Geography

The Maldives is made up of over 1,192 coral islands in 26 coralline atolls.  Islands on the outer ring of each atoll have a coral reef on one side of the island and a lagoon on the other side. The islands in the middle of the atoll tend to have a coral reef that covers the perimeter of the island.

It has 31 protected areas of marine biodiversity and the designated UNESCO biosphere reserve in Baa Atoll famous for its manta rays.