Maldives
Geographic & General info
- Capital: Malé
- Population: approx. 520,000
- Languages: Dhivehi (official), English
- Area: 298 km²
- Time Zone: UTC+5 (MVT)
- Currency: Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR)
- Flag Colors: Red, green with a central white crescent moon
- National Holiday: July 26 (Independence Day)
- National Anthem: Gaumii Salaam
- Neighboring Countries: None (archipelagic nation in the Indian Ocean; close to India and Sri Lanka)
Top 15 Largest Cities
- Malé
- Hulhumalé
- Addu City (Hithadhoo)
- Fuvahmulah
- Kulhudhuffushi
- Thinadhoo
- Naifaru
- Dhidhdhoo
- Villingili (Villimalé)
- Maafushi
- Eydhafushi
- Kudahuvadhoo
- Funadhoo
- Felidhoo
- Mahibadhoo
Top 15 Highlights
- North & South Malé Atoll
- Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve (Hanifaru Bay)
- Vaidhoo Island ('Sea of Stars' Bioluminescence)
- Malé Friday Mosque (Malé Hukuru Miskiy)
- Ari Atoll (Whale Shark & Manta Ray Diving)
- Hulhumalé Beach & Central Park
- National Art Gallery & National Museum (Malé)
- Maafushi Island (Local Guesthouse Tourism)
- Fuvahmulah Atoll (Tiger Shark Diving Spot)
- Banana Reef (Premier Dive Site)
- Sultan Park & Republic Square (Malé)
- Addu Atoll & Gan Island
- Mirihi Island & Pristine Sandbanks
- Kuramathi & Veligandu Sandbars
- Utheemu Ganduvaru (Historic Palace of Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu)
Climate and Nature
The Maldives feature a tropical monsoon climate with warm, consistent temperatures year-round between 26°C and 31°C. It experiences a dry season (Northeast Monsoon from December to April) and a wet season (Southwest Monsoon from May to November). Physical geography spans around 1,200 coral islands forming 26 natural atolls, surrounded by turquoise lagoons and coral reef ecosystems.
Culture and Gastronomy
Maldivian culture blends South Asian, Arab, East African, and Sri Lankan heritage, deeply connected to seafaring traditions. Gastronomy revolves around fresh tuna and coconut. Signature dishes include Mas Huni (shredded smoked tuna with coconut, onion, and chili), Garudhiya (a fragrant fish broth), and Bis Keemiya (savory pastries stuffed with tuna, boiled egg, and cabbage).
Economy
The economy of the Maldives relies predominantly on luxury international tourism and sustainable commercial fishing. The pioneer "one island, one resort" concept has established the country as a world-leading travel destination, while pole-and-line tuna fishing represents a crucial export and community livelihood.
Did you know?
- The Maldives is the lowest-lying nation in the world, with an average ground elevation of just 1.5 meters above sea level and a highest natural point of 2.4 meters.
- Beaches on islands like Vaidhoo glow blue at night due to bioluminescent phytoplankton washing ashore, creating the famed 'Sea of Stars'.
- In 2009, the Maldives held the world's first underwater cabinet meeting, where government officials wore scuba gear to sign a climate pledge highlighting ocean rise threats.
- Over 99% of the total territory of the Maldives consists of open ocean water, with terrestrial land making up less than 1% of its geographic area.
- Hanifaru Bay in Baa Atoll hosts one of the largest concentrations of feeding manta rays and whale sharks on the planet, making it a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Live footage: Discover Maldives via webcams and livestreams
Watch the most current webcams in Maldives and enjoy real-time footage from beautiful locations. Whether you want to check the current weather, see the crowds at points of interest, or simply want to daydream with a livestream from Maldives: our interactive map points you to the best camera viewpoints.
All webcam locations in Maldives: Weather & Info
In the list below you'll find all available webcams from Maldives in alphabetical order. Click on a city for the full live connection, current temperature, wind speed and local weather conditions for that specific place.
