Maldives, in full Republic of Maldives, also called Maldive Islands, independent island country in the north-central Indian Ocean. It consists of a chain of about 1,200 small coral islands and sandbanks (some 200 of which are inhabited), grouped in clusters, or atolls.
Snowy white beaches surrounded with turquoise lagoons and blue water of Indian Ocean along with a touch of greenery by the presence of palm trees make Maldives nothing less than a paradise.