A Nation Like No Other
The Republic of Maldives is an island nation in the Indian Ocean, located southwest of Sri Lanka and India. It consists of 1,200 coral islands grouped in 26 ring-like atolls, stretching 800km north to south.
With a population of just over 500,000 — and 99% of the country covered by water — the Maldives has the lowest average ground elevation of any country on Earth, at just 1.5 metres above sea level.
Despite its small size, the Maldives punches far above its weight on the world stage — as a global leader in sustainable tourism, marine conservation, and luxury travel.
The Maldivian People
Maldivians are warm, welcoming and deeply proud of their unique culture — a rich blend of South Asian, Arab, East African and Southeast Asian influences developed over 3,000 years of island life.
The Divehi language, Islamic traditions and distinctive music and dance forms (like the Boduberu drum dance) create a cultural identity unlike anywhere else in the world.
Boduberu Music
Traditional drum and dance performance unique to the Maldives
Maldivian Cuisine
Tuna, coconut and rice — simple, fresh and delicious
Dhoni Boat Building
The iconic wooden dhoni has shaped Maldivian life for centuries
Islamic Tradition
Islam has been the religion of the Maldives since the 12th century
One of Earth's Most Vital Ecosystems
The Maldives sits atop the 5th largest coral reef system in the world. Its atolls are ringed by extraordinarily rich reef ecosystems that support over 2,000 species of fish, 200 species of coral, and critically endangered species including the hawksbill turtle.
It's home to the world's largest known gathering of manta rays at Hanifaru Bay in Baa Atoll (a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve), regular whale shark aggregations off Ari Atoll, and endemic species found nowhere else on Earth.
Whale Sharks
Year-round in South Ari Atoll
Manta Rays
Hanifaru Bay aggregations Jul–Nov
Sea Turtles
5 of 7 species nest in the Maldives
Coral Gardens
200+ hard and soft coral species
Sustainability & Conservation
The Maldives is on the front line of climate change — its average elevation of 1.5m means rising seas are an existential threat. This urgency has made the country one of the world's most committed advocates for ocean conservation and sustainable tourism.
30x30 Ocean Pledge
The Maldives has pledged to protect 30% of its ocean territory by 2030 — the most ambitious marine protection target in the Indian Ocean region.
Renewable Energy
Multiple islands and resorts now run entirely on solar power. The government targets 100% renewable energy by 2030.
Single-Use Plastic Ban
Single-use plastics were banned across the Maldives in 2021. Most resorts have eliminated all plastic bottled water.
Coral Restoration
World-leading coral reef restoration projects are active across multiple atolls, with guests invited to sponsor coral frames.
How You Can Help as a Visitor
- Use reef-safe (mineral) sunscreen only
- Never touch or stand on coral
- Don't feed fish — it disrupts the ecosystem
- Refuse single-use plastic wherever possible
- Choose resorts with sustainability certifications
- Participate in reef clean-up programmes
- Support local island businesses
- Dispose of waste responsibly — no littering