- Official name
- Republic of the Maldives ދިވެހިރާއްޖޭގެ ޖުމްހޫރިއްޔާ · Dhivehi
- Capital
- Malé
- Region
- Southern Asia
- Population (2018 est.)
- ≈ 516,000
- Area
- 300 km²
- Currency
- Maldivian rufiyaa (MVR)
- Neighbours
- None — island or sea borders only
- Internet / phone
- .mv · +960
Where it is
Notable facts
- The Maldives is the world’s lowest-lying country: its average ground level is about 1.5 m above sea level.
- It consists of roughly 1,190 coral islands grouped into 26 atolls, of which about 200 are inhabited.
- Its cabinet held an underwater meeting in 2009 to draw attention to sea-level rise.
- Malé is one of the most densely populated cities in the world.
National dish
Garudhiyaގަރުދިޔަ A clear tuna broth, poured over rice with lime, chilli and onion.
Mas huni — shredded smoked tuna with coconut, onion and chilli, eaten at breakfast with flatbread — is named just as often.