The Maldives is home to 1,192 stunning islands, grouped into 26 natural atolls. If paradise to you means idyllic tropical islands adorned with swaying palm trees, powdery white sands, and surrounded by crystal-clear lagoons in every imaginable shade of blue, then the Maldives is your dream destination.
The Maldives has earned its illustrious reputation, having been praised as ‘(the) flower of the Indies’ by Marco Polo and celebrated by Ibn Batuta as ‘one of the wonders of the world.’ It's no surprise that many tourists find themselves returning to this paradise—captivated by its charm after just one visit.
The allure of the Maldives is undeniably irresistible. Its unique blend of tranquil seclusion, exhilarating water sports, rejuvenating spa experiences, picturesque beaches, and the indulgent luxury of modern comforts creates an unforgettable escape that leaves visitors yearning to relive the magic time and time again.
Quick Facts
Number of Atolls in Maldives :26 Natural Atolls (20 Administrative Atolls)
Number of Islands in Maldives :1192 Islands
Number of Inhabited Islands:188 Islands
Number of Resort Islands :175 Resorts (year 2024)
Length of Maldives: 871 Kilometers
Maldivian Population :382,751 (recorded on 2022)
The Maldives is a stunning archipelago of 1,192 low-lying coral islands, scattered across the equator and organized into 26 naturally formed atolls, which are further divided into 20 for administrative purposes. These atolls are part of the larger Laccadives-Chagos Ridge, a geological formation stretching over 2,000 kilometers. The islands themselves sit at remarkably low elevations, with the highest point reaching only about 8 feet above sea level. The atolls are surrounded by 'Faru'—ring-shaped reef structures—which serve as natural barriers, protecting the fragile islands from the impacts of wind and waves.
A testament to the flawless structure of the Maldives' atolls is that the English word "atoll," meaning "ring-shaped coral reef enclosing a lagoon," originates from the Maldivian language "Dhivehi."
Of the Maldives' 1,192 breathtaking tropical islands, only about 200 are inhabited. Around 150 of the remaining islands have been transformed into luxurious resort retreats, offering visitors a secluded escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Malé, the capital of the Maldives, serves as the nation's governmental, commercial, healthcare, and educational hub. Situated at the heart of the atoll chain, this lively island is home to over 300,000 people—more than one-third of the country's population. Despite its vibrancy, Malé is notably one of the smallest urban capitals in the world.
Where Are the Maldives Islands?
The Maldives is situated between latitudes 4°17'N and longitudes 73°50'E, boasting year-round sunshine in this prime tropical location. This geographic position has made the Maldives a historically popular destination for travelers, particularly seafarers, as it lies along key trade routes.
Covering a total area of 90,000 square kilometers, the islands feature an enchanting blend of sun-drenched beaches, palm-lined islands, crystal-clear lagoons adorned with vibrant corals, and warm azure waters teeming with exotic marine life. This captivating natural beauty remains constant throughout the year, drawing visitors from across the globe.
List of Local Islands in Maldives
Here is a list of islands where local Maldivians reside. Additionally, there are numerous uninhabited islands, some of which have been transformed into luxurious resort destinations.
Atoll
Inhabited Islands
01 – Haa Alifu Atoll-North Thiladhunmathi (HA)
Dhidhdhoo – Atoll Capital
Thuraakunu, Uligamu, Mulhadhoo,Hoarafushi,Ihavandhoo,Kelaa,Vashafaru,Filladhoo,Maarandhoo,Thakandhoo,Utheemu,Muraidhoo,Baarah
02 – Haa Dhaalu Atoll-South Thiladhunmathi (HDh)
Kulhudhuffushi – Atoll Capital
Hanimaadhoo,Finey,Naivaadhoo,Hirimaradhoo,Nolhivaranfaru,Nellaidhoo,Nolhivaramu,Kurnibi,Kunburudhoo,Kumundhoo,Neykurendhoo,Vaikaradhoo,
Maavaidhoo,Makunudhoo
03 – Shaviyani Atoll: North Miladhunmadulu (Sh)
Funadhoo – Atoll Capital
Kanditheemu,Noomaraa,Goidhoo,Feydhoo,Feevah,Billeffahi,Foakaidhoo,Narudhoo,Maroshi,Lhaimagu,Komandhoo,Maaun’goodhoo,Milandhoo
04 – Noonu Atoll-South Miladhunmadulu (N)
Manadhoo – Atoll Capital
Hen’badhoo,Ken’dhikulhudhoo,Maalhendhoo,Kudafari,Landhoo,Maafaru,Lhohi,Miladhoo,Magoodhoo,Holhudhoo,Fodhdhoo,Velidhoo
05 – Raa Atoll: North Maalhosmadulu (R)
Un’goofaaru – Atoll Capital
Alifushi Vaadhoo,Rasgetheemu,An’golhitheemu,Kandolhudhoo,Dhuvaafaru,Maakurathu,Rasmaadhoo,Innamaadhoo,Maduvvari,In’guraidhoo,Fainu
Meedhoo,Kinolhas,Hulhudhuffaaru
06 – Baa Atoll-South Maalhosmadulu (B)
Eydhafushi – Atoll Capital
Kudarikilu,Kamadhoo,Kendhoo,Kihaadhoo,Dhonfanu,Daravandhoo,Maalhos,Thulhaadhoo,Hithaadhoo,Fulhadhoo,Fehendhoo,Goidhoo
07 – Laviyani Atoll-Faadhippolhu (Lh)
Naifaru – Atoll Capital
Hinnavaru
Kurendhoo
Olhuvelifushi
08 – Kaafu Atoll-Male’ Atoll (K)
Thulusdhoo – Atoll Capital
Male,Hulhumale,Villingili,Kaashidhoo,Gaafaru,Dhiffushi,Huraa,Himmafushi,Gulhi,Maafushi,Guraidhoo
09 – Alif Alif Atoll-North Ari Atoll (AA)
Rasdhoo – Atoll Capital
Thoddoo,Ukulhas,Mathiveri,Bodufolhudhoo,Feridhoo,Maalhos.Himandhoo
10 – Alif Dhaalu AtollSouth Ari Atoll (ADh)
Mahibadhoo – Atoll Capital
Hangn’aameedhoo,Omadhoo,Kun’burudhoo,Mandhoo,Dhn’agethi,Dhigurah,Fenfushi.Dhidhdhoo,Maamigili
11 – Vaavu Atoll-Felidhu Atoll (V)
Felidhoo – Atoll Capital
Fulidhoo.Thinadhoo,Keyodhoo,Rakeedhoo
12 – Meemu Atoll-Mulakatholhu (M)
Muli – Atoll Capital
Raiymandhoo,Veyvah,Mulah,Naalaafushi,Kolhufushi,Dhiggaru,Maduvvari
13 – Faafu Atoll-North Nilandhe Atoll (F)
Nilandhoo – Atoll Capital
Feeali,Biledhhdhoo,Magoodhoo,Dharan’boodhoo
14 – Dhaalu Atoll-South Nilandhe Atoll (Dh)
Kudahuvadhoo – Atoll Capital
Meedhoo,Ban’didhoo,Rin’budhoo,Hulhudeli,Vaani,Maaen’boodhoo
15 – Thaa Atoll-Kolhumadulu (Th)
Veymandoo – Atoll Capital
Buruni,Vilufushi,Madifushi,Dhiyamigili,Guraidhoo,Kan’doodhoo,Vandhoo,Hirilandhoo,Gaadhiffushi,Thimarafushi,Kinbidhoo,Omadhoo
16 – Laamu AtollHadhdhunmathi (L)
Fonadhoo – Atoll Capital
Ishdhoo,Dhan’bidhoo,Maabaidhoo,Mundoo,Gamu,Maavah,Gaadhoo,Maamendhoo,Hithadhoo,Kunahandhoo,Kalaidhoo,,
17 – Gaafu Alif Atoll-North Huvadhu Atoll (GA)
Viligili – Atoll Capital
Kolamaafushi,Maamendhoo,Nilandhoo,Dhaandhoo,Devvadhoo,Kodey,Gemanafushi,Kandhuhulhudhoo
18 – Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll-South Huvadhu Atoll (GDh)
Thinadhoo – Atoll Capital
Madaveli,Hoadhedhdhoo,Nadallaa,Gadhdhoo,Rathafandhoo,Vaadhoo,Fiyoari,Faresmaathoda
19 – G’naviyani Atoll-Fuvahmulah City (Gn)
Fuvahmulah – Atoll Capital
20 – Seenu Atoll-Addu City (S)
Hithadhoo – Atoll Capital
Meedhoo,Maradhoo,Feydhoo,Maradhoofeydhoo,Hulhudhoo
Maps Of Maldives
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