The Republic of Maldives consists of 1,190 coral islands which form a chain 820 km in length and 130 km in width, set in an area of 90,000 sq km of the Indian Ocean. Geologically, the chain forms a part of the Laccadive-Chagos submarine ridge, which extends into the central Indian Ocean from the south west coast of India. India and Sri Lanka are the country’s nearest neighbours, lying some 600 km and 750 km north and north east of Maldives, respectively.  

The islands form 26 natural atolls, which for purposes of administration, are grouped into 20 units, also called Atolls. Most of the islands are quite small. They are low lying with an average elevation of 1.6 m above mean sea level. The islands are surrounded by shallow, crystal clear lagoons enclosed by coral reefs.