Skip to main content
Go to CIA.gov
World Factbook GlyphWFBThe World Factbook
  • Countries
  • Maps
  • References
  • About

Maldives

Photos

13 Photos
13 Photos
This photograph features one of the numerous atolls in the Maldive Islands chain. The Maldives are an island nation comprised of twenty-six atolls that stretch in a north-south chain for almost 900 km (560 mi) southwest of India. The silvery, almost pink sheen on the normally blue water of the equatorial Indian Ocean in the image is the result of sunglint, which is sunlight reflecting off of water surface directly back towards the observer. The largest island (image center) is 6 km (4 mi) long, and it is part of the 70-km-(40-mi-) long oval-shaped Male Atoll. Shores facing deeper water have well-defined beaches. Numerous small, elliptical coral reef islets are protected within the ring of shallow water to the northeast (image right). These islets are mostly awash at high tide. Image courtesy of NASA.
Enlarge
This south-looking, low-oblique photograph shows (from north to south) the Ari, Male, Felidu, Nilande, Mulaku, and Kolumadulu Atolls of the Maldives. The 26 atolls of the Maldives are composed of 1,190 small coral islands. The island chain extends north-south for approximately 880 km (550 mi). The Maldives are the exposed top of a long, narrow submarine ridge whose average height is 1 to 2 m (3 to 6 ft) above sea level. Most of the atolls have spacious, deep-water lagoons suitable for ship anchorage. Image courtesy of NASA.
Enlarge
All but the southernmost of the Maldives many atolls, Addu Atoll, is visible in this 2006 space-based image. Photo courtesy of NASA.
Enlarge
A view over the Indian Ocean as seen from the space shuttle. The bottom portion of the photo shows the complete chain of the atolls that form the Maldive Islands. Off to the left are the southern portion of India, the Palk Strait, and the island of Sri Lanka. Image courtesy of NASA.
Enlarge
An inviting beach at a resort near Male.
Enlarge
Looking out onto lagoon waters from a palm-shaded beach.
Enlarge
Male bike park with minaret in the background.
Enlarge
A mosque with its minaret in Male.
Enlarge
Grand Friday Mosque in Male was built in 1656 by Sultan Ibrahim Iskandhar. It is the largest mosque in the Maldives and includes an Islamic Center.
Enlarge
Previous PagePage 01 of 02Next Page

Usage

Factbook photos—obtained from a variety of sources—are in the public domain and are copyright free.

View Copyright Notice
Arrow Right Icon

Agency

  • About CIA
  • Organization
  • Director of the CIA
  • CIA Museum
  • News & Stories

Careers

  • Working at CIA
  • How We Hire
  • Student Programs
  • Browse CIA Jobs

Resources

  • Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
  • Center for the Study of Intelligence (CSI)
  • The World Factbook
  • Spy Kids
Connect with CIA
InstagramInstagramFacebookFacebookTwitterTwitterLinkedInLinkedInYoutubeYouTubeFlickrFlickr
Search CIA.govSite PoliciesPrivacyNo FEAR ActInspector GeneralUSA.govSitemap