Maldives
The Republic of Maldives, more commonly known as the Maldives, is an island nation that can be found in Southern Asia and is surrounded by the Indian Ocean. It is situated in the southwest between Sri Lanka and India, about 750 kilometres (470 miles; 400 nautical miles) away from the main landmass of the Asian continent. Ihavandhippolhu Atoll is located in the northernmost part of the chain, and Addu Atoll is located in the southernmost part of the chain (across the Equator).
The Maldives is one of the world's most geographically dispersed sovereign states and the smallest Asian country. It is also one of the smallest Muslim-majority countries by land area and has approximately 557,751 people, making it the second least populous country in Asia. The territory of the Maldives includes an area of roughly 90,000 square kilometres (35,000 square miles), which includes the sea. The land area of all the islands combined is 298 square kilometres (115 square miles). Historically known as the "King's Island," Malé is the most populous city and the capital of the Maldives. Due to its strategic position in the middle of the archipelago, past royal dynasties used to govern from here.
Along with the Chagos Archipelago and Lakshadweep, the Maldivian Archipelago is part of the Chagos–Laccadive Ridge, which is a massive mountain range that runs across the middle of the Indian Ocean. This mountain range also serves as the basis for a terrestrial ecoregion. It is the lowest-lying nation in the world with an average ground-level height of 1.5 metres (4 ft 11 in) above sea level and a maximum natural peak of just 2.4 metres.
Islam was brought to the Maldivian Archipelago in the 12th century, and during this time it was solidified as a sultanate. During this time, the region had strong trade and cultural links with Asia and Africa. Beginning in the middle of the 16th century and continuing until 1887, when the Maldives became a British protectorate, this area was subjected to the growing influence of European colonial powers. The year 1965 saw the beginning of independence from the United Kingdom, while the year 1968 saw the establishment of a presidential republic with an elected People's Majlis. In the decades that followed, there was political instability, there were attempts to restore democratic institutions, and there were threats to the environment presented by climate change and increasing sea levels.
The Republic of Maldives joined the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation as one of its founding members (SAARC). In addition to these, it is a member of the Non-Aligned Movement, the Commonwealth of Nations, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the United Nations. The economy of the Maldives is considered to be of upper-middle income status by the World Bank. Fishing has traditionally been the most important economic activity, and it continues to be the most important sector now; this is followed by the tourist business, which is seeing tremendous growth. The Human Development Index gives the Maldives a "high" rating, and the country's per capita GDP is much greater than that of other SAARC countries.
In July of 1982, the Maldives became a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. However, in October of 2016, the country withdrew its membership from the organisation in protest at charges made by other countries that it violated human rights and had a failing democracy. After providing proof that democratic systems were operating well and receiving support from the general population, the Maldives were readmitted to the Commonwealth on February 1, 2020.