Maldives officially the Republic of Maldives is an island country and archipelago in the Indian Ocean. It lies southwest of India and Sri Lanka. The chain of twenty six atolls stretches from Ihavandhippolhu Atoll to the Addu Atoll. The capital is Malé, traditionally called the “King’s Island.”
Encompassing a territory spread over roughly 90,000 square kilometres (35,000 sq mi), Maldives is one of the world’s most geographically dispersed countries. It is the smallest Asian country in both land area and in population. The archipelago is located atop the Chagos-Maldives-Laccadive Ridge, a vast submarine mountain range in the Indian Ocean, which also forms a terrestrial ecoregion, together with the Chagos and the Lakshadweep.[15] With an average ground-level elevation of 1.5 metres (4 ft 11 in) above sea level,[16] it is the planet’s lowest country. It is also the country with the lowest natural highest point in the world, at 2.4 metres (7 ft 10 in)
In 2016 the number of luxury resorts and hotels increased to 57 4* Hotels & Resorts and 65 5* Hotels & Resorts. These resorts are recommended as world class Beach Hideaways, focusing on Top Service, privacy, nature, sports, fine dining, spa and adults only or high quality family lifestyle services(childcare services such as kid’s clubs etc.)
Visitors to Maldives do not need to apply for a visa pre-arrival, regardless of their country of origin, provided they have a valid passport, proof of onward travel, and the money to be self-sufficient while in the country.
Most visitors arrive at Malé International Airport, on Hulhulé Island, adjacent to the capital Malé. The airport is served by flights to India, Sri Lanka, Doha, Dubai, Singapore, Istanbul, and major airports in South-East Asia, as well as charters from Europe. Gan Airport, on the southern atoll of Addu, also serves an international flight to Milan several times a week. British Airways offer direct flights to the Maldives around 2–3 times per week.