The Maldives, officially the Republic of Maldives, is an archipelagic nation located in the Indian Ocean, southwest of Sri Lanka and India. Comprising a chain of 26 atolls, the nation stretches across the equator, creating a distinctive scattering of coral islands. The country's geography is characterized by low-lying coral formations, making it highly susceptible to rising sea levels. The population is estimated at around 540,000 people, with the capital, Malé, serving as the primary urban and commercial center. The Maldives is renowned globally for its pristine tropical beaches, vibrant marine life, and luxury tourism.