Overview
The Maldives, officially known as the Republic of Maldives, is an archipelagic country situated in South Asia. It lies in the Indian Ocean, near the southeastern boundary of the Arabian Sea, and is positioned southwest of India and Sri Lanka. The nation sits approximately 750 kilometres from the Asian continent's mainland, making it one of the most geographically dispersed countries in the region.
Geography
The Maldives is composed of a chain of 26 atolls that stretches across the equator, extending from Ihavandhippolhu Atoll in the north to Addu Atoll in the south. This unique atoll formation gives the country its distinctive geography, spreading the nation's territory across a vast expanse of the Indian Ocean.
- Location: Indian Ocean, near the southeastern Arabian Sea
- Regional position: Southwest of India and Sri Lanka
- Distance from mainland Asia: About 750 kilometres
- Number of atolls: 26
- Northernmost atoll: Ihavandhippolhu Atoll
- Southernmost atoll: Addu Atoll
Historical Background
The country has historically been known as the Maldive Islands, a name that reflects its long-standing identity as a collection of island territories in the Indian Ocean. Today, it is officially recognized as the Republic of Maldives.
Significance of Its Atoll Structure
The arrangement of the Maldives' atolls across the equator is a defining feature of the nation, contributing to its status as one of the most spread-out island nations in South Asia. This atoll chain not only shapes the country's physical geography but also plays a role in its ecological and cultural character as an archipelagic nation.