Maldives

Nestled in South Asia, the Maldives is an idyllic island nation in the Indian Ocean. It is situated southwest of Sri Lanka and India, about 750 kilometers from the Asian mainland. The Maldives is a true tropical haven known for its pristine white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and stunning coral reefs.

This archipelago consists of 26 natural atolls, stretching across the equator from the northern Ihavandhippolhu Atoll to the southern Addu Atoll. Although its territory spans approximately 90,000 square kilometers, the Maldives has a land area of just 298 square kilometers, making it Asia’s smallest country by land area.

With a population of around 515,000, the Maldives is one of the world's most densely populated nations. It is also the smallest Muslim-majority country in terms of area, and its unique geography and vibrant culture make it a sought-after destination for travelers worldwide.