The Maldives is a low-lying island country located in the north-central Indian Ocean. It lies southwest of Sri Lanka and India, approximately 600 to 750 kilometers away from these countries' mainlands. The Maldives consists of around 1,200 small coral islands and sandbanks, grouped naturally into 26 atolls that stretch about 800 kilometers from north to south and around 120 kilometers from east to west
. Geographically, the Maldives is situated between latitudes 3°15’N and 7°09’N and longitudes 72°32’E and 73°45’E. Its capital city, Malé, is located on the island of the same name within the North Malé Atoll
. This archipelagic nation is the smallest country in Asia by land area (about 300 square kilometers) and is known for having the world's lowest average ground elevation, making it vulnerable to sea level rise
. The Maldives is renowned for its stunning turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and vibrant coral reefs, making it a popular luxury tourist destination
