The Maldives: A Low-Lying Coral Archipelago in the Indian Ocean

Geography

• Location: 700 km SW of Sri Lanka, 400 km SW of India; straddles equator (1°S–7°N)
• Structure: 26 atolls (ring-shaped reefs) → 1,192 coral islands (187 inhabited, 150+ resorts)
• Elevation: Highest natural point: 2.4 m (7.9 ft) on Villingili (Addu Atoll) — world's lowest high point
• Area: 298 km² land; 90,000 km² EEZ

Climate

• Tropical monsoon: 26–32°C (79–90°F) year-round
• Dry season (Iruvai): NE monsoon, Dec–Apr — peak tourism
• Wet season (Hulhangu): SW monsoon, May–Nov — storms, rain, lower prices

Ecosystems

• Marine: 2,000+ fish species, 200+ coral, manta rays, whale sharks, turtles, dolphins
• Terrestrial: Coconut, banyan, screwpine, mangroves; fruit bats, geckos, seabirds
• Threats: Coral bleaching (warming), sea-level rise, erosion, waste management

Economy

• Tourism: 28% GDP, 60%+ FX earnings; 1.7M visitors (2023); "one island, one resort" model
• Fishing: Tuna (pole-and-line, sustainable); 10% GDP
• Construction, boatbuilding, ICT growing

Infrastructure

• Velana Intl Airport (MLE): Main gateway; seaplane (Trans Maldivian Airways) to resorts
• Domestic airports: 12+ (Gan, Hanimaadhoo, Villa, etc.)
• Inter-island: Ferries, speedboats, dhonis (traditional)
• Greater Malé: Capital Malé + Hulhumalé (reclaimed) + Villimalé — 60% population

Existential Challenge

Sea-level rise (3–4 mm/yr) threatens inundation by 2100. Adaptation: coastal protection (tetrapods, seawalls), land reclamation (Hulhumalé), floating city concepts (Dutch partnership), international advocacy (AOSIS).

The Maldives is a geological miracle—living coral reefs building islands atop a submerged volcanic mountain chain—now on the climate frontline.