Where is Maldives Located?
Where is Maldives located on the map? Maldives is an independent nation located in Southern Asia. Check out the following images to see location of Maldives on maps.
Maldives Location in World Map
The Maldives are located in the middle of the Indian Ocean and thus belong to South Asia. If you are looking for the Maldives on the map, you go to the southern tip of India and then a little further to the southwest and land in the Maldives. While Sri Lanka is southeast of India, the Maldives are southwest.
“Maldives” also means ” chain of islands “. The Maldives extend in north-south direction for more than 800 kilometers. Most of the islands are north of the equator, some even south of it.
The Maldives are located southwest of India.
Location Information of Maldives
Latitude and Longitude
The Maldives is an island nation in the Indian Ocean, located southwest of Sri Lanka and India. It is situated approximately between 3.2028° N latitude and 73.2207° E longitude. The Maldives comprises 1,192 islands, scattered across 26 atolls, and stretches over 90,000 square kilometers of ocean, although its land area is only about 298 square kilometers. The country’s geographic position places it near the equator, giving it a tropical climate and an abundance of marine biodiversity.
The Maldives’ islands are dispersed over a large area in the Indian Ocean, which makes it one of the most dispersed nations in the world. The archipelago lies roughly 700 kilometers southwest of India and about 400 kilometers southwest of Sri Lanka.
Capital City and Major Cities
The capital city of the Maldives is Malé, a small but vibrant island city that is the political, economic, and cultural center of the country. Despite being the most populous city, Malé only covers about 9 square kilometers. It serves as the main hub for government offices, businesses, and the international airport, Velana International Airport.
While Malé is the primary city, there are several other inhabited islands and regional hubs:
- Addu City: Located in the southernmost part of the Maldives, Addu City is the second-largest urban area. It has a significant population and offers various administrative, commercial, and educational services.
- Hinnavaru: Located in the Laccadive Atoll, Hinnavaru is one of the larger islands in terms of population, with a developing infrastructure and a focus on fishing and agriculture.
- Fuvahmulah: Fuvahmulah is a unique island, being the only one in the Maldives that is not part of an atoll. Located in the south-central part of the country, Fuvahmulah has become known for its distinctive ecosystem and growing local tourism industry.
- Maafushi: Situated in the South Malé Atoll, Maafushi is known for its growing tourism sector. It has gained popularity due to its more affordable accommodation options compared to the luxury resorts, making it a destination for budget travelers.
The Maldives is primarily composed of small islands, with most of its population living on just a few of these islands. The majority of the islands in the Maldives are uninhabited, serving as tourist resorts or nature reserves.
Time Zone
The Maldives operates on Maldives Standard Time (MST), which is UTC+5. The country does not observe daylight saving time, so the time remains constant throughout the year. Given the Maldives’ location close to the equator, daylight hours are consistent year-round, with approximately 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of night each day.
This time zone places the Maldives in sync with countries such as Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and India, though it is ahead of countries in Europe and the Americas, making it a popular destination for travelers seeking a tropical escape.
Climate
The Maldives experiences a tropical monsoon climate, characterized by two distinct seasons: the wet monsoon (southwest monsoon) and the dry northeast monsoon. Due to its proximity to the equator, the country enjoys consistently warm temperatures and high humidity year-round.
- Wet Season (May to October): The wet season in the Maldives is associated with the southwest monsoon, which brings heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and occasional tropical cyclones. The rains tend to be short but intense, often occurring in the afternoon or evening. Temperatures during this period remain steady, ranging from 26°C to 31°C (79°F to 88°F).
- Dry Season (November to April): The dry season coincides with the northeast monsoon, which brings drier conditions and lower humidity. This is the peak tourist season, as the weather is mostly sunny with little rain. Average temperatures are 28°C to 32°C (82°F to 90°F). The dry season is ideal for beach activities, diving, and outdoor excursions.
- Humidity and Winds: Humidity levels in the Maldives are high, averaging around 80% throughout the year, making the air feel warmer than the actual temperature. The country is also known for its pleasant sea breezes, particularly during the dry season, which provides some relief from the heat.
Because of its tropical climate, the Maldives remains a year-round destination, with the dry season being the most popular time to visit for beach vacations and water activities.
Economic Status
The economy of the Maldives is largely based on tourism, fishing, and increasingly real estate. With its pristine beaches, luxury resorts, and vibrant marine life, the Maldives attracts millions of tourists every year, making tourism the largest contributor to the country’s GDP. However, the Maldives also faces challenges such as climate change, rising sea levels, and reliance on a small number of economic sectors.
- Tourism: Tourism is the cornerstone of the Maldivian economy, contributing about 28% to GDP and employing around 30% of the workforce. The Maldives is renowned for its luxury resorts, which often occupy entire islands. These resorts cater to high-end international travelers and offer experiences like underwater hotels, private villas, and world-class diving and snorkeling. The Maldives is particularly famous for its coral reefs, marine biodiversity, and turquoise waters, making it a top destination for eco-tourism and honeymooners.
- Fishing: Fishing, particularly tuna fishing, has traditionally been the second most important economic activity in the Maldives. The country is one of the world’s leading exporters of tuna and other seafood products. The fishing sector supports thousands of livelihoods and plays a crucial role in food security for the country.
- Real Estate and Construction: With the increasing number of tourists and a growing expatriate population, the real estate sector in the Maldives has expanded. There has been significant investment in infrastructure, including airports, resorts, and residential developments. However, the Maldives faces challenges in land reclamation and construction due to its low-lying geography.
- Agriculture: Agriculture plays a minimal role in the Maldivian economy, mainly due to the limited arable land. Coconut, papaya, and vegetables are cultivated on a small scale, with food imports accounting for much of the country’s dietary needs.
- Challenges: The country faces several economic challenges, most notably climate change. Rising sea levels and the vulnerability of the Maldives’ low-lying islands to storm surges pose significant risks to its long-term viability. The country’s small population and reliance on imports further complicate its economic situation, making it susceptible to global economic shifts and natural disasters.
Tourist Attractions
The Maldives is a paradise for tourists seeking natural beauty, luxury, and unique experiences. The country’s unique selling point is its marine environment, with many visitors coming for the coral reefs, water sports, and pristine beaches.
1. The Maldives Resorts
The most well-known tourist attraction in the Maldives is its luxury resort islands. Each resort occupies its own island, offering a high degree of privacy and exclusivity. Famous resorts such as Soneva Fushi, Anantara Veli, and Conrad Maldives Rangali Island offer world-class amenities, water villas, spas, and private beaches.
2. Marine Life and Coral Reefs
The Maldives boasts some of the world’s best scuba diving and snorkeling opportunities. The nation is home to over 2,000 species of fish, 200 species of coral, and numerous marine animals, including manta rays, whale sharks, and sea turtles. Popular dive spots include the Banana Reef and Maaya Thila in the North Malé Atoll.
3. Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve
A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Baa Atoll is known for its rich marine life and is one of the best places to spot manta rays. The atoll has several eco-friendly resorts and is an ideal destination for divers and nature lovers.
4. Hukuru Miskiy (Old Friday Mosque)
Located in Malé, the Hukuru Miskiy is the oldest mosque in the Maldives, dating back to the 17th century. It is known for its beautiful coral stone carvings and intricate wooden carvings. The mosque is an important cultural and historical site for visitors interested in the Maldives’ Islamic heritage.
5. National Museum
Also located in Malé, the National Museum showcases the history and culture of the Maldives. Visitors can learn about the country’s monarchy, pre-Islamic history, and the development of Maldivian art, architecture, and traditions.
6. Sun Island Resort and Spa
Located in the South Ari Atoll, Sun Island Resort is one of the largest and most popular resorts in the Maldives, offering luxurious facilities such as a spa, water sports, and a private beach. It is particularly famous for its coral gardens and diving experiences.
Visa Requirements for U.S. Citizens
U.S. citizens do not require a visa to enter the Maldives for stays of up to 30 days for tourism purposes. A valid passport with at least six months of validity beyond the planned date of departure is required. Visitors must also have proof of onward travel or return tickets and sufficient funds for their stay.
For longer stays or other types of visas (such as work or student visas), U.S. citizens must apply to the Maldivian authorities for the appropriate visa.
Distance to New York City and Los Angeles
- Distance to New York City: The distance between Malé, the capital of the Maldives, and New York City is approximately 13,000 kilometers (8,100 miles). Flights typically take about 18-20 hours, with at least one layover.
- Distance to Los Angeles: The distance between Malé and Los Angeles is approximately 14,000 kilometers (8,700 miles). A flight between the two cities usually takes about 20-22 hours, depending on the number of layovers.
Maldives Facts
| Size | 298 km² |
| Residents | 530,000 |
| Language | Dhivehi |
| Capital | Times |
| Longest river | – |
| Highest mountain | The highest point is 2.4 m high. |
| Currency | Rufiyaa |
