generally between November and April, which is considered the peak season for many visitors. This period of time offers warm and tropical weather with little rain and low humidity, making it an ideal time for Maldives vacations and various other activities. It’s important to book your booking for the Maldives before peak season to save lots of money.
January to April are the dryest months, with average temperatures ranging from 29°C to 31°C, and are considered the best time for resorts. But if you want to explore the Maldives without any hesitation, then it’s important to note that this period is also the most expensive.
If you want to travel to the Maldives in a budget-friendly way with luxury, then you should consider the low season, which runs from May to November, and many Expensive Resorts or Hotels rate drop due to fewer visitors, which allows you to experience the attractive prices and offers. While the weather is still warm during this period, there is a higher chance of rain and occasional thunderstorms. For surfing and diving lovers, the best time is between March and October, and better visibility for diving is experienced on the western side of the island between May and November.
Important Tips: When seeking the best time to go to the Maldives, it totally depends on your preference, whether you prioritize good weather, lower costs, or specific activities such as surfing and diving.
FAQ’s
- where are the maldive islands
The Maldives is a republican nation located in the Indian Ocean on the southwest continent of Asia.
- where is the maldives located on map
The Maldives are located in the southwest part of the Indian Ocean and are close to the equator. The nearest countries are Sri Lanka and India.