The Maldives, officially known as the Republic of Maldives, is a South Asian island country located in the Indian Ocean. It is composed of 26 atolls, which are made up of over 1,000 coral islands. The Maldives is known for its stunning white-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and vibrant coral reefs, making it a popular tourist destination for honeymooners and scuba divers.

The country's capital and largest city is Malé. With a population of around 540,000 people, the Maldives is one of the smallest Asian countries by both land area and population. The official language is Dhivehi, while English is also widely spoken.

The Maldives has a unique geography, with no point in the country being more than 2.4 meters above sea level. This low elevation makes the country vulnerable to the effects of climate change, particularly rising sea levels.

The Maldives' economy is heavily reliant on tourism, which contributes a significant portion of the country's GDP. Fishing is also an important industry for the Maldivian economy. The country is known for its luxury resorts, water villas, and world-class diving spots.

The Maldives became a member of the United Nations in 1965 and has since been actively involved in international affairs. The Maldives is known for its advocacy on climate change issues, particularly in highlighting the threat posed by rising sea levels to low-lying island nations like itself.