The Maldives consist of rows of atolls in the Indian Ocean. There are a total of 1,190 coral islands formed around 26 natural ring-like atolls, spread over 90,000 square kilometers. These atoll structures are formed upon a sharp ridge rising from the ocean.
Each atoll in the Maldives is formed by a coral reef surrounding a lagoon, with deep channels dividing the reef ring. A chain of islands is situated within this atoll ring, and each island has its own reef encircling the island’s lagoon. The lively reefs surrounding the islands are home to many underwater creatures and colorful corals and they provide protection from the wind and waves of the surrounding vast oceans. This unique structure of reefs and channels can make navigation very difficult for those unfamiliar with these waters.
Ninety-nine percent of the Maldives is comprised of sea. The population of the islands is widely dispersed across the atolls, with approximately 200 inhabited islands. Roughly 90 islands are developed as tourist resorts, while the rest are uninhabited or used for agriculture and other livelihood purposes.