Geography of the Maldives
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Faru, ring-shaped reef structures enclosing an
azure blue lagoon, form the atolls and give the Maldives its paradaisical appearance
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A string of pearls scattered over the deep blue Indian Ocean...
The first glimpse you get of this fascinating atoll formation confirms two unique
aspects of the Republic of the Maldives. Not only does it consist of the most beautiful
tropical islands, but more than 99% of its 90,000sqkm is covered by sea.
The Maldives is made up of 1190 islands spread over 26 atolls, ring-like coral formations
enclosing an azure blue lagoon, which gives the Maldives its unique paradise-like appearance.
They stretch for about 820km from north to south, and 120km from east to west, and do not
exceed a length of 8km or an altitude of 3m above sea level. Only 202 islands are inhabited,
with a further 87 tourist resort islands. Many of the uninhabited islands are used for drying
fish or other agricultural activities.
The capital, Malé, is the seat of government and the centre
of trade, commerce, business, health and education. Malé is located in the middle of
the atoll chain,
a small island buzzing with the sounds and activities of around 75,000 people, which is about
one-third of the country's population.
The atolls of the Maldives are formed from coral structures, separated by lagoons.
The atolls are in fact part of a greater structure known as the Laccadives-Chagos Ridge,
which stretches over 2000km. The islands are low lying with the highest point
at approximately 3m above sea level. Faru, or ring-shaped reef structures, form the
atolls and these reefs provide a natural defence against wind and wave action on these
delicate islands.
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