Located in the Indian Ocean some 435 miles (700kms) southwest of Sri Lanka, the Republic of the Maldives is an island nation comprised of 26 atolls encompassing 1,192 islets, of which about 200 are inhabited. With around 300,000 inhabitants, the Maldives is the world’s smallest Islamic nation and also the smallest Asian nation based on population.

As a holiday destination, the Maldives presents an idyllic tropical paradise with stunning coastal scenery and beaches that wouldn’t look out of place on the front of a postcard. A well developed tourist infrastructure makes holidaying a smooth and trouble-free experience for visitors of all ages and backgrounds.